This slow cooker spinach tortellini soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a busy weeknight. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and letting your slow cooker do most of the work. The result? A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful soup that's packed with spinach and delicious cheese-filled tortellini. This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins.
What Makes This Slow Cooker Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe So Special?
This recipe stands out because it combines the convenience of slow cooking with the deliciousness of a hearty, flavorful soup. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer, more complex taste than you'd get from a quick stovetop version. Furthermore, the addition of spinach provides a boost of nutrients, making this a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 (9 ounce) package cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Slow Cooker Magic: Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, spinach, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Add Tortellini: Gently stir in the cheese tortellini.
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Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the tortellini is cooked through and the soup has thickened slightly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is classic, you can experiment with other fillings like meat or vegetable tortellini. Just be mindful that the cooking time might need slight adjustment depending on the type of tortellini you use. Always check the package instructions for cooking times.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add them along with the onions and garlic in step 1.
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can simmer it uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking time to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What kind of slow cooker do I need?
Any slow cooker will work, but a 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
This slow cooker spinach tortellini soup is a delicious and easy recipe that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
