Cozy up with this creamy, hearty, and comforting tomato tortellini soup, made easy in the slow cooker! It’s topped with gooey cheddar cheese and crispy homemade toast bites, making it the perfect meal for chillier days. This soup will quickly become a family favorite with its rich flavors and cheesy goodness.
Why Make This Recipe?
This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup is a dream come true for anyone who loves a creamy, savory soup with a cheesy twist. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that simmers all day in your slow cooker, filling your home with delicious aromas. With a few simple ingredients, including cheesy tortellini and creamy broth, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any time of the year, especially when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 small baguette, cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil for toast bites
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder for toast bites
- Salt to taste for toast bites
Directions:
- Sauté the Aromatics:
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. - Slow Cook the Soup:
Transfer the cooked onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add in the crushed tomatoes, broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together. - Cook:
Cover and cook the soup on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will develop! - Add the Tortellini:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini. Let it cook until tender. - Add the Cheddar:
Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the soup. - Make the Toast Bites:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, toss the baguette cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy. - Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with extra cheddar cheese, freshly chopped basil, and a handful of those crispy toast bites.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
This tomato tortellini soup is best served warm. You can serve it in individual bowls with a dollop of extra cheddar cheese on top and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of flavor. The homemade toast bites add a crunchy texture, making each bite even more delightful!
How to Store Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
If you have leftovers, you can store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency if needed.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
1. For Extra Flavor:
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you enjoy a bit of spice, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor of your soup. The slight heat adds complexity and balances the creamy tomato base. You can add the flakes during the cooking process or sprinkle them on top just before serving for a fresh burst of heat.
- Herbs and Seasonings: You can also experiment with other herbs and seasonings to customize the flavor. A dash of smoked paprika, a few sprigs of fresh thyme, or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can add layers of depth to the soup.
2. Make It Extra Creamy:
- Half-and-Half or Full-Fat Cream: If you’re looking to make the soup even richer and creamier, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or full-fat cream. Half-and-half will give you a velvety texture with a slightly lighter feel than heavy cream, while full-fat cream will make the soup indulgently rich and creamy, perfect for those colder days.
- Cream Cheese or Ricotta: For an extra creamy texture, you can stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or ricotta cheese. This will create a smooth, velvety texture and add a subtle tangy richness to the soup. Just whisk it in at the end, after adding the shredded cheddar.
3. For a Thicker Soup:
- Mash Some of the Tortellini: If you prefer a thicker, heartier soup, you can mash some of the cooked tortellini with a potato masher or back of a spoon. This will break up some of the pasta and help thicken the broth, creating a more stew-like consistency. Mashing a portion of the tortellini while leaving some whole will give you a great balance of texture.
- Cornstarch Slurry: For a smoother and more controlled thickening, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the soup about 30 minutes before serving. This will thicken the soup without affecting the flavor, creating a luxurious consistency.
- Add Mashed Potatoes: Another trick is to add a couple of mashed potatoes to the slow cooker. The starch from the potatoes will naturally thicken the soup, making it even heartier. This is a great option if you’re looking to make the soup more filling without adding extra cream or cheese.
4. Enhance the Texture and Richness:
- Blend Some of the Soup: If you like a creamier base, consider blending part of the soup after it has cooked. You can use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker or transfer a portion to a regular blender. This will smooth out the soup, making it thicker and more velvety without losing the chunky, comforting bits of tortellini and vegetables.
- Use a Richer Broth: For a more flavorful broth, consider using homemade chicken or vegetable broth instead of store-bought. If you have time, simmering your own broth will enhance the soup’s taste and make it even more comforting.
Variations
1. Add Protein:
- Chicken: For a heartier soup, you can easily add cooked chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well because it’s quick and flavorful, but you can also use cooked chicken breast or thighs. Simply stir the chicken into the soup in the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing it to heat through.
- Ground Beef: If you prefer a meatier soup, ground beef is a great option. Brown the beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds flavor and extra protein to your dish. Be sure to drain any excess fat before adding the beef to the soup.
- Other Protein Options: You can also experiment with cooked sausage, turkey, or even tofu for a plant-based protein. Just make sure whatever protein you choose is pre-cooked and added toward the end of the cooking process to keep it tender.
2. Vegetarian Option:
- Broth Swap: For a vegetarian version of this soup, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. This will give the soup a lighter, plant-based flavor while still providing that comforting richness.
- Add More Veggies: You can also load the soup with extra vegetables. Add chopped spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for added nutrition and texture. These vegetables blend well with the tomato base and make the soup even heartier.
- Vegan Option: To make this soup vegan, you can replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for creaminess. Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast as a cheese alternative to keep it plant-based. Make sure the tortellini you use is also vegan, as some brands may contain dairy.
3. Swap the Bread (Gluten-Free Option):
- Gluten-Free Croutons: For a gluten-free option, swap out the baguette for gluten-free bread. You can easily make gluten-free croutons by using your favorite gluten-free bread, cutting it into cubes, and toasting them in the oven with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
- Omit the Toast Bites: If you don’t have a gluten-free bread option or prefer to skip the toast, simply enjoy the soup as is! The rich, creamy soup is delicious on its own and can be served with other gluten-free sides, such as a fresh salad or gluten-free crackers.
- Cheese and Herb Topping: If you’re not using bread, try topping your soup with extra shredded cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor. This can be a simple, but tasty, alternative to the traditional toast bites.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini in this soup?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this soup.
2. How can I make the soup thicker?
You can thicken the soup by mashing some of the tortellini or adding a cornstarch slurry.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
4. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just add the tortellini after reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.
5. What can I serve with this soup?
Serve with a side of crispy bread, a simple salad, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese for the soup?
Yes, you can use mozzarella or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
7. What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half for a lighter version.
8. How can I make the toast bites gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread for the toast bites to make them gluten-free.
9. Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! You can add spinach, kale, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
10. How do I prevent the tortellini from overcooking?
Add the tortellini 30 minutes before serving, and check for tenderness to avoid overcooking.
11. Can I use canned tomato soup instead of crushed tomatoes?
While you can, it may change the flavor and consistency of the soup. Crushed tomatoes provide a more fresh and rich taste.
12. How do I reheat leftover soup?
Reheat the soup on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creaminess.
13. Can I use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup?
Yes, using a slow cooker liner can make cleanup much easier.
14. Can I skip the toast bites?
Yes, you can skip the toast bites and serve the soup without them, though they add a great crunch!
15. Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of the slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the soup on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients for about 30-40 minutes, then adding the tortellini and finishing the recipe as directed.