Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup is a cozy, comforting dish that’s as easy as it is tasty. This soup features tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a rich tomato broth, with a blend of herbs and vegetables adding plenty of flavor. It’s the perfect mix of warm and filling, with a hint of sweetness from the tomatoes and a soft, delightful bite from the pasta.
I love how simple this soup is to make in the slow cooker. You just add your ingredients, set it, and let it do the work while you go about your day. The tortellini cooks right in the broth at the end, soaking up all those delicious flavors. It’s one of those meals that feels homemade but doesn’t take a ton of effort, which makes it a regular favorite in my house.
For me, this soup shines when served with a sprinkle of parmesan and a side of crusty bread to dip in all that saucy goodness. It’s the kind of dish that’s great for chilly evenings or anytime you want something comforting without a lot of fuss. I always find myself coming back to it when I need a simple, happy dinner on the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Crushed Tomatoes: They give the soup its rich, classic tomato flavor. If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned crushed tomatoes work great. You can also try fire-roasted tomatoes for a slight smoky taste.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini adds a creamy, tender bite. Feel free to swap with meat-filled tortellini or even small pasta like ravioli. Just watch the cooking time to keep them from getting mushy.
Basil & Oregano: These dried herbs build up the flavor base. If fresh herbs are on hand, use those for a brighter taste—add fresh basil just before serving.
Heavy Cream (optional): This adds a smooth finish to the soup. If you want a lighter option, try half and half or skip it entirely for a dairy-free version.
How Can I Keep the Tortellini From Overcooking in the Slow Cooker?
Tortellini cooks fast and can turn mushy if left too long in the hot soup. To avoid this:
- Add the tortellini about 20-30 minutes before the cooking time ends, and keep the slow cooker on high for this step.
- Keep an eye on the texture by tasting a piece; it should be tender but still have a slight bite.
- If using frozen tortellini, add a few minutes more to the cooking time.
By adding the pasta late, you get perfectly cooked tortellini, full of flavor without it falling apart.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – it’s perfect for letting the flavors develop while you’re busy with other things.
- Skillet – you’ll sauté the onions and garlic here for deeper flavor before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for stirring the soup gently without scratching your slow cooker insert.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accuracy with herbs, spices, and liquids to get the best taste.
- Grater – handy for fresh Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top just before serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey for a heartier, meat-filled version.
- Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale near the end for extra greens and color.
- Try swapping the cheese tortellini for mushroom or spinach-filled tortellini for a different flavor.
- Include a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to change up the spice profile.
Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tortellini and Garnish:
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- ½ cup heavy cream or half and half (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of active prep time, plus 6-8 hours of slow cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high). You’ll add the tortellini during the last 30 minutes for tender pasta without overcooking it. Overall, it’s a hands-off, cozy meal that’s ready when you are.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. This step boosts the flavor of the soup base.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix.
3. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover the slow cooker and cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen into a rich, comforting broth.
4. Add Tortellini and Cream:
About 30 minutes before serving time, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and, if you like, the heavy cream or half and half for a creamy touch. Cover and cook on high until the tortellini is tender, typically 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Final Touches and Serving:
Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. For the perfect meal, accompany with crusty bread to dip into the savory tomato broth.
If you love cozy soups, we have plenty more to try. Warm up with our hearty Slow Cooker Taco Soup or protein-packed High Protein Lasagna Soup. For Italian comfort, enjoy the classic Pasta Fagioli Soup or creamy Chicken Noodle Soup. You’ll also love our rich Potato Soup with Bacon Bits, the satisfying Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Soup, and the flavorful Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup.
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just add it to the slow cooker about 5-10 minutes longer than refrigerated tortellini to ensure it’s fully cooked. Keep an eye on the texture to avoid overcooking.
Can I Prepare This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the tomato base and cook it in the slow cooker as directed, then refrigerate. Add the tortellini and cream fresh when reheating the soup to keep the pasta from getting mushy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
What Can I Serve with Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.