Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar Toast Bites. This creamy, hearty dish combines tangy tomatoes, tender cheese tortellini, and rich cheddar cheese, complemented by crispy cheddar toast bites. It’s an ideal meal for cozy evenings or family gatherings.
Why This Recipe Appeals
- Convenient Preparation: Utilizing a slow cooker allows for hands-off cooking, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of tomatoes, cream, and cheddar cheese creates a luscious, flavorful soup.
- Comforting and Satisfying: Paired with cheddar toast bites, this soup offers a complete and comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cheddar Toast Bites:
- 4 slices of crusty bread, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan for extra flavor
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Soup Base
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Slow Cook
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Add Tortellini and Cream
- Incorporate Cream and Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and add the cheese tortellini. Cover and continue cooking on high for 20–30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
4. Add Cheddar Cheese
- Melt Cheese: Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup is creamy.
5. Prepare Cheddar Toast Bites
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season Bread Cubes: Place the cubed bread on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. For extra flavor, you may sprinkle grated Parmesan over the bread cubes before baking.
6. Serve
- Assemble: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
- Add Toast Bites: Top each bowl with a handful of cheddar toast bites, or serve them on the side for dipping.
Possible Variations
- Protein Addition: Incorporate cooked, shredded chicken or Italian sausage for added protein.
- Vegetable Enhancement: Add spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Twist: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to introduce some heat.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 servings
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
- Total Time: Approximately 4½ to 5½ hours
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For best quality, it’s recommended to consume the soup fresh, as dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, as dried tortellini will require a longer cooking period to become tender.
2. How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure that the broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. For the toast bites, use gluten-free bread.
3. Is it possible to prepare this soup on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer the soup base on the stovetop for about 30 minutes, then add the cream and tortellini, cooking until the pasta is tender. Stir in the cheddar cheese before serving.
