Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup – A Creamy, Comforting Classic

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy dish—rich, creamy, and brimming with flavor. Tender cheese-filled tortellini simmer in a tomato-based broth enhanced with herbs, garlic, and a touch of cream. The slow cooker makes it effortless: simply add the ingredients, let them meld together all day, and finish with fresh tortellini for a satisfying, hearty meal.

This soup is perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or when you’re craving something warm and comforting without a lot of fuss. It pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread or a crisp green salad, making it a complete and wholesome dinner. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining guests, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its balance of creamy tomato richness and cheesy pasta goodness.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cheese tortellini – Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini are best; they add hearty texture and cheesy flavor.

Crushed tomatoes – Form the rich base of the soup with a slightly tangy, savory flavor.

Tomato sauce – Enhances the depth of the broth and provides smooth consistency.

Vegetable or chicken broth – Adds body and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Onion – Provides sweetness and depth of flavor as the soup simmers.

Garlic – Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth and complements the tomato base.

Italian seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the classic Italian flavors.

Red pepper flakes (optional) – Add a subtle heat for those who prefer a spicy kick.

Heavy cream – Stirred in at the end to create a silky, creamy texture.

Parmesan cheese – Adds richness and a nutty depth to the finished soup.

Fresh basil – Brightens the flavor and adds a touch of freshness before serving.

Salt and black pepper – Essential seasonings to balance the flavors.

Directions

1. In your slow cooker, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until the flavors have melded and the onions are tender.
3. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and heavy cream. Cover and cook until the tortellini are tender.
4. Just before serving, stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is 6–7 hours on low (or 3–4 hours on high), and total time is around 6–7 hours 15 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. The tortellini will continue to absorb liquid, so add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore the soup’s consistency. It is not recommended to freeze this soup once tortellini and cream have been added, as the pasta becomes mushy. For freezing, prepare the soup base without tortellini or cream, then add them fresh when reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup can be customized in many ways to fit your preferences.

For added protein, stir in cooked Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or ground turkey. If you’d like more vegetables, add chopped spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers during the last 30 minutes of cooking. To make it extra indulgent, swap heavy cream for cream cheese for a thicker, richer texture.

You can also experiment with different tortellini fillings such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom for a flavor twist. For a dairy-free version, omit the cream and cheese, and instead blend in cashew cream or coconut milk for richness. Adjusting the spices—such as adding smoked paprika or fresh thyme—can give the soup a deeper and more unique flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, just add frozen tortellini during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetable broth and cheese tortellini for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How do I prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy?

Add them only in the last 30 minutes of cooking and avoid overcooking.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but heavy cream creates a richer texture. Half-and-half also works well.

Can I freeze this soup?

Not with the tortellini and cream added. Freeze the base only, then add fresh pasta and cream when reheating.

What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a light salad make excellent pairings.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup is a warm, creamy, and satisfying dish that requires minimal effort yet delivers big flavor. With its rich tomato base, cheesy pasta, and aromatic herbs, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend comfort meals. Customizable, family-friendly, and irresistibly cozy, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your cold-weather cooking rotation.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!