Cozy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar Recipe

My kitchen adventures recently discovered a hearty tomato tortellini soup that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something magical.

Cozy comfort meets convenience with this slow cooker marvel that bubbles with rich, cheesy goodness.

Tender cheese tortellini drift through a velvety tomato broth, creating layers of delightful flavor.

Crisp cheddar toast bites add a crunchy texture that makes each spoonful irresistible.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work while you relax.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment, promising a meal that will warm you from the inside out.

This recipe ensures you’ll savor every comforting, cheesy bite without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Makes This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Shine

• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor
• Slow cooker does most work, requiring only basic browning and assembling steps, perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals with minimal effort.
• Hearty One-Pot Wonder
• Combines rich tomato base, Italian sausage, and cheese tortellini into a soul-warming soup that hugs your taste buds and provides ultimate comfort during chilly days.
• Customizable and Kid-Approved
• Easy to adjust spice levels, accommodates picky eaters, and offers fun toast bites that make mealtime interactive and enjoyable for everyone at the table.
• Hands-Off Gourmet Experience
• Transforms simple ingredients into restaurant-quality soup with minimal hands-on time, allowing home cooks to enjoy gourmet dining without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar Toast Bites

• Italian Sausage: Rich, flavorful meat base for the soup that adds depth and protein.
• Chicken Broth: Essential liquid foundation that provides savory background flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, luxurious texture and adds richness to the soup.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese topping that melts beautifully and enhances overall taste.
• Cheese Tortellini: Tender pasta filled with cheese that makes the soup more substantial.

• Onion: Classic aromatic that builds foundational soup flavor.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent notes to enhance overall taste profile.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides bright, acidic base and chunky texture to the soup.
• Condensed Tomato Soup: Deepens tomato flavor and adds thickness.

• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that adds traditional Italian flavor.
• Dried Basil: Brings subtle sweet and peppery herb taste.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding gentle heat.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.

• Bread Slices: Base for crispy accompaniment.
• Butter: Helps create golden, crisp toast bites.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory flavor to toast.
• Dried Parsley: Provides light herbal touch to toast bites.

How to Make This Tortellini Soup in Your Slow Cooker

Step 1: Crumble Sausage

Heat skillet over medium. Cook Italian sausage, breaking into small pieces until browned and fully cooked. Move sausage to slow cooker.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions

In same skillet, cook diced onions until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Transfer onion and garlic mixture to slow cooker.

Step 3: Build Soup Base

• Chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Condensed tomato soup
• Italian seasoning
• Dried basil
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Step 5: Finish Soup

• Cheese tortellini
• Heavy cream

Cook on high until tortellini becomes tender.

Step 6: Create Crispy Toast Bites

• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley

Coat bread cubes with butter mixture. Bake 10-12 minutes until golden and crunchy.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Ladle soup into bowls. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Arrange toast bites alongside or atop soup.

Best Tips for Tomato Tortellini Soup with Toast Bites

• Boost Sausage Flavor: Brown the sausage thoroughly to develop a rich, caramelized taste that adds depth to the soup's overall flavor profile.
• Prevent Soggy Tortellini: Add tortellini only in the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to control the soup's heat, adding more for a spicy kick or reducing for a milder version suitable for sensitive palates.
• Maximize Cheese Enjoyment: Sprinkle fresh cheddar just before serving to ensure it melts perfectly and creates a creamy, indulgent topping for the soup.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare toast bites in advance and store in an airtight container to maintain crispiness, perfect for quick meal preparation.

Storing and Reheating Tortellini Soup Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for 2-3 months. Note that tortellini might become softer upon thawing.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore consistency if needed, preventing scorching or sticking.
• Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

What to Serve with Cheddar Toast Tortellini Soup

• Perfect Pairings for Tomato Tortellini Soup
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the soup's richness. Toss fresh arugula with shaved parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing for a bright, peppery contrast.
• Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the tomato and sausage flavors. These Italian wines offer subtle acidity and fruity undertones that harmonize beautifully with the hearty soup's profile.
• Brew a fresh basil and thyme iced tea as a refreshing non-alcoholic option. Steep fresh herbs in hot water, chill, and serve with a touch of honey to create a cooling, aromatic drink that echoes the soup's herbal notes.
• Serve additional garlic-herb focaccia or sourdough bread alongside the toast bites. These robust breads provide extra texture and allow diners to soak up every delicious drop of the soup.

Ways to Change Up Tomato Tortellini Soup

Vegetarian Version: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra firm tofu, seasoned with Italian herbs and sautéed until golden brown. Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a complete vegetarian experience.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all packaged ingredients like tomato soup and broth are certified gluten-free. Replace regular bread cubes with gluten-free bread for toast bites.

Low-Carb Option: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets. Use low-carb condensed tomato soup alternative or make a homemade version. Select low-carb bread or create cheese crisps instead of traditional toast bites.

Dairy-Free Modification: Eliminate cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Replace with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for richness. Use dairy-free butter alternatives for toast bites preparation.

Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup With Cheddar And Toast Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting slow cooker tomato tortellini soup blends rich flavors with creamy cheddar cheese and crispy toast bites. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a perfect meal that warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) diced tomatoes, undrained

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 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
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Dairy and Pasta:

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

Toast Bites Ingredients:

• 4 slices crusty bread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

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Instructions

1. Crumble the Italian sausage in a hot skillet, cooking until it turns a rich brown and loses its raw pink hue, meticulously breaking down the meat into small, uniform pieces.
2. Relocate the fully cooked sausage into the slow cooker, ensuring all flavorful bits are transferred.
3. Utilize the same skillet to sauté diced onions, transforming them from opaque to translucent with gentle heat.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the softened onions, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for a brief moment.
5. Carefully deposit the fragrant onion and garlic mixture into the slow cooker.
6. Pour chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their vibrant juice, condensed tomato soup, and a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker.
7. Thoroughly integrate all ingredients with a comprehensive stirring motion.
8. Secure the lid and allow the soup to simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours or accelerate the process on high for 3-4 hours.
9. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, gently introduce cheese tortellini and velvety heavy cream into the soup.
10. Continue cooking on high setting until tortellini reach perfect tenderness, typically 20-30 minutes.
11. Preheat the oven to a crisp 375F (190C) for toast preparation.
12. Transform bread slices into delectable bite-sized cubes, arranging them evenly on a baking sheet.
13. Craft a luxurious butter mixture by combining melted butter with garlic powder and dried parsley.
14. Delicately drizzle the aromatic butter mixture over bread cubes, ensuring each piece receives an even coating.
15. Bake until the cubes achieve a golden, crunchy exterior, approximately 10-12 minutes.
16. Distribute the soup into serving bowls, generously garnishing each portion with freshly shredded cheddar cheese.
17. Present the toast bites alongside or sprinkled atop the soup for an irresistible textural contrast.

Notes

• Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier or milder soup experience.
• Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version of the soup.
• Prevent tortellini from becoming mushy by adding them only during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain their perfect texture.
• Enhance the toast bites’ flavor by experimenting with different herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of parsley for a unique twist.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 100mg