🍅 Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup is a warm, creamy, and incredibly flavorful dish that combines the richness of Italian sausage, a savory tomato broth, and tender cheese tortellini. This soup is easy to make in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together over hours, resulting in a comforting meal perfect for cozy evenings. It’s a family favorite, ideal for chilly days, and offers a balanced mix of protein, creaminess, and satisfying pasta.
Why This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Works
This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup shines for its balance of flavors and textures, as well as its simplicity. By using the slow cooker, the flavors of the Italian sausage, tomatoes, and broth develop fully without much hands-on time. The addition of chive and onion cream cheese spread gives the soup a unique, creamy base with a hint of aromatic onion and chive flavor. With minimal prep and straightforward ingredients, this recipe brings bold, comforting flavors with hardly any effort.
What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
To make this Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup, gather the following ingredients:
Italian Sausage: Adds a savory, spiced depth to the soup. Removing the casings allows the sausage to break apart into the broth, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup, adding savory richness.
Petite Diced Tomatoes: Provide texture and a subtle tanginess to the broth.
Tomato Soup: Adds a smooth, sweet-tomato flavor that enhances the richness of the base.
Chive and Onion Cream Cheese Spread: Gives the soup a creamy consistency and a hint of onion and chive, adding depth.
Cheese Tortellini: Adds heartiness and extra creaminess with the cheese-filled pasta pockets.
How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Prepare the Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and no longer pink. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks to ensure it blends well into the soup. Transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Add the chicken broth, petite diced tomatoes, and tomato soup to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the sausage is well mixed into the broth. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add Cream Cheese and Tortellini:
About 15 to 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chive and onion cream cheese spread and the cheese tortellini. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH, cover, and let cook until the tortellini is cooked through and tender, about 15 to 30 minutes.
- Serve:
Once the tortellini is tender, give the soup a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh basil, if desired.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
Pre-Brown the Sausage: Browning the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker enhances its flavor and adds depth to the soup.
Cream Cheese Tips: Soften the chive and onion cream cheese before adding it to the slow cooker for easy blending. It helps prevent clumps and creates a smooth, creamy broth.
Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Add the tortellini near the end of the cooking process to ensure it stays tender without becoming mushy.
Customize with Veggies: For added texture and nutrition, you can add fresh spinach, kale, or bell peppers about 30 minutes before serving.
Cheese Choices: You can sprinkle Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella on top for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with crusty bread or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal. A garlic breadstick or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan also complements the soup’s creamy, tangy flavors.
Timing Information
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours (plus 15–30 minutes at the end)
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours and 10 minutes
Enjoy the cozy warmth and delicious simplicity of this Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup—a dish that transforms basic ingredients into a comforting, family-friendly meal.