This delightful creamy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup recipe that brings comfort and flavor to your table with minimal effort. Packed with cheesy tortellini, fresh spinach, and a luscious, seasoned broth, it’s perfect for chilly evenings or when I’m in the mood for a warm, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal made entirely in the slow cooker, saving time and effort.
The creamy broth, combined with tender tortellini and spinach, creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Versatile enough to customize with your favorite proteins or vegetables.
Kid-friendly and a crowd-pleaser, ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Pairs wonderfully with bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 (16 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Soup Base:
In the slow cooker, add the diced onion, minced garlic, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), dried basil, oregano, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Cook the Soup:
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
Add the Tortellini and Spinach:
Stir in the tortellini and chopped spinach. Continue to cook on high for 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
Finish the Soup:
Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours (low)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
Variations
Protein Boost: Add cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or turkey for a heartier meal.
Vegetarian Twist: Use vegetable broth and add mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
Herb Choices: Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley instead of dried basil and oregano.
Tortellini Options: Try spinach-filled or meat-filled tortellini for variety.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, but note that the texture of the tortellini may change slightly upon reheating.
Reheating: Warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave-safe bowl to reheat individual servings. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore the consistency.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy?
To avoid overcooking, I recommend adding the tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Simply add it directly to the slow cooker without thawing.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, coconut milk, or any unsweetened plant-based cream can be used for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup base and store it in the fridge. Add the tortellini, spinach, and cream when reheating to ensure the best texture.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Unfortunately, traditional tortellini contains gluten. However, you can find gluten-free tortellini at some specialty stores or replace it with gluten-free pasta.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is a fuss-free, hearty, and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this soup brings comfort and joy to the table. Pair it with your favorite bread or salad for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
📖 Recipe:
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Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make meal that combines cheesy tortellini, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this family-friendly recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
1 (16 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base:
In a slow cooker, combine onion, garlic, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), basil, oregano, and black pepper. Stir well. - Cook the Soup:
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours (or high for 2 hours) until vegetables are tender. - Add Tortellini and Spinach:
Stir in tortellini and chopped spinach. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until tortellini is tender. - Finish the Soup:
Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve:
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot with bread or salad.
Notes
For a protein boost, add cooked sausage or chicken.
To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
Frozen tortellini can be used directly without thawing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Soups
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 300 kcal
