Cozy Bowl: Cheesy Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe

Steaming bowls of comfort await with this slow cooker tomato tortellini soup that blends rich, velvety textures and bold flavors.

Tender cheese tortellini float in a deep, robust tomato broth that promises warmth on chilly evenings.

Melted cheddar cheese adds a creamy depth to each spoonful, creating a luxurious base that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

The golden toast bites provide a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the soup’s smooth consistency.

Weeknight dinners rarely get this delicious and effortless.

Home cooks will love how simple preparation meets incredible taste in this crowd-pleasing recipe.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this soup becomes an instant family favorite.

Inside the Flavor: What You Need for Tomato Tortellini Soup

• Italian Sausage: Provides rich, savory depth and hearty protein to anchor the soup's flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a robust liquid foundation with subtle, comforting flavor undertones.

• Onion: Adds sweet, foundational layer that elevates the entire soup's complexity.
• Garlic: Introduces sharp, pungent notes that complement the tomato's brightness.

• Diced Tomatoes: Delivers bright, tangy freshness and creates natural soup texture.
• Condensed Tomato Soup: Intensifies tomato essence and provides creamy consistency.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbal complexity with traditional Mediterranean warmth.
• Dried Basil: Introduces subtle, sweet herbal undertones characteristic of Italian cuisine.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding gentle, warming heat.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies all ingredient flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild, spicy background note.

• Cheese Tortellini: Transforms soup into substantial meal with delightful pasta pockets.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky mouthfeel and softens overall flavor profile.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy richness and creamy melting quality.

• Bread: Provides crispy, textural contrast to smooth soup.
• Butter: Creates golden, rich coating for toast.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces concentrated, aromatic flavor.
• Dried Parsley: Adds subtle herbaceous green note and visual appeal.

Kitchen Essentials for Tortellini Soup with Cheddar and Toast Bites

• Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the soup slowly and developing rich flavors.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and sautéing onions and garlic.
• Baking Sheet: Used for making crispy toast bites in the oven.
• Small Bowl: Needed for mixing butter and seasoning for toast bites.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Help accurately measure ingredients.
• Cutting Board: For chopping onions, preparing bread cubes.
• Sharp Knife: Necessary for dicing onions and cutting bread.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up sausage.
• Ladle: For serving the hot soup into bowls.

Steps to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup

• Brown Sausage Goodness Crumble the sausage in a sizzling skillet until it transforms into delectable golden-brown morsels, releasing irresistible flavors.
• Awaken Aromatics Gently dance diced onions and minced garlic in the same pan, coaxing out their rich, comforting essence.
• Slow Cooker Splash chicken broth, tomatoes, and a symphony of herbs into the slow cooker, creating a flavor-packed foundation that will simmer and develop throughout the day.
• Creamy Tortellini Finale Thirty minutes before serving, introduce cheese tortellini and silky cream, letting them nestle into the robust soup and become wonderfully tender.
• Crispy Toast Bites Transform ordinary bread into crunchy golden cubes by tossing with garlic-infused butter and baking until perfectly crisp.
• Elegant Presentation Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls, crown with a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar, and accompany with those irresistible toast bites for a meal that hugs your soul.

Twists and Hacks for a Next-Level Tortellini Soup

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure sausage reaches 160°F for safe cooking, preventing any potential foodborne illness while maintaining perfect texture and flavor.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version that maintains the soup's creamy consistency without compromising taste.
• Prepare sausage and vegetables the night before, storing them separately in the refrigerator, then combine in the slow cooker morning-of for an effortless, time-saving meal prep strategy.
• Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini and use gluten-free bread for toast bites, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy this comforting soup without restrictions.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to personal heat preference – use a pinch for mild warmth or increase to create a more robust, spicy soup that tingles the taste buds.

Serve Tortellini Soup with Cheddar Toast

• Party Plate Perfection: Create a colorful soup station with extra toppings like chopped fresh basil, grated parmesan, and crispy bacon bits for guests to personalize their bowls.
• Sidekick Selections: Pair the soup with a light mixed green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy tomato base and provide a fresh contrast.
• Wine Companion: Enhance the dining experience by serving a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which complements the tomato and sausage flavors beautifully.
• Leftover Love: Transform remaining soup into a pasta sauce by reducing it slightly and tossing with additional tortellini or using as a flavorful base for a baked casserole.

Make Tortellini Soup Ahead for a Cozy Dinner

• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
• Freeze soup without tortellini or cream for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and reheat, adding fresh tortellini and cream during warming.
• Keep toast bites in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Reheat briefly in the oven to restore original crispiness and warmth.
• Divide soup into individual meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label with date and contents for efficient meal tracking.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of tortellini?

Yes, you can substitute cheese tortellini with meat or spinach-filled varieties. Choose your favorite flavor to customize the soup.

• Is this soup spicy?

The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes. If you prefer mild flavor, skip the flakes or use just a pinch for subtle heat.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or zucchini for protein and texture.

• Do I need a slow cooker to make this recipe?

While a slow cooker is recommended, you can adapt this recipe to a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer on low heat and reduce cooking time by 1-2 hours.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

Hearty Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup With Cheddar And Toast Bites

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup delights with rich, comforting flavors from Italian and American cuisines. Cheese-topped toast bites complement this hearty soup, offering a perfect meal for chilly evenings you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (450 g) Italian sausage
• 1 can (28 oz / 794 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 package (20 oz / 567 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cans (10.75 oz / 305 g each) condensed tomato soup
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 4 slices crusty bread
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sausage Preparation: Brown Italian sausage in a skillet, meticulously breaking it into uniform, small pieces until no pink remains.
2. Aromatic Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and briefly bloom its essence.
3. Liquid Composition: Transfer onion-garlic mixture to slow cooker, then combine chicken broth, diced tomatoes, condensed tomato soup, Italian seasoning, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
4. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and simmer on low for 6-7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours), allowing flavors to meld and develop rich depth.
5. Final Enhancement: Thirty minutes before serving, introduce cheese tortellini and heavy cream, cooking on high until tortellini reaches perfect tenderness.
6. Crunchy Accompaniment: Preheat oven to 375F (190C), cube bread, toss with melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley, then bake until golden and crisp.
7. Serving Presentation: Ladle soup into bowls, crown with freshly shredded cheddar cheese, and accompany with crispy toast bites for a delightful textural experience.

Notes

• Control Sausage Browning: Achieve a deep, rich brown color by cooking over medium-high heat, which develops complex flavor profiles and prevents raw meat texture.
• Optimize Slow Cooker Timing: Tortellini can become mushy if overcooked, so add them only during the last 30 minutes to maintain perfect pasta texture and prevent disintegration.
• Balance Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat tolerance; start with a small amount and incrementally increase for personalized flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Enhance Cream Integration: Temper heavy cream by stirring gradually to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky soup consistency that blends seamlessly with other ingredients.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg