Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup with Cheddar & Toast Bites
This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup is warm, comforting, and packed with cheesy tortellini in a rich tomato broth. Served with crispy cheddar toast bites, it’s a cozy and satisfying meal perfect for busy days.
⏱️ Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: About 4–6 hours
Servings: 6
🥘 Ingredients
For the Soup
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (800 g / 28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional)
For the Cheddar Toast Bites
4 slices bread
2 tbsp butter, melted
½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker
Transfer the sautéed mixture to the slow cooker and add:
crushed tomatoes
broth
Italian seasoning
salt and pepper
sugar (optional)
Stir to combine.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Cream
Stir in cheese tortellini and heavy cream.
Cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes until tortellini are tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Make the Cheddar Toast Bites
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Cut bread into small cubes or squares.
Toss with melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley.
Sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
Bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle soup into bowls and top with cheddar toast bites and fresh basil.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
Green salad
Garlic bread
Roasted vegetables
❓ Q&A
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes. Frozen tortellini works perfectly; just cook them a little longer (about 5 extra minutes).
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes. Simply use vegetable broth and cheese tortellini.
How do I make the soup thicker?
Add:
extra cheese
or mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and stir into the soup.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yes. Simmer the soup base on the stovetop for 20 minutes, then add tortellini and cream and cook until tender.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
It’s best to freeze the soup without tortellini, then add fresh tortellini when reheating.
✅ Tip: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the soup during the last few minutes for extra nutrition.
