You’re about to discover a warm, comforting dish that’s super easy to whip up. Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup recipe combines ripe tomatoes, tender tortellini, and warming spices. This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Main Ingredients
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 pack (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini (cheese or your choice)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
- Optional Add-Ins
- Red pepper flakes (for a kick)
- Chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)
- A splash of cream (for a richer soup)
How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and gather all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process easy.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: In a slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, broth, diced onion, minced garlic, oregano, and basil. Stir to combine.
- Cook It Slow: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add the Tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and spinach. If using kale, add it earlier, as it takes a little longer to soften.
- Season to Taste: Once the tortellini is cooked through, season the soup with salt and pepper. Adjust to your preference.
- Serve with Cheese: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Fresh Ingredients: Always try to use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs and garlic will make a huge difference in flavor.
- Customize It: This soup is super versatile. Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, celery, or even zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers are Gold: This soup tastes amazing the next day. Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy again!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
Serving this soup is easy, and you can get creative. Here are some delightful ideas:
- With Bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. It makes for a satisfying meal.
- Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley on top adds a nice touch and fresh flavor.
- For a More Filling Meal: Pair it with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables.
Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Instructions: You can freeze this soup too. Just leave out the tortellini, as they can get mushy once frozen. Freeze the soup base, then cook tortellini fresh when ready to eat.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of broth to loosen it up, as it may thicken in the fridge.
Variations of Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
Mix things up with these variations:
- Creamy Version: For a creamier texture, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving.
- Protein Packed: Add cooked chicken, sausage, or beans for additional protein. Just make sure to add these about 30 minutes before serving.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapenos for some heat. Adjust to your spice tolerance!
Nutritional Benefits of Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
This soup isn’t only tasty; it’s also packed with nutrition! Here’s what you should know:
- Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins (like C and K) and antioxidants, tomatoes are great for heart health.
- Spinach: Full of iron, vitamins, and minerals, spinach is a superfood that adds bulk to the soup without many calories.
- Tortellini: Depending on your choice of tortellini, you can have carbs, protein, and sometimes even veggies in each bite.
The Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe is a wonderful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Not only is it easy to make, but you can also customize it in many different ways. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or just for yourself, this recipe is sure to please. So grab your slow cooker, and enjoy a bowl of yummy soup today!