Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup

### **Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**
Start by prepping all your vegetables. Dice the onion, chop the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. This step ensures that everything is ready to go into the slow cooker.

**2. Add the Base to the Slow Cooker:**
In the slow cooker, combine the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients together to mix evenly.

**3. Slow Cook:**
Cover the slow cooker and cook on **low heat for 6-7 hours** or on **high for 3-4 hours**. The vegetables will become tender, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.

**4. Add the Tortellini and Cream:**
About 30 minutes before serving, add the tortellini to the slow cooker, along with the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and cover. Cook on **high for 20-30 minutes** or until the tortellini is tender and heated through.

**5. Stir in the Spinach (Optional):**
If you’re using spinach, stir it into the soup just before serving. The spinach will wilt down in just a few minutes, adding a pop of color and an extra dose of nutrients.

**6. Serve and Garnish:**
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve with some crusty bread or a light salad on the side for a complete meal.

### **Tips and Variations:**

– **Add Protein:** For a heartier meal, you can add cooked shredded chicken, Italian sausage, or even bacon to the soup. Just add it in when you add the tortellini and cream to the slow cooker.
– **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to get creative with the vegetables you include in this soup. Frozen peas, zucchini, or even sweet potatoes would all work well.
– **Make It Lighter:** If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content.
– **Spice It Up:** For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the base of the soup.
– **Use Different Tortellini:** While cheese tortellini is the classic choice, you can also try other types of tortellini, like spinach and ricotta or meat-filled tortellini, for a different flavor profile.
– **Freeze for Later:** This soup freezes well. To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just note that the cream may separate slightly when reheating, so you may want to stir in a little extra cream or broth to bring it back together.

### **Why This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is a Winner:**

This **Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup** is the epitome of comfort food. It’s rich and creamy without being too heavy, and the addition of fresh spinach and vegetables balances out the flavors beautifully. The tortellini absorbs the creamy broth, creating a dish that’s flavorful and satisfying.

One of the best parts about this soup is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a wholesome, homemade meal that feels like it’s been simmering for hours. It’s perfect for busy days when you want something that’s both comforting and easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd or enjoy a meal throughout the week with leftovers.

### **Final Thoughts:**
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or something to bring to a potluck, this **Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup** will impress everyone who tries it. It’s the kind of dish that’s just as satisfying on a busy weekday as it is on a relaxed weekend. So, gather your ingredients, toss them into the slow cooker, and let the magic happen. The result? A deliciously creamy, flavorful soup that’s ready to warm you up from the inside out. Enjoy!