Crockpot Tortellini Soup
A hearty, flavorful slow-cooker soup with tender tortellini, rich broth, and wholesome veggies—perfect for a cozy meal!
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot) Essential for slow-cooking the soup to perfection.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife For chopping vegetables and herbs.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons To ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
- Large Mixing Bowl For prepping vegetables and mixing ingredients.
- Skillet (if using ground beef or sausage) For browning meat before adding it to the crockpot.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring ingredients gently in the crockpot.
- Serving Ladle To serve generous portions of soup.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with juice (enhances flavor)
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup water (only if needed to adjust consistency) Optional
For the Tortellini:
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini For frozen tortellini: Use the same amount, but increase cooking time slightly.
Optional Protein Additions:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (for a heartier soup)
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage, browned and drained before adding
For Added Greens (Optional):
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
For Creaminess (Optional):
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for a creamy tortellini soup)
Instructions
1. Prep Your Vegetables
- Chop: Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
- Combine: In a bowl, mix the diced tomatoes with the chopped vegetables.
2. Assemble the Soup Base
- In the crockpot, add broth, diced tomatoes, and prepped vegetables.
- Sprinkle in basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir gently.
3. Add Protein (Optional)
- For Chicken: Stir in shredded cooked chicken.
- For Ground Beef or Sausage: Brown in a skillet first, drain excess fat, then add to the crockpot.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat or replace it with extra vegetables or white beans for protein.
4. Slow Cook
- Set to LOW and cook for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to develop fully.
5. Add Tortellini and Greens
- Fresh or Refrigerated Tortellini: Add 30 minutes before serving.
- Frozen Tortellini: Add 35-40 minutes before serving.
- Spinach: Add at the same time. The heat will soften it beautifully.
6. Add Cream (Optional) & Final Adjustments
- If making a creamy soup, mix in heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
- If the soup is too thick, simply add a splash of broth or water to adjust.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
- Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy with crusty bread or a side salad.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, Parmesan, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Notes
Crockpot Tortellini Soup is the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and flavor. Whether you're making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this hearty soup delivers warmth and satisfaction with minimal effort. Feel free to experiment with variations, adjust the seasonings to your taste, and make it your own. Don't forget to pair it with some crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade, slow-cooked delight, and happy cooking! 🍲✨