Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini (Print View)

Slow-cooked creamy tortellini blends delicate veggies and delicious broth for a wholesome, satisfying vegetarian meal.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
02 - 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 4 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

→ Broth & Dairy

06 - 5 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
07 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
08 - 1 cup low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk
09 - 1/3 cup light cream cheese, softened

→ Pasta

10 - 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini

→ Seasonings

11 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
12 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
14 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
15 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
16 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Garnish

17 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Place onion, carrots, celery, garlic, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly.
02 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours until vegetables become tender.
03 - Uncover and stir in cheese tortellini, baby spinach, milk, and light cream cheese. Mix well to ensure cream cheese is fully melted and base appears creamy.
04 - Cover again and cook on HIGH for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tortellini are cooked through and spinach is wilted.
05 - Taste and adjust salt or black pepper as desired. Ladle soup into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick prep means you only need 15 minutes before the slow cooker does the rest
  • Classic creamy texture with less fat than most versions
  • Packed with veggies and cheese tortellini for both nutrition and satisfaction
  • Kid friendly but impressive enough for guests
02 -
  • Vegetarian and easy to make dairy free or protein boosted with beans
  • Great for meal prep as it keeps well for days
  • Ready with only 15 minutes of hands on cooking
03 -
  • Taste the vegetable broth before starting—not all packaged broths are created equal and some are extra salty
  • Always sneak a taste before serving as the seasoning develops with the vegetables
  • Cut vegetables in similar sized pieces for even tenderness
  • For an extra pop of flavor add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving it really makes the vegetables taste fresh and lively

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