Time to go digging for that crock pot because we all know what time it is – soup time! Once you start to see the leaves fall from the trees and the temperatures start to drop then you know it’s Fall. This is the time of the year where our bodies start to crave those warm, delicious smelling, home cooked comfort foods like soups and, that’s why we wanted to share some of the best soup recipes that you can make this fall and winter. You can thank us later.
1. Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini, Spinach, and Chicken Soup
This is by far one of the best. What can go wrong with pasta, chicken, and veggies? This Creamy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup will fill your heart and stomach with joy.
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours
INGREDIENTS
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp dried basil
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 Tbsp tomato paste
3 Tbsp olive oil
4 cups chicken broth
2 (14.5 oz) cans petite diced tomatoes
1 to 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
4 cups frozen cheese tortellini (or you can use fresh)
3 cups packed spinach (you can definitely add more than this if you want)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream or 1 cup half and half
INSTRUCTIONS
In a microwave-safe bowl add the onions, flour, basil, garlic, tomato paste and drizzle with olive oil. Microwave for 5 minutes, stirring every 90 seconds or so. (The mixture will be pasty and look weird but don’t worry it will all be okay in the end). Add the mixture to the slow cooker*.
Add broth, tomatoes, chicken, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours (or until chicken is very tender).
Remove the lid and add in tortellini and spinach, Parmesan cheese and warmed cream (cream should be warmed because it may cause curdling if added in cold).
Use a fork to remove the chicken out of the slow cooker. On a cutting board, shred or cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Add the chicken back into the slow cooker. Put the lid back on and cook on HIGH for about 10 more minutes, or until the tortellini are cooked through. Ladle into serving bowls and enjoy!
2. Copycat Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Can’t go wrong with the good ol’ Broccoli Cheddar Soup we all know to love. This recipe will make you feel like you are eating at Panera but from the comfort of your own home.
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook time: 25 Minutes
Ingredients
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 medium chopped onion
1 cup melted butter
1 cup flour
2 cups chicken stock
1 lb of fresh broccoli( about 3 cups) chopped into bite-size pieces
2 cups half-and-half cream
1 carrot julienned (can buy matchstick carrots in produce section)
1 tsp nutmeg
8 ounces of grated sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups)
Salt and Pepper
Instructions
Sauté onion in 1 tablespoon of butter. Set aside.
Cook the 1/4 cup melted butter and flour using a whisk over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir constantly and add the half & half.
Add the chicken stock and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Add the broccoli, carrots and reserved onions. Cook over low heat 20-25 minutes.
Add salt and pepper. You can leave the soup chunky or blend about 1 cup of the soup and stir it in for a smoother soup (that’s what I did). Return to low heat and add the cheese. If your heat is too high your soup can get grainy. Stir in the nutmeg.
Serve with crusty bread.