The Best Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar Recipe

Have you been searching for a cozy slow cooker tomato tortellini soup that feels like a warm hug?

This delightful recipe promises comfort in every spoonful, blending rich tomato flavors with pillowy cheese tortellini.

Coming home to a kitchen filled with aromatic waves of simmering goodness.

Simple ingredients dance together in your slow cooker, creating a meal that speaks directly to your hunger.

Sharp cheddar adds a tangy punch while crispy toast bites provide delightful crunch and texture.

Weekend meal prep just got infinitely more exciting with this effortless culinary creation.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this soul-warming soup that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Fun Ways to Change Up This Tomato Tortellini Soup

• Veggie Power Soup: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Swap Italian seasoning with Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Use chorizo instead of Italian sausage, replace chicken broth with beef broth, and add corn kernels and diced green chiles for a southwestern style soup.
• Creamy Seafood Edition: Substitute sausage with cooked shrimp or crab meat, and use seafood stock for a luxurious oceanic take on the original recipe.

Common Questions About Tomato Tortellini Soup

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! You can swap Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey sausage, or even skip the meat for a vegetarian version.

• Is this soup spicy?

The soup has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less, or omitting them completely.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes! You can prepare this soup in a large pot on the stovetop. Simply follow the same steps, simmering on low heat and stirring occasionally.

• What type of tortellini works best?

Cheese tortellini is perfect, but you can also use spinach, meat, or mixed cheese tortellini depending on your preference.

What Makes Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup So Tasty

• Unlock Effortless Comfort: Slow cooker magic transforms simple ingredients into a hearty, warm soup with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
• Flavor Explosion in Every Spoonful: Packed with Italian sausage, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese tortellini, this soup delivers a rich, robust taste that'll make taste buds dance with joy.
• Crispy Meets Creamy Delight: Garlic-butter toast bites add a crunchy texture contrast to the smooth, velvety soup, creating a playful and satisfying eating experience that keeps you coming back for more.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kid-approved and adult-loved, this recipe offers customizable heat levels and easy preparation that makes mealtime a stress-free, delicious gathering for everyone.

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup

• Italian Sausage: Hearty meat that adds rich flavor and protein to the soup, choose a mild or spicy version based on preference.
• Chicken Broth: Essential liquid base that provides depth and savory background to the soup, low-sodium options work well.

• Diced Tomatoes, Condensed Tomato Soup: Create a robust tomato foundation with tangy and smooth texture, fire-roasted tomatoes can enhance complexity.
• Cheese Tortellini: Pasta filled with cheese that adds substance and comfort to the soup, fresh or frozen varieties work perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: Introduces richness and creamy smoothness, can substitute with half-and-half for lighter option.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds deep flavor profile, fresh ingredients provide the best taste.
• Italian Seasoning, Dried Basil: Herbal blend that adds Mediterranean-style complexity, dried herbs concentrate flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide heat and essential seasoning, adjust to personal taste preference.

• Bread Slices: Creates crunchy accompaniment, day-old bread works best for crispy texture.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps bread brown, unsalted butter gives more control over saltiness.
• Garlic Powder, Dried Parsley: Provides additional flavor to toast bites, can customize with other herbs.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp finish to the soup, sharp or mild versions available.

Steps to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Sizzle Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into delightful crumbles until fully cooked and golden brown. Transfer the savory meat to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

In the same skillet, dance the diced onions around until they turn soft and translucent. Welcome minced garlic to the party and cook for another minute. Gently slide these flavor-packed veggies into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Condensed tomato soup
• Italian seasoning
• Dried basil
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, creating a symphony of flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Soup

• Low setting: 6-7 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

Step 5: Enrich with Tortellini

• Cheese tortellini
• Heavy cream

Cover and cook on high until tortellini becomes tender and plump.

Step 6: Craft Cheesy Garlic Toasts

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Cutting bread into bite-sized pieces
• Placing on baking sheet

• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley

Drizzle butter mixture over bread, ensuring even coating.

Bake until golden and crispy, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Ladle soup into warm bowls.

Shower each serving with shredded cheddar cheese.

Accompany with crispy garlic toast bites on the side or sprinkled on top.

Enjoy your comforting, flavor-packed meal!

Smart Ideas for Better Tomato Tortellini Soup

• Boost Flavor Depth: Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop rich, caramelized notes that enhance the overall soup's taste profile.
• Prevent Soggy Tortellini: Add pasta only during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain perfect texture and prevent overcooking.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery hot according to personal taste.
• Maximize Crunch Factor: Ensure toast bites are evenly coated with butter and herbs, then bake until golden for maximum crispy texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Save and Reheat Your Tortellini Soup the Easy Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the toast bites separate to maintain their crispiness.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing tortellini, as they can become mushy when thawed.
• Reheat: Warm the soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Crisp up the toast bites in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
• Quick Tip: Separate the tortellini and cream when storing to prevent them from becoming soggy. Add fresh cream and tortellini when reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Best Things to Eat with Tomato Tortellini Soup

• Sip Sparkling Red Wine: Complement the rich tomato and sausage flavors with a slightly chilled Lambrusco, whose fruity and fizzy profile cuts through the soup's creaminess.
• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the hearty soup with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, adding a fresh, zesty contrast to the warm, comforting dish.
• Boost with Garlic Bread Companion: Enhance the toast bites by serving a side of classic garlic bread, creating a delightful carbohydrate duo that amplifies the meal's texture and flavor.
• Match with Chilled Pinot Grigio: The wine's light, citrusy notes will refresh the palate between spoonfuls of the robust, creamy tortellini soup.

Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup With Cheddar And Toast Bites Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker tomato tortellini soup delivers comfort with rich cheddar flavor and crispy toast bites. Effortless preparation makes this Italian-inspired soup perfect for busy weeknights when you crave warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Base Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (960ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (28 ounces/793 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cans (10.75 ounces/305 grams each) condensed tomato soup
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Dairy:

• 1 package (20 ounces/567 grams) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese

Toast Bites:

• 4 slices of crusty bread (e.g., French baguette)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and thoroughly brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into fine crumbles during cooking.
2. Relocate the fully cooked sausage into the slow cooker.
3. Utilize the same skillet to sauté diced onions until they become translucent and slightly softened.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the onions and quickly toast for an additional minute.
5. Transfer the aromatic onion and garlic mixture into the slow cooker.
6. Pour chicken broth, diced tomatoes, condensed tomato soup, and seasonings into the slow cooker, mixing thoroughly.
7. Secure the lid and allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
8. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, gently fold in cheese tortellini and heavy cream.
9. Continue cooking on high setting until tortellini reach desired tenderness.
10. Preheat oven to 375F and prepare toast bites by cutting bread into small cubes.
11. Whisk melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley.
12. Coat bread cubes evenly with the herb-butter mixture.
13. Roast bread cubes until they transform into crispy, golden bites.
14. Portion soup into individual serving bowls.
15. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each serving.
16. Garnish with crispy toast bites on the side or directly atop the soup.

Notes

• Swap ground sausage with plant-based alternatives or turkey sausage for lower-fat options.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calorie content.
• Use gluten-free tortellini and bread for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for increased nutrition and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 495
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 90mg