1packagecheese tortellini, either fresh or frozen (9-12 oz)
1candiced tomatoes, including juice (15 oz)
4cupsvegetable broth
1mediumonion, finely chopped
3clovesgarlic, minced
2cupsbaby spinach, roughly chopped
1cupcarrots, thinly sliced
1cupbell pepper, chopped (any variety)
1teaspoonItalian seasoning
0.5teaspoonred pepper flakes (optional)
to tastesalt and black pepper
1cupheavy cream or coconut cream
optionalgrated Parmesan cheese for serving
optionalfresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering and prepping your vegetables. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Slice the carrots into thin rounds. Keep the tortellini set aside for later use.
Layer in the Crockpot: In your large crockpot, layer the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped bell pepper. Add the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice, ensuring you capture all the flavor.
Mix in Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir everything gently to combine, ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Cook the Vegetables: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and infused with flavor.
Add Tortellini and Spinach: Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve, introduce the tortellini and chopped spinach into the crockpot. Gently stir to combine, then cover again to let the tortellini cook.
Incorporate Cream: Once the tortellini are cooked (around 30 minutes), gently stir in either the heavy cream or coconut cream, mixing until fully blended. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Heat Through: Allow the soup to heat for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring it’s piping hot and the flavors meld beautifully.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hearty soup into bowls and serve hot. If desired, top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a delightful touch.
Notes
Serve in rustic bowls and consider drizzling extra cream on top before garnishing with basil.