Hearty Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup With Cheddar And Toast Bites Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe with Cheesy Sides

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this hearty slow cooker tomato tortellini soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Rich tomato flavors mingle with tender cheese tortellini, creating a delightful meal perfect for chilly evenings.

Creamy and robust, this soup delivers deep, satisfying notes that dance across your palate.

The addition of sharp cheddar adds a tangy complexity that takes the recipe from simple to sublime.

Crispy toast bites provide a delightful crunch, transforming each bite into a textural adventure.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this soul-warming dish that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker.

Dive into this comforting recipe and let its delicious simplicity become your new favorite meal companion.

Kitchen Tools For Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup With Cheddar And Toast Bites

  • Slow cooker: Essential for simmering the soup and melding flavors.
  • Skillet: Perfect for browning sausage and sautéing aromatics.
  • Baking sheet: Needed for toasting bread cubes into crispy bites.
  • Small bowl: Useful for mixing butter and seasonings for toast.
  • Cutting board: Great for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and break up sausage while cooking.

How To Prepare Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup With Cheddar And Toast Bites

  • Sausage Sizzle

Brown Italian sausage in a skillet until it crumbles into delicious, golden bits. The sizzling sound and rich aroma will get your taste buds dancing.

  • Flavor Foundation

Soften onions and garlic in the same skillet, creating a fragrant base that will infuse your soup with warmth and depth.

  • Slow Cooker Magic

Pour all ingredients into the slow cooker, letting them mingle and develop complex flavors over several hours. This is where the soup transforms from simple ingredients to a comforting masterpiece.

  • Creamy Comfort

Add tortellini and cream near the end of cooking, turning your soup into a luxurious, hearty meal that hugs you from the inside.

  • Crispy Companions

Create golden, buttery toast bites in the oven. These crunchy morsels will add texture and excitement to each spoonful of soup.

  • Final Flourish

Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top and nestle those irresistible toast bites alongside. Each bowl becomes a canvas of deliciousness, ready to be devoured and enjoyed.

Tips And Ideas For Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup With Cheddar And Toast Bites

  • Meat-Free Magic: Swap Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra firm tofu for a vegetarian version that's packed with protein and flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheddar cheese to make this soup completely lactose-free without losing its creamy texture.
  • Spice It Up: Adjust heat levels by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for those who love an extra kick. Fresh jalapeños can also provide a zesty punch.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store without tortellini and add fresh pasta when reheating to prevent soggy noodles. Pro tip: Keep toast bites separate to maintain their crispy crunch.

Serving Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup With Cheddar And Toast Bites Just Right

  • Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich, warm flavors.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or crumbled blue cheese on top for an intense flavor boost that complements the tomato base.
  • Wine Harmony Hub: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel to echo the soup's robust tomato and sausage profile, creating a delightful dining experience.
  • Game Night Champion: Serve as a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for casual gatherings, with the crunchy toast bites perfect for dipping and sharing.

Storing Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup With Cheddar And Toast Bites Made Easy

  • Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping flavors locked in and ready for quick reheating. Separate the toast bites to maintain their crispiness and prevent sogginess.
  • Freezer-Friendly Move: Freeze the soup without tortellini or cream for maximum quality. When ready to enjoy, thaw, reheat, and add fresh tortellini and cream during the final cooking stage to maintain texture and taste.
  • Portion Power Plan: Divide soup into individual meal-sized containers for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners. Label with date and contents to track freshness and minimize food waste.
  • Reheating Rescue Technique: Warm soup gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore original consistency and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes

Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup With Cheddar And Toast Bites

For Protein Base:
  • Italian Sausage: Adds rich, hearty flavor and depth to the soup, choose fresh ground sausage with good fat content for maximum taste.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid foundation of the soup, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.
For Soup Enhancers:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Brings bright acidity and chunky texture, select fire-roasted varieties for extra depth.
  • Condensed Tomato Soup: Provides creamy thickness and concentrated tomato essence, works as a secret flavor booster.
  • Cheese Tortellini: Adds delightful pasta pockets that make the soup more substantial, choose fresh or refrigerated versions for best quality.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious smoothness and rounds out the soup's flavors, use full-fat for richest results.
  • Italian Seasoning, Dried Basil: Infuse aromatic herbaceous notes, ensure spices are fresh for maximum potency.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional heat enhancer that adds subtle spiciness.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents to balance overall taste profile.
For Toast Bites:
  • Bread Slices: Foundation for crunchy accompaniment, day-old bread works wonderfully for extra crispness.
  • Melted Butter: Creates golden, rich coating for toast cubes, use unsalted butter for better control.
  • Garlic Powder, Dried Parsley: Adds savory aromatics and visual appeal to toast bites.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp, tangy topping that melts beautifully over the soup.
Print
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Hearty Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup With Cheddar And Toast Bites Recipe

Hearty Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup With Cheddar And Toast Bites Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy slow cooker tomato tortellini soup delivers comfort in each spoonful. Rich cheddar cheese and crispy toast bites complement the hearty Italian-inspired soup for a satisfying meal you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (28 oz/793 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 2 cans (10.75 oz/305 g each) condensed tomato soup
  • 1 package (20 oz/567 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 slices crusty bread (e.g., French baguette)
  • 2 tsps Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sausage Preparation: Brown Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, meticulously crumbling into fine pieces until thoroughly cooked.
  2. Aromatic Base: In the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent, then quickly toast minced garlic for an additional minute.
  3. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer browned sausage, onion-garlic mixture, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, condensed tomato soup, and seasonings into the slow cooker, stirring to combine thoroughly.
  4. Simmering Process: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
  5. Tortellini Integration: 30 minutes before serving, gently incorporate cheese tortellini and heavy cream, continuing to cook on high until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
  6. Toast Bites Creation: Preheat oven to 375F, toss bread cubes with melted butter, garlic powder, and dried parsley, then roast until achieving golden, crispy texture.
  7. Final Presentation: Ladle soup into serving bowls, crown with generous shredded cheddar cheese, and accompany with crispy toast bites as a delightful garnish.

Notes

  • Precise Sausage Browning: Ensure sausage is evenly crumbled and deeply browned for maximum flavor development and rich taste profile.
  • Smart Onion Technique: Sauté onions until translucent to release natural sugars and enhance overall soup’s depth without burning.
  • Cream and Tortellini Timing: Add tortellini and cream only during final 30 minutes to prevent pasta from becoming mushy and maintain perfect texture.
  • Toast Bite Crispiness: Watch bread cubes closely during roasting to achieve golden-brown crunchiness without burning, guaranteeing delightful texture contrast in the soup.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 1300mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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