Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar Toast Bites Recipe 🍲🧀

This Tomato Tortellini Soup is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make in a slow cooker. Paired with crispy cheddar toast bites, it’s a cozy and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 (10 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

For the Cheddar Toast Bites:

• 4 slices of crusty bread (sourdough or French bread works great)
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Start the Soup in the Slow Cooker

1. In the slow cooker, combine crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, broth, onion, garlic, basil, oregano, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Step 2: Add the Cream and Tortellini

1. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half.
2. Add the cheese tortellini, cover, and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.

Step 3: Make the Cheddar Toast Bites

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread butter evenly over one side of each slice of bread and sprinkle with garlic powder.
3. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Place the bread on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Let cool slightly, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Serve the Soup

1. Ladle the tomato tortellini soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
3. Serve with the cheddar toast bites on the side or float them on top for a fun twist!

Tips for Perfect Tomato Tortellini Soup

1. Use Fresh Herbs: If available, add fresh basil at the end of cooking for a burst of flavor.
2. Thicken the Soup: For a thicker consistency, blend half the soup before adding the tortellini.
3. Tortellini Options: Swap cheese tortellini for spinach or meat-filled varieties if you prefer.
4. Cheese Variation: Substitute cheddar for mozzarella or Gruyère on the toast bites for a different flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love It

This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar Toast Bites is:

• Rich and Creamy: The perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and velvety cream.
• Comforting: Warm tortellini and gooey cheddar toast are the ultimate cozy pairing.
• Effortless: The slow cooker does most of the work, making it ideal for busy days.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the hearty, cheesy goodness.