Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup Recipe

The Coziest Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup Recipe

Crafting a comforting slow cooker tomato basil tortellini soup brings warmth to chilly evenings.

Pasta lovers will adore this simple yet delicious meal.

Tender cheese tortellini swim in a rich, aromatic broth that feels like a culinary hug.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each spoonful, creating an instant classic.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks.

Fragrant basil and ripe tomatoes combine to create a soul-satisfying dish.

Savor every bite and let this soup transport you to Italian countryside comfort.

Variations To Explore For Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

  • Spicy Tortellini Soup: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a fiery kick and extra warmth.
  • Protein-Packed Version: Incorporate cooked chicken, ground turkey, or Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
  • Creamy Tomato Tortellini: Stir in heavy cream or cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a rich, velvety texture.
  • Mediterranean Remix: Replace spinach with kale, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired variation.

Pairing Suggestions For Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

  • Pair Fresh Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the soup for a nutty, salty kick that enhances the tomato and basil flavors, adding depth and richness to each spoonful.
  • Complement with Crusty Garlic Bread: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread alongside the soup to soak up the delicious broth and provide a crispy texture contrast to the soft tortellini.
  • Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the soup's richness and complement its herbal notes, creating a perfect dining experience.

Storage Advice For Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

  • Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Tortellini might soften slightly when thawed.
  • Pour soup into a pot, warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming hot.
  • Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Common Questions About Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

  • What are the key ingredients in this soup?

The key ingredients are tortellini, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, basil, oregano, and spinach.

  • Is this soup vegetarian?

Yes, this slow cooker tortellini soup is completely vegetarian, using vegetable broth and plant-based ingredients.

  • Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh tortellini works great and will cook perfectly in the slow cooker during the final 15-20 minutes of cooking.

  • How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

You can add canned white beans, chickpeas, or plant-based protein crumbles to increase the protein content of the soup.

Why Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup Is So Comforting

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a delicious soup with minimal hands-on effort.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: Packed with hearty vegetables and cheesy tortellini, this soup delivers warmth and satisfaction for the whole family.
  • Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with spinach, carrots, and tomatoes, the recipe offers a nutrient-rich meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or casual gatherings, this soup adapts to any mealtime and pleases different taste preferences.

Ingredients For Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds a delightful, hearty texture to the soup.
  • Crushed Tomatoes: The primary base that provides a rich, tangy foundation for the soup.
  • Vegetable Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps create the soup's comforting consistency.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor enhancers that build a deep, savory profile.
  • Basil, Oregano: Fresh herbs that bring a classic Italian seasoning to the soup.
Vegetables and Extras:
  • Carrot, Celery: Vegetables that add nutrition and a subtle sweetness to the soup.
  • Spinach: A nutritious green that provides color and additional nutrients.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the soup's overall flavor.

How To Prepare Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Prep the Veggie Base

Chop onions, mince garlic, dice carrots, and slice celery. Toss these vibrant vegetables into your trusty slow cooker with crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in fresh basil leaves, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a flavor-packed foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover the slow cooker and let it simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours. This gentle cooking process allows the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and comforting base.

Step 3: Add Cheesy Pasta Goodness

Gently drop tortellini into the slow cooker, making sure they’re nestled into the flavorful broth. Toss in fresh spinach leaves for an extra boost of nutrition and color.

Step 4: Final Cooking Burst

Crank the slow cooker to high and cook for 15-20 minutes. This final step ensures the tortellini are perfectly tender and the spinach wilts beautifully into the soup.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. The aroma of herbs and tomatoes will fill your kitchen, promising a delicious meal that warms both body and soul. Optional: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of deliciousness.

Best Tips For Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

  • Choose fresh, high-quality tortellini for the best flavor and texture in this comforting soup.
  • Swap vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer taste if preferred by meat-eaters.
  • Toss in extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and add more depth.
  • Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of savory goodness before serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain the soup's creamy consistency.
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Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup Recipe

Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Savory slow cooker tomato basil tortellini soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich Italian flavors with hearty ingredients. Creamy cheese tortellini and fragrant basil create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

  • 1 package (9 ounces/255 grams) refrigerated cheese tortellini

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Arrange diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, chopped celery, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper inside the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
  2. Secure the lid and allow the mixture to simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours, enabling the vegetables to soften and ingredients to meld together harmoniously.
  3. During the final cooking phase, gently introduce tortellini and fresh spinach leaves into the slow cooker, ensuring even distribution throughout the liquid.
  4. Increase the slow cooker’s temperature to high setting and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, which will perfectly cook the tortellini and wilt the spinach without compromising their texture.
  5. Once tortellini reaches an al dente consistency and spinach appears delicately wilted, remove the lid and prepare to serve the aromatic soup while piping hot.
  6. Ladle the rich, hearty soup into individual serving bowls, allowing each portion to showcase the vibrant colors and robust flavors of the ingredients.

Notes

  • Swap fresh tortellini for frozen to extend cooking time and prevent overcooking.
  • Enhance protein content by stirring in cooked shredded chicken or white beans during the last 30 minutes.
  • For a dairy-free version, skip traditional cheese tortellini and use plant-based alternatives with similar texture.
  • Maximize flavor by gently toasting dried herbs in a pan before adding to the slow cooker, which intensifies their aromatic qualities.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 145 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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