Slow Cooker Cheesy Butternut Squash and Tortellini Soup
Try this Slow Cooker Cheesy Butternut Squash and Tortellini Soup recipe
Try this Slow Cooker Cheesy Butternut Squash and Tortellini Soup recipe
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
- 3/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper
- 1 small sweet onion finely diced
- 3 cups cubed butternut squash
- 2 cups progressoâ„¢ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
- 1 can (12 oz) beer (i used pumpkin beer)
- 10 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups shredded fontina cheese (6 oz)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 oz)
- 4 oz crumbled blue cheese if desired
- 2 cloves garlic grated or finely chopped
- 1 honeycrisp or granny smith apple finely diced
- Carbohydrate 29.6045079040144 g
- Cholesterol 34.01942772 mg
- Fat 9.07063917339417 g
- Fiber 2.29746447134989 g
- Protein 11.1730942552345 g
- Saturated Fat 5.26550006511092 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (147g)
- Sodium 448.017822095033 mg
- Sugar 27.3070434326645 g
- Trans Fat 0.88523422374225 g
- Calories 242 calories
Step-by-step
- Spray or grease 4-quart or larger slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, apple, squash, carrots, chicken broth, milk, beer, crushed red pepper flakes, rosemary, salt and pepper.
- Cover; cook on Low heat setting 4 to 6 hours or High heat setting 2 to 4 hours. Squash should be tender.
- Transfer soup to blender; puree until smooth. Return to slow cooker.
- Add tortellini and cheeses; stir to combine. Cover; cook on High heat setting about 10 minutes or until tortellini is soft.
- Ladle into bowls; garnish with extra cheese, if desired. Serve with crusty bread.
Slow Cooker Cheesy Butternut Squash and Tortellini Soup: A Busy Mom's Dream
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Finding quick, easy, and delicious meals is a constant quest. That's why I’m so thrilled to share this recipe for Slow Cooker Cheesy Butternut Squash and Tortellini Soup – a recipe that’s become a staple in our household. It's hearty, comforting, and best of all, practically cooks itself!
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. You simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker in the morning, and by the evening, you’re greeted with a warm, flavorful bowl of goodness. No more frantic after-work cooking sessions! The butternut squash, mellowed by the slow cooking process, blends seamlessly with the creamy cheeses and savory broth. The tortellini adds a delightful chewy texture, and a sprinkle of extra cheese on top elevates the dish to pure comfort food heaven. It's the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or a lazy weekend afternoon.
I often adapt this recipe based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I swap out the pumpkin beer for regular beer or even omit it altogether. The cheeses are also easily customizable. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of your favorite cheeses – a blend of parmesan and mozzarella would be delicious, or even a creamy Gruyere. The key is to use cheeses that melt well and add a rich, savory flavor.
Beyond the Recipe: This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a time saver, a stress reliever, and a delicious way to nourish my family. It's about finding those simple moments of joy amidst the chaos of everyday life. The aroma of this soup simmering in the slow cooker fills my kitchen with a comforting warmth, creating a cozy atmosphere that welcomes my family home after a long day. It’s a reminder that even in the busiest of lives, there's always time for a warm, homemade meal.
Serving Suggestions: I love serving this soup with a crusty bread for dipping. It’s also wonderful served with a side salad for a more balanced meal. And for a truly indulgent treat, add a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche on top. This soup is so versatile; it's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
Making it Ahead: One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Simply reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve. This makes it ideal for meal prepping and ensures that you always have a healthy and delicious meal on hand.
This slow cooker cheesy butternut squash and tortellini soup is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and smart cooking techniques. It's a recipe that I'll be making for years to come, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too. So, ditch the complicated recipes and embrace the ease and deliciousness of this simple, yet satisfying, soup!
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the beer and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Heartier Soup: Add cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
- Different Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or mushrooms.
Enjoy!
