If you’re looking for a cozy, soul-soothing soup that practically makes itself, I can’t recommend this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe enough. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—loaded with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach all swimming in a luscious, creamy broth. I love this recipe because it’s effortless to throw together in the morning and then come home to a comforting dinner that the whole family adores.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set It and Forget It: The slow cooker does the hard work, letting you focus on other things while dinner simmers away.
- Comfort in Every Spoonful: Creamy broth, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini create a satisfying bowl that hits all the right notes.
- Family-Friendly: My kids absolutely go crazy for this soup, and it’s perfect for picky eaters.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples, making this recipe perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe come together beautifully to create a balanced, flavorful soup. Using frozen tortellini saves time, and the blend of Italian herbs really brings the flavors to life. When shopping, try to get fresh baby spinach and good-quality cheese tortellini for the best results.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to shred and become tender in the slow cooker.
- Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: I prefer fresh minced for that punch of aroma.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Helps control the salt level while keeping the soup rich.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that adds body to the broth.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds freshness and a slight tang to balance the creaminess.
- Black pepper: For subtle heat and flavor layering.
- Salt: Enhance all those delicious flavors, but keep it modest since broth can be salty.
- Dried thyme, oregano, Italian seasoning: They’re the soul of this soup—don’t skip them!
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the soup and help the creamy texture.
- Heavy cream: Brings incredible creaminess and richness.
- Frozen cheese tortellini: A time-saving, gooey addition that kids love.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick; freshly shredded is best.
- Fresh baby spinach: Provides color, nutrients, and freshness at the end.
Variations
I love to customize this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe depending on what I have on hand or to suit everyone’s tastes. It’s a versatile base that invites personalization.
- Vegetable-packed: Once, I threw in sliced mushrooms and carrots, which gave the soup an earthy sweetness and made it even heartier.
- Dairy-free: For a friend with lactose intolerance, I swapped heavy cream for coconut milk and used dairy-free cheese — the soup still had great creaminess and flavor.
- Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño early in the cooking transforms it into a spicy wonder.
- Protein swap: Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken work fine if you’re in a hurry or prefer different protein options.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
Start by adding the chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and all the seasonings directly into your slow cooker. I usually give the tomato paste a quick stir so it’s evenly spread out before covering. This layering helps your chicken cook evenly while infusing the broth with rich, savory flavors.
Step 2: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot and set it to low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I prefer the low setting—it lets the flavors meld beautifully and keeps the chicken juicy. But if you’re short on time, high works just fine. When the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with two forks, you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Creamify
Remove the chicken and shred it right in the crock pot or on a plate with two forks. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth—that little slurry is what thickens the soup and makes it wonderfully creamy without any lumps. Add this mixture back into the crock pot along with the frozen tortellini, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. Stir everything together and cook for another 45 minutes to an hour so those tortellini get tender and the spinach wilts perfectly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top if you like a little extra cheesy goodness. I love serving it with warm, crusty bread or garlic rolls for dipping. Trust me, this soup disappears fast once it hits the table!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Slurry: It’s the secret to getting that velvety texture without a flour roux—whisk it well to avoid lumps.
- Use Frozen Tortellini Straight from the Bag: No need to thaw—it cooks perfectly in the last 45 minutes in the crock pot.
- Shred Chicken Carefully: I find shredding it right in the pot saves clean-up and lets it soak up more flavor.
- Prevent Overcooking the Tortellini: Keep an eye on the last cook time; overcooked tortellini can get mushy fast.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, I’m a big fan of extra freshly grated Parmesan—its nutty saltiness just finishes the soup perfectly. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a few torn fresh basil leaves when I want a hint of freshness and a little kick. If you have some crispy bacon bits on hand, they add a great texture contrast too!
Side Dishes
I like pairing this soup with a warm crusty baguette or garlic breadsticks that are perfect for dipping. A simple side salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, too. For casual dinners, some roasted vegetables or an herby quinoa salad round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls, which makes the presentation feel fancy and fun. Another way I like to dress it up is by adding a drizzle of pesto on top or a dollop of sour cream to create an eye-catching contrast. It’s a simple trick that wows guests without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the soup cools, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for about 3-4 days. Just keep in mind the tortellini will soak up more broth over time, thickening the soup, so you might want to stir in a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe a couple of times by portioning it into freezer-safe containers before adding the tortellini—since pasta can get mushy after freezing. Then, when ready to eat, I cook fresh tortellini separately and add it in at serving time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent the cream from separating. If the soup is too thick after storing, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it back up to that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it and add it in during the last 45 minutes with the cream, peas, tortellini, and spinach instead of cooking raw chicken in the crock pot. It might change the cooking time but maintains great flavor.
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What kind of tortellini works best in this soup?
I recommend frozen cheese tortellini for convenience and creaminess. You could also use fresh tortellini if you find it, but be mindful they cook faster, so add them during the last part of cooking to avoid mushiness.
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Can I make this soup dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! For dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut or almond milk and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for cheesiness. For a fully vegan version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based protein like tofu or seitan instead of chicken.
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How do I prevent the tortellini from getting mushy?
The key is to add the tortellini during the last 45 minutes of cooking, not before. If you’re using fresh tortellini, consider adding it in even closer to the end to keep it al dente and avoid mushiness.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe has become a total staple in my kitchen—especially on chilly evenings when I want something hearty without fuss. It feels so rewarding to come home and have a delicious, comforting meal waiting, and it’s always a hit around the dinner table. I hope you give it a try because it’s truly one of those recipes that makes busy nights feel a little easier and a lot more delicious.
Print
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy and comforting Chicken Tortellini Soup is made effortlessly in a crock pot, combining tender shredded chicken, savory tomato broth, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for chilly days, this hearty soup pleases the whole family, including picky eaters.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Thickening and Cream
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Additional Ingredients
- 19 ounces frozen cheese tortellini
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Add chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black pepper, salt, dried thyme, oregano, and Italian seasoning to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, or alternatively on low heat for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup to mix.
- Prepare the cream slurry and add ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and corn starch until smooth with no lumps. Pour this mixture into the crock pot, then add frozen cheese tortellini, Parmesan cheese, and fresh baby spinach. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
- Finish cooking: Continue to cook the soup in the crock pot on high for an additional 45 minutes, allowing the tortellini to cook through, the soup to thicken, and the spinach to wilt.
- Serve: Ladle the warm soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- This soup is a wintertime favorite, providing cozy warmth and creamy texture that kids absolutely love.
- It’s an excellent choice for picky eaters who enjoy familiar, cheesy flavors.
- Make sure not to overcook the tortellini to maintain their tender bite.
- Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt to taste to control sodium content.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 567 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg