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Creamy Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup Easy Recipe with Parmesan Crisps

slow cooker tomato basil tortellini soup - featured image

A comforting and creamy slow cooker tomato basil tortellini soup with tender tortellini and crispy Parmesan bites, perfect for cozy dinners and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 28 oz (800 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups (32 fl oz / 950 ml) low sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (or dried basil as substitute)
  • 12 oz (340 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for crisps and garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Transfer sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, salt (start with 1 teaspoon), pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours. At 3.5 hours, check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and chopped fresh basil leaves. Cook uncovered for another 15-20 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Cook tortellini separately in boiling salted water according to package instructions (3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini). Drain well.
  6. Gently fold cooked tortellini into the soup just before serving.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, place small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) of grated Parmesan spaced apart. Bake 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool on a wire rack.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and top with Parmesan crisps and extra fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Sautéing onions and garlic first adds depth of flavor but can be skipped for a more rustic taste. Add tortellini just before serving to avoid mushiness. Parmesan crisps add a salty crunch and can be made in a skillet if no oven is available. For thicker soup, reduce broth by 1/2 cup or simmer uncovered before adding cream. Use dairy-free cream alternatives and vegan tortellini for vegan version. Gluten-free tortellini can be used for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, creamy tomato soup, basil tortellini soup, Parmesan crisps, easy dinner, comfort food, vegetarian soup