Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Combining tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a flavorful broth enriched with cream and Parmesan, this hearty soup offers a delightful blend of Italian-inspired flavors all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Start by placing the diced onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and broth into the slow cooker. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and salt to taste. This forms the flavorful base of the soup.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the onions and garlic to soften perfectly.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini and chopped fresh spinach. Cover and continue cooking on high for about 20 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and rich in texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting creamy tortellini soup!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the soup.
- If you want to add protein, consider adding cooked shredded chicken along with the broth.
- Do not add tortellini too early in the cooking process to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
