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Tortellini Soup (Slow Cooker)

Tortellini Soup (Slow Cooker)

A cozy and comforting slow cooker tortellini soup combining tender cheese tortellini, savory broth, fresh vegetables, and herbs, simmered low and slow for deeply melded flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this easy and hearty soup is family-friendly and customizable.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 23 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary)
  • 9 ounces fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 3 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Optional Protein

  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or Italian sausage (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes, to build a flavorful base that the slow cooker alone can’t replicate.
  2. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and optional cooked protein if using. Stir well to combine all flavors.
  3. Cook on Low Heat: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen while you’re free to attend to other tasks.
  4. Add Tortellini and Greens: About 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and fresh spinach or kale. This timing ensures the pasta stays tender and the greens remain bright and fresh.
  5. Finish and Serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and an optional drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs and high-quality broth for best flavor.
  • Add tortellini last to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Sauté onions and garlic before slow cooking to enhance aroma and depth.
  • Adjust broth quantity if you prefer a thinner soup.
  • Gently fold in tortellini and greens to avoid breaking pasta.
  • Store leftovers with tortellini separate if possible to prevent over-softening.
  • Freeze the soup base (without tortellini) for longer storage; add fresh tortellini when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: tortellini soup, slow cooker soup, cheese tortellini, easy dinner, cozy soup, Italian soup, comfort food