As much as I love cooking I really do appreciate ease of preparation. Being able to prepare a dish without messing about with a lot of chopping, dicing, grating or sauteing can be a welcomed break every once in a while. That's why I love this recipe: either in the slow cooker or on the stove top you will put forth very minimal effort for a very lovely and satisfying dinner.
This is a wonderfully thick, substantial soup that cloaks you in warmth on a cold winter's night. Or any night for that matter. I would even eat this soup on a hot summer's day. It's delicious served with garlic bread as an accompaniment but just as satisfying on it's own.
*Recipe adapted from Sandi Richard
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Serves 4
1 onion, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
4 cups chicken stock
24 oz jar of pasta sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp basil
1 tsp oregano
2 cups frozen mixed veggies
1 cup water
1 tsp chili flakes
Package of fresh tortellini
Parmesan (Optional)
Stove-Top Directions:
In a large pot over medium-high heat add a tablespoon or so of oil. Add the chopped onion, celery and garlic and saute for about 5 minutes until the veggies have softened. Add the rest of the ingredients (except tortellini and parmesan) and simmer for about 3o minutes.
In a separate pot, boil the tortellini. Drain and toss with a little bit of olive oil. Scoop the tortellini into bowls and ladle the hot soup over. Shave a little parmesan over the soup and serve.
Slow Cooker Directions:
Add all ingredients to the crock pot (except parmesan and tortellini) and cook on low 6-8 hours. When ready to eat, boil pasta in a separate pot. Drain and toss with olive oil. Serve as directed above.
Click here for printable version of Tortellini Soup
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THE RESULTS?
Mmmm...so satisfying and so delicious. I've made this soup a few times and it always pleases the whole family. I do have to mention that I am a bit of a tortellini snob, and I think fresh tortellini that you buy in the deli refrigerated case (such as Olivieri) is the way to go. In my books, dried tortellini is pretty disgusting. How can they dry cheese or meat and let it sit on the shelf for an eternity and then expect people to eat it? Too weird and too gross for my liking. So please use fresh tortellini. It's the only way to go.
Chop onion and celery and add to the crock pot. Then add all other ingredients except tortellini. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.