Oh my goodness, have you ever had a soup that just wraps you up in a cozy blanket of flavor? That’s exactly what my slow cooker creamy tortellini soup does! It’s one of those dishes that I whip up when I want something hearty and comforting, especially on chilly nights. I still remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen and had my family gathering around the table, eagerly awaiting a bowl. The combination of rich vegetable broth, tender tortellini, and a splash of heavy cream creates a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Trust me, this soup will become a go-to in your home, too!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the most delightful slow cooker creamy tortellini soup:
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini: I love using cheese-filled tortellini for that creamy, rich texture. You can find this in the refrigerated or frozen section of your grocery store.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: These add a lovely depth of flavor and a bit of acidity. I prefer the ones with Italian herbs for an extra flavor boost!
- 4 cups vegetable broth: This is the base of your soup. I always opt for low-sodium broth, so I can control the saltiness later on.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the soup luxuriously creamy! Feel free to use half-and-half if you want a lighter version, but I promise the richness is worth it.
- 1 cup chopped spinach: Fresh or frozen, spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. If you’re using frozen, just make sure to thaw it first!
- 1 cup diced carrots: Chopped into small pieces, they’ll add sweetness and a nice crunch when cooked just right.
- 1 cup chopped onion: Onions are essential for flavor. I usually go with yellow onions, but white or even red will work!
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is a must! It brings everything to life with its aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This is my secret weapon for that Italian flair! If you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano, feel free to use those as well.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always adjust according to your preference. A little sprinkle goes a long way!
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
Making this slow cooker creamy tortellini soup is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your home with the most amazing aromas! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of goodness to enjoy.
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
First things first, grab your slow cooker and toss in the diced tomatoes along with their juices. Then, pour in the vegetable broth—this is where the magic begins! Next, add in the chopped carrots, onions, minced garlic, and sprinkle that lovely Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Trust me, the colors are so inviting already!
Step 2: Cooking Time
Now, it’s time to let the slow cooker do its thing! If you’ve got the time, set it on low and let it cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a bit of a hurry, high heat works too—around 3-4 hours will do the trick. The longer it cooks, the richer the flavors become, so don’t rush this part if you can help it!
Step 3: Adding Tortellini and Spinach
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the cheese tortellini and chopped spinach. This is the moment when it all comes together! The tortellini will cook perfectly in that last half hour, soaking up all those delicious flavors while the spinach wilts beautifully.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Finally, when you’re just about ready to eat, pour in that heavy cream and mix it all up! This is what gives the soup its creamy, dreamy texture. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Now, you’re all set to ladle out bowls of this heavenly soup and enjoy every spoonful!
Tips for Success
To make your slow cooker creamy tortellini soup truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, always opt for fresh ingredients whenever possible; they really elevate the flavor. If you’re using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to avoid watering down the soup. Don’t hesitate to play with the seasoning—taste as you go and adjust to your liking! If you want to jazz it up a bit, feel free to toss in some other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. For a heartier version, adding cooked chicken or sausage can take this soup to the next level! And remember, this soup tastes even better the next day, so leftovers are a win!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this slow cooker creamy tortellini soup! Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a pretty good idea of what you’re working with:
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 12g
This soup is not only comforting but also offers a good balance of nutrients, making it a satisfying meal option. Enjoy knowing that each bowl is not just delicious but also packed with a bit of everything you need for a cozy night in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenient: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you go about your day.
- Full of Flavor: The slow cooking process melds all the ingredients together, creating a rich and hearty taste that’s simply irresistible.
- Customizable: This soup is super flexible! Feel free to add any veggies or proteins you have on hand to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: It makes great leftovers, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness for days to come.
- Comforting and Nourishing: With its creamy texture and wholesome ingredients, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
Trust me, once you try this slow cooker creamy tortellini soup, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my slow cooker creamy tortellini soup? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers to help you out:
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just toss it in the slow cooker at the same time as fresh. It’ll cook beautifully and soak up all those amazing flavors!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used instead of heavy cream. Just keep in mind that the soup won’t be quite as rich and creamy, but it’ll still taste delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before reheating, and you might want to add a splash of broth or cream to keep it nice and creamy!
Can I add other vegetables?
Oh, definitely! Feel free to get creative. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms would be fantastic additions. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other base ingredients!
Is this soup vegetarian?
Yes! This slow cooker creamy tortellini soup is vegetarian as long as you use vegetable broth. For added protein, you can include cooked chicken or sausage if you’re not strictly vegetarian, but it’s delicious just as is!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying my slow cooker creamy tortellini soup, there are a few delightful accompaniments that really elevate the meal! I love serving it with a crusty loaf of garlic bread or a warm baguette—perfect for dipping into that creamy goodness. A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the soup beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with some roasted vegetables for an extra dose of flavor and nutrition. Trust me, these pairings will take your soup experience to a whole new level!
For more delicious soup recipes, check out this tomato soup recipe or this mushroom soup recipe!
Z nadrukami
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup: 5 Comforting Tips
- Całkowity Czas: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
A hearty and creamy soup made with tortellini and vegetables, cooked slowly for rich flavors.
Składniki
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- In your slow cooker, combine diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, carrots, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and spinach.
- Add heavy cream and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Uwagi
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- For a protein boost, add cooked chicken or sausage.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 6 hours
- Kategoria: Soup
- Sposób: Slow Cooker
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 bowl
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 4g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: slow cooker creamy tortellini soup
