There is something irresistibly cozy and comforting about a bowl of Crockpot Tortellini Soup, especially when the flavors meld together perfectly after hours of slow cooking. This luscious soup combines tender Italian-style diced tomatoes, savory sausage, creamy cheese, and delicate frozen tortellini that puffs up beautifully in the broth. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a warm bowl to satisfy chilly days, this soup brings both heartiness and ease that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of a great Crockpot Tortellini Soup lies in a few simple but essential ingredients, each bringing a unique element to this hearty favorite. From the rich creaminess of cream cheese to the flavorful depth of vegetable broth, these ingredients work in harmony to create a vibrant bowl of soup you’ll love.
- Frozen tortellini: Choose your favorite cheese-filled tortellini; remember, it will expand as it cooks, so a standard bag is perfect.
- Italian style diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes add brightness and a lovely tang that balances the creaminess.
- Vegetable broth: Acts as the flavorful base, providing a light yet savory foundation for the soup.
- Cream cheese: Adds luxurious creaminess and a smooth texture that elevates every spoonful.
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup: This ingredient brings a sharp, cheesy punch, layering the cheese flavors beautifully.
How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Combine the Broth and Tomatoes
Start by pouring the vegetable broth and canned Italian style diced tomatoes into your crockpot. This creates the flavorful liquid base your tortellini will swim in. Stir gently to mix these ingredients thoroughly before adding the rest.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Ingredients
Next, cube your cream cheese and spoon in the condensed cheddar cheese soup. Add both to the crockpot. These creamy components will melt and infuse the soup with a rich, velvety texture as they cook, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.
Step 3: Stir and Cook
Set the crockpot to low heat and cover. Allow the soup to cook gently for about 4 to 6 hours, giving the flavors time to develop and mingle. Resist the urge to open the lid too often—patience is key for that perfect blend.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
With roughly 20 to 30 minutes left in cooking, add your frozen tortellini to the crockpot. They will cook quickly and tenderize perfectly in the warm broth without becoming mushy. Stir carefully to avoid sticking to the bottom.
Step 5: Final Stir and Season
Give everything one last gentle stir to ensure the tortellini is coated in the creamy tomato broth. Taste now and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper, if needed. Your Crockpot Tortellini Soup is now ready to savor.
How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup
Garnishes
Nothing beats a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley to brighten this rich soup, and a little grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory finish. For a touch of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes brings exciting warmth.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad. The bread helps soak up every last delicious drop of the creamy broth, while the salad offers a crisp contrast in texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a swirl of pesto or drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for an elegant twist. For a fun presentation, hollow out small bread bowls and ladle the soup inside to wow your guests with a fully edible serving vessel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. This soup keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more. Just give it a good stir before reheating to restore its silky texture.
Freezing
Crockpot Tortellini Soup freezes best if you leave out the tortellini initially and add it fresh when reheating. You can freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, making future meals a breeze.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent curdling of the cheese. Add freshly cooked tortellini when warming up frozen soup base, then heat until just warm and serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used but add it closer to the end of cooking, as it cooks faster than frozen. This will prevent it from becoming too soft or falling apart.
Is this soup vegetarian?
The basic recipe is vegetarian-friendly as written, especially since vegetable broth is used. To keep it vegetarian, just be sure that your cheese and broth do not contain animal-derived ingredients.
Can I substitute cream cheese for something else?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture, though cream cheese offers a balance of tang and richness that works beautifully here.
How spicy is the Crockpot Tortellini Soup?
This soup is mild and comforting by default, but you can add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give it a little kick if you prefer some heat.
Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work well and can be added during the last hour of cooking to keep them tender yet vibrant.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Crockpot Tortellini Soup is a must-try. It’s effortless to make, brimming with cozy flavors, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your go-to comfort food for many seasons to come.
PrintCrockpot Tortellini Soup
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting slow-cooked meal combining cheesy tortellini, Italian diced tomatoes, and a creamy broth. Perfect for an easy and flavorful weeknight dinner, it melds rich cream cheese and condensed cheddar soup with vegetable broth to create a smooth and satisfying soup bursting with Italian-inspired flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 regular sized cans of Italian style diced tomatoes (approximately 14.5 oz each)
- 1 box or 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 can of condensed cheddar cheese soup (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 block of cream cheese (8 oz)
Main Ingredient
- 1 bag of frozen cheese tortellini (about 9 to 12 oz, note that it will expand during cooking)
Instructions
- Add Base Ingredients: Combine the two cans of Italian style diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and condensed cheddar cheese soup in the crockpot. Stir gently to mix all the liquids and soups thoroughly, creating the base for your tortellini soup.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Cut the block of cream cheese into smaller chunks and add them to the crockpot. The cream cheese will melt slowly as the soup cooks, creating a creamy, rich texture and flavor.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking allows flavors to meld and the cream cheese to fully incorporate into the broth.
- Add Frozen Tortellini: About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, stir in the bag of frozen tortellini. The tortellini will cook through in the remaining cooking time, becoming tender and absorbing the flavorful broth.
- Final Stir and Serve: Once the tortellini is cooked, give the soup a final stir to evenly distribute all ingredients. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or substitute chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth if it becomes too thick.
- Frozen tortellini can be replaced with fresh for a different texture, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Adding Italian sausage can enhance the flavor but will change the recipe classification.
- This soup freezes well; for best results, freeze without tortellini and add fresh when reheating.