Sausage Tortellini Soup: Add cooked italian sausage to the soup.

lini Soup with Cheddar and Toast Bites! This soup is the definition of cozy, it's bursting with flavor, and the slow cooker makes it ridiculously easy.

This soup is pure magic. Imagine a rich, slightly sweet tomato broth, perfectly balanced with cheesy tortellini. .

Then, we take it up a notch with melted cheddar for extra creaminess, and finally, we add crispy toast bites for that perfect bit of crunch. It's like a symphony of deliciousness in every spoonful!

The best part? This recipe is incredibly hands-off. Just dump everything into your slow cooker, turn it on, and let it do its thing.

Seriously, you have to try this recipe! It's my go-to when I'm craving something warm and cozy, and I'm certain you'll fall in love with it too. It's simple, it's scrumptious, and it's perfect for feeding the whole family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Effortless and Flavorful: The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the broth with incredible flavor with minimal effort.

Comforting and Hearty: This soup is warm, creamy, and packed with satisfying ingredients.

Easy to Customize: You can easily add other vegetables, protein, or spices to suit your taste.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Prep it in the morning and have a delicious dinner waiting for you when you get home.

Kid-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy tortellini and the dippable toast bites.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish

For the Toast Bites:

6 slices of bread, crusts removed and cut into cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Directions:

Step 1: Combine Soup Ingredients:
In a slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian herbs, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.

Step 2: Cook the Soup:
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Step 3: Prepare the Toast Bites (Optional):
While the soup is cooking (or towards the end), preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs.

Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Cheese:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini and shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker.

Cook until the tortellini is tender and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Step 5: Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese. Serve with the crispy toast bites for dipping.

Serving and Storage:

Serving:

Cozy Meal: This soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a casual weeknight dinner.
Lunch: It's also great for a satisfying and flavorful lunch.
Dipping: The toast bites are perfect for soaking up all the delicious broth.

Storage:

Refrigerate: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The tortellini may soften slightly upon reheating.

Tips for Success:

Use Quality Ingredients: Using good quality canned tomatoes and broth will enhance the flavor of the soup.

Don't Overcook: Avoid overcooking the tortellini, as it can become mushy. Add it towards the end of the cooking time.

Adjust Seasoning: Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste.

Customize with Veggies: Add other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or spinach, to the slow cooker for added nutrition information and flavor.

Toast Bites Alternatives: If you don't have bread, use baguette slices or even crackers for dipping.

Variations:

Add Protein: Add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the soup for a heartier meal.

Spicy Tomato Tortellini Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup: Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer and creamier soup.

Spinach and Artichoke Tortellini Soup: Add frozen spinach and canned artichoke hearts to the soup.

Pesto Tortellini Soup: Stir in pesto at the end for a burst of fresh flavor.

FAQ:

Can I use dried tortellini?

Yes, you can use dried tortellini, but it will require a longer cooking time. Add it to the slow cooker about 1-2 hours before serving.

Can I make this soup on the stovetop?

Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Simply combine all the ingredients in a large pot and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through.

Can I freeze this soup?

It's best to freeze the soup without the tortellini, as it can become mushy after freezing. Add the tortellini when reheating.

How do I prevent my soup from being too acidic?

Add a pinch of sugar or a tablespoon of butter to the soup to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

What if my soup is too thick?

Add more broth or water to thin it out.

This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup is a warm and comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion.

The combination of creamy tomato broth, tender tortellini, and cheesy topping is simply irresistible.

The ease of preparation and the flavorful results make it a true winner, a perfect addition to any menu.

It's a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a satisfying and memorable meal, a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.

SLOW COOKER TOMATO TORTELLINI SOUP WITH CHEDDAR AND TOAST BITES

Sana Umer

This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar and Toast Bites is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a chilly evening. It's easy to prepare, thanks to the slow cooker, and features tender tortellini, a rich tomato broth, and plenty of cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 8 people

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 9 ounce package refrigerated tortellini (cheese, meat, or spinach filled)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese plus more for topping
½ cup heavy cream optional, for extra creaminess
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Toast Bites:

4 slices bread cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Instructions

Sauté onion and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the onion and garlic to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth (or chicken broth), Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Add tortellini and cheese: Stir in the tortellini and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for another 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the cheese is melted and smooth. If using heavy cream, stir it in now.
Prepare toast bites: While the soup is cooking in the last 30 minutes, prepare the toast bites. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil and Italian herbs. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Serve the soup hot, topped with extra shredded cheddar cheese and the crispy toast bites.

Notes

Tortellini: You can use any type of refrigerated tortellini that you like. Cheese-filled tortellini is a classic choice, but you can also use meat-filled or spinach-filled tortellini.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can use other cheeses that melt well, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Broth: Vegetable broth is recommended for a vegetarian soup, but chicken broth can also be used.
Toast Bites: You can use any type of bread for the toast bites. French bread or sourdough bread are good choices.

Variations:

Spinach and Mushroom Tortellini Soup: Add spinach and sliced mushrooms to the soup along with the tortellini.
Sausage Tortellini Soup: Add cooked Italian sausage to the soup.
Spicy Tortellini Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the soup for a little heat.
Creamy Tomato Soup: Add more heavy cream to the soup for a richer and creamier texture.
Roasted Vegetable Soup: Roast other vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers, and add them to the soup.

Keyword cheesy soup, crockpot soup, slow cooker soup, Tortellini soup, Vegan tomato soup