📖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomato Base: In a large bowl, combine one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed. If you're feeling fancy, a splash of dry white wine can elevate the flavor, but its totally optional!
2. Add Aromatics and Seasonings: To the tomato mixture, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (for a little kick!), 1 teaspoon of sugar (to balance the acidity), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together until the spices are evenly distributed. Pro tip: Fresh herbs work wonders too, but dried are super convenient.
3. Pour into the Crockpot: Pour the tomato mixture into your crockpot. Make sure your crockpot is at least a 6-quart size to prevent overflow. Nobody wants a tomato soup explosion!
4. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together, creating a richer, more satisfying soup. If you're using the high setting, keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook.
5. Add Cream Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese, cut into small cubes. This will make the soup incredibly creamy and delicious. Make sure the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated before moving on to the next step. I like to use full-fat cream cheese for maximum creaminess, but the reduced-fat version works too.
6. Incorporate Tortellini: Add 20 ounces of refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine. If you're using frozen tortellini, no need to thaw it first.
7. Cook Until Tortellini Is Tender: Continue cooking until the tortellini is tender, about 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, or they will become mushy. Nobody likes mushy tortellini!
8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy! If you're feeling extra fancy, serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.