There’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s chilly outside. This slow cooker creamy tortellini soup is like a hug in a bowl—rich, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make! I love how the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for years, and trust me, it’s a winner for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings alike. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll whip up a satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor and loaded with cheesy tortellini and fresh spinach. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your home just like it has in mine!
Ingredients List
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start. It makes the process so much smoother! Don’t worry if you can’t find fresh spinach—frozen is just fine too; just make sure to thaw it first. And feel free to get creative! If you have other veggies in your fridge, toss them in. This soup is forgiving and adaptable, just like I love my recipes to be!
How to Prepare the Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
Making this slow cooker creamy tortellini soup is as easy as it gets! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert; this recipe is super forgiving, and I’ll guide you through every step!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab your slow cooker and add 4 cups of vegetable broth right in there. This is the flavorful base of our soup!
- Next, toss in 1 cup of diced tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. The aroma will make your kitchen smell divine!
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and give everything a gentle stir to combine. This is where the magic begins!
- Now, cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking time really helps the flavors meld together.
- After 4 hours, it’s time to add the fun stuff! Stir in 1 package (9 oz) of cheese tortellini and 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes. You’ll see the tortellini puff up, and the spinach will wilt beautifully.
- Finally, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good mix, and let it heat through for just a few minutes. Serve hot, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
And there you have it! A comforting bowl of soup that’s not only easy to make but also a delight to eat. You’ll be amazed at how delicious this turns out—and your family will be asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing!
- Rich and creamy, with a delightful blend of cheesy tortellini and fresh spinach.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends; it’s like having a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
- One-pot wonder means less cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
- Versatile recipe that allows you to switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand!
- A comforting dish that warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly days.
- Kid-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
- Great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tips for Success
To make sure your slow cooker creamy tortellini soup turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got some tried-and-true tips for you! Seriously, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a big difference.
- Don’t skip the sautéing! If you have the time, consider sautéing your onions and garlic in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This boosts the flavor and adds a lovely depth to the soup!
- Watch the tortellini! Keep an eye on the cooking time for the tortellini. Overcooking can make them mushy, so stick to that 30-minute mark after adding them in!
- Season to taste! Always taste your soup before serving. Depending on your broth and tomatoes, you may want to add a little extra salt or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!
- Experiment with veggies! Feel free to get creative! Adding in some mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers can really enhance the flavor and add more nutrients to your dish.
- Thickening it up! If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of it before adding the cream. Just scoop some out, blend it until smooth, and stir it back in!
- Leftover magic! This soup tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch! Just store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens up too much.
With these tips, you’ll be a slow cooker creamy tortellini soup pro in no time! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re like me, you love to mix things up in the kitchen! This slow cooker creamy tortellini soup is so versatile, and there are endless ways to make it your own. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Vegetable Medley: Toss in some chopped carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. They’ll soften beautifully while cooking!
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or even some white beans for a heartier soup. Just be sure to add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through.
- Herbaceous Twist: Fresh herbs are a game-changer! Try adding some chopped basil or parsley at the end for a burst of freshness.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. It’s a delightful surprise!
- Cheesy Delight: For an even creamier soup, mix in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese right before serving. Trust me, it makes it extra indulgent!
- Different Tortellini: Switch things up by using different types of tortellini! Try spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or even a different brand to see how the flavors change.
These variations will keep your slow cooker creamy tortellini soup exciting and fresh every time you make it. Don’t be afraid to experiment—cooking should always be fun and a little adventurous!
Nutritional Information
Now, I know many of you are curious about the nutrition behind this delicious slow cooker creamy tortellini soup. Here’s an estimated breakdown of what you can expect per serving. Keep in mind that the actual values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 12g
This soup is a comforting blend of flavors while still offering a decent protein boost thanks to the tortellini. It’s perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs without overdoing it. Enjoy it guilt-free, and know that it’s packed with goodness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, so you’ve made this delicious slow cooker creamy tortellini soup, and now you might have some leftovers. Don’t worry, it stores beautifully! Here’s how to keep it fresh and tasty for your next cozy meal.
First, let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. I usually divide it into smaller portions—this makes it easier to reheat just the right amount later on! It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to leave a little space in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. You can also use freezer bags, which are super handy!
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop for the best flavor and texture. Simply pour the soup into a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much in the fridge or freezer, just add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. You want that creamy consistency back!
If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but do it in short bursts—about 1–2 minutes at a time—and stir in between to ensure even heating. Just be careful not to overheat it, or the tortellini might get mushy. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite of this comforting soup! Enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well in this slow cooker creamy tortellini soup. Just add them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking, just like you would with fresh. They’ll cook up perfectly and soak in all that delicious flavor!
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, you can definitely make a dairy-free version! Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream or coconut milk for that creamy texture. Just be sure to check that your tortellini is dairy-free as well, or use a different pasta altogether!
Can I add meat to this soup?
Of course! Adding cooked sausage or shredded chicken is a fantastic way to make it heartier. Just toss it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat it through. It’ll add a nice depth of flavor and protein!
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, let your slow cooker creamy tortellini soup cool down and then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 4 days, or you can freeze it for up to 2 months! Just remember to reheat gently to maintain that creamy goodness.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is actually great for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance, and the flavors will deepen overnight. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Temps Total: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
This slow cooker creamy tortellini soup is a comforting dish packed with flavor.
Ingrédients
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, combine vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook on low for 4 hours.
- Add the tortellini and spinach, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- For a lighter version, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
- Try adding different vegetables for variety.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Soup
- Méthode: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 4g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 18g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 12g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 50mg
Mots-clés: slow cooker creamy tortellini soup
