This cozy soup combines creamy tomato flavors with tender tortellini for a warm, satisfying meal. It’s perfect for chilly days when you need a hug in a bowl!
Making it in the crockpot is a breeze! Just toss in the ingredients and let it do the work. I love enjoying it with a slice of crusty bread—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crushed Tomatoes: This is the base for your soup, giving it a rich flavor and a lovely color. You can also use diced tomatoes or even fresh tomatoes if you prefer. Just chop them up and cook them down.
Vegetable Broth: A great way to add depth to your soup. For a heartier flavor, you can substitute with chicken broth or homemade stock. If you’re making it vegan, stick with vegetable broth or water.
Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and aroma to the soup. I like using yellow onions, but sweet onions or even shallots work well too. If you have onion powder on hand, that could work in a pinch.
Cheese Tortellini: Fresh tortellini adds creaminess and flavor. If you can’t find cheese tortellini, try using spinach or mushroom tortellini, or even a different type of pasta such as bowtie or shells; just adjust cooking time.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess, heavy cream is a classic choice. If you’re looking for a lighter option, coconut milk gives a nice twist, plus it’s dairy-free! Silken tofu blended until smooth is another alternative for creaminess without the calories.
How Do I Cook Perfectly Tender Tortellini in a Soup?
Cooking tortellini in soup takes a little care to ensure they stay tender and don’t get mushy. Here’s how:
- Add the tortellini to the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving. This is key to prevent overcooking.
- Make sure the liquid is at a gentle simmer when you add them. Stir gently to keep them from sticking together.
- After adding, check for doneness after about 5-7 minutes. They should be soft but still hold their shape. If it’s a different pasta, adjust the timing as needed based on the package instructions.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup requires about 15 minutes of prep time. Then, it has a cooking time of 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. After that, you’ll need an additional 30 minutes to cook the tortellini. So, all together, you’re looking at about 5-6 hours if cooking on low or around 3.5-4 hours on high, plus a little extra time for serving. Perfect for a cozy day at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Start by taking your crockpot and adding in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, diced onion, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything well. This fragrant base is what will make your soup so delicious!
2. Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover your crockpot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for about 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The goal is to let all those flavors meld together and for the onion to become soft and yummy. Just let it do its magic!
3. Add the Cheese Tortellini:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to enjoy your soup, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the crockpot. Stir gently to mix them into the soup, and allow them to cook until they are tender. This step adds the perfect heartiness to your dish!
4. Cream It Up!
Once the tortellini are cooked through, it’s time to add the creamy goodness! Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into your soup. Let it heat through for another 5-10 minutes on low. This is where the soup becomes creamy and delicious!
5. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste and check if it needs any extra seasoning. If you feel it needs a little more salt or pepper, go ahead and adjust it to your liking!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
It’s time to serve! Ladle your creamy tomato tortellini soup into bowls, then garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your wonderful, homemade soup that’s perfect for any day!
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta Instead of Tortellini?
Yes, you can substitute tortellini with other pasta types like mini shells or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you’re using. Generally, add it about 10 minutes earlier than you would tortellini to ensure it’s cooked properly!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian-Friendly?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly since it uses vegetable broth. Just ensure that your tortellini is also vegetarian, as some brands may contain meat. Most fresh and frozen varieties do come in vegetarian options!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove, adding a little extra broth or water as it may thicken when frozen.
