Description
Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal featuring tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Perfect for busy days, this hands-free recipe blends cheesy pasta with aromatic herbs and greens for a warm, family-friendly dish that’s both hearty and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Core Ingredients
- 1 package (about 9–12 oz) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Variations
- 1 cup cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or beans (for added protein)
- 1 cup diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers (for veggie swap)
- Red pepper flakes or hot sauce, to taste (for a spicy kick)
- Vegetable broth substitute for vegetarian version
- Dairy-free cheese alternatives, if making vegan
Instructions
- Prep Aromatics: Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This enhances the base flavor of the soup before slow cooking.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed aromatics to the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, spinach or kale, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Tortellini: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini. Let it cook in the hot broth until tender but not mushy.
- Finish with Parmesan: Just before serving, stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy and savory finish.
Notes
- Add tortellini near the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and disintegration.
- Sauté aromatics first to create a richer broth.
- Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt to taste to prevent overseasoning.
- Add fresh greens at the end to preserve color and nutrients.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Freeze soup without tortellini to avoid mushy texture; add fresh tortellini after reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Category: Soups
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg