Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Soothing Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe for Comfort

Warming up your kitchen with a hearty slow cooker chicken tortellini soup promises comfort and flavor in every spoonful.

Pasta lovers will adore this simple yet satisfying meal that practically cooks itself.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken and soft tortellini, creating a delightful dining experience.

Kitchen magic happens when minimal effort produces maximum taste, making this recipe a weeknight champion.

Fragrant herbs and rich broth mingle to craft a soul-soothing dish that feels like a warm embrace.

Busy cooks appreciate how easily this soup comes together with just a few ingredients and minimal prep.

We bet you’ll want seconds of this irresistible, cozy classic that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Tips to Enhance Slow Cooker Soup Flavor

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and lean protein.
  • Fresh tortellini works best, but vacuum-sealed refrigerated pasta holds shape better than frozen varieties.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and balanced flavor distribution.
  • Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutrient profiles and textures.
  • Garnish with fresh parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to enhance the soup's richness and presentation.

Variations That Brighten Chicken Tortellini Soup

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans for a meat-free version that maintains protein content.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cheese tortellini or replace with rice pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Mediterranean Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and a splash of white wine for an enhanced Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the soup's hearty essence.

Pairing Ideas to Enjoy Chicken Tortellini Soup

  • This bright white wine cuts through the soup's richness, complementing the chicken and vegetable flavors with its zesty citrus notes.
  • Toasted bread slices topped with garlic and parmesan provide a crunchy contrast to the soup's soft tortellini and tender chicken.
  • A light, lemony green salad with mixed herbs like basil and parsley will refresh the palate between spoonfuls of hearty soup.
  • A bubbly, citrus-infused water cleanses the palate and adds a refreshing touch to the warm, comforting soup.

Storage Guidelines for Chicken Tortellini Soup

  • Refrigerate: Store soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Tortellini might soften slightly when thawed.
  • Microwave Reheat: Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add splash of broth if soup seems thick.
  • Stovetop Reheat: Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if needed to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • What type of tortellini works best in this soup?

Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini are ideal. Avoid dried tortellini as they might become too soft during cooking.

  • Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh?

Yes, you can add frozen chicken directly to the slow cooker. Just increase cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure chicken is fully cooked.

  • Is this soup healthy?

This soup is protein-rich and loaded with vegetables. It provides a balanced meal with lean protein from chicken and nutrients from carrots, celery, and spinach.

  • How can I make the soup more flavorful?

Add Italian herbs like basil or oregano, or include a parmesan cheese rind during slow cooking to enhance the overall taste profile.

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup Magic

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic, creating a hassle-free dinner solution for busy families.
  • Nutrition-Packed Comfort: Loaded with tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and hearty tortellini, this soup delivers a balanced meal in one delicious bowl.
  • Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Soft pasta and mild flavors make this soup a winner for picky eaters, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
  • Minimal Cleanup Champion: With just one pot and simple ingredients, this recipe minimizes kitchen mess and saves precious after-dinner cleaning time.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Soup

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that forms the protein foundation of the soup.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic base.
  • Carrots, Celery: Adds natural sweetness and nutritional value to the soup.
Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Broth: Creates the flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.
  • Seasoning: Enhances the overall taste profile.
Additional Components:
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds texture and substance.
  • Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that provides color and nutritional boost.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker Base

Place the chicken into your slow cooker. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces.

Arrange these vegetables around the chicken. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients.

Sprinkle in your favorite Italian-inspired seasonings like dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low temperature.

Let the mixture simmer gently for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and the vegetables to release their delicious flavors.

Step 3: Shred and Transform the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and use two forks to pull it apart into soft, bite-sized shreds.

Return the shredded chicken back to the cooking liquid.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Greens

Introduce the cheese tortellini and fresh spinach leaves into the slow cooker.

Switch the temperature setting to high and cook for 20 to 30 minutes until the pasta becomes perfectly tender and the spinach wilts beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming, hearty soup into bowls.

Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy this comforting meal.

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Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty slow cooker chicken tortellini soup brings comfort and warmth to winter meals. Creamy cheese tortellini nestles with tender chicken in a rich broth, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts
  • 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (280 g) cheese tortellini
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 cup (30 g) baby spinach
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine whole chicken pieces, diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, chopped celery, aromatic broth, and herb-infused seasoning into the slow cooker vessel.
  2. Allow ingredients to simmer gently on low temperature setting for 6-7 hours, enabling chicken to become tender and flavors to meld thoroughly.
  3. Remove chicken from slow cooker and carefully shred meat using two forks, pulling apart into soft, bite-sized pieces.
  4. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and introduce pre-packaged cheese tortellini and fresh, vibrant spinach leaves.
  5. Increase slow cooker temperature to high setting and cook for 20-30 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture and spinach wilts delicately.
  6. Ladle steaming soup into deep serving bowls, ensuring each portion contains a harmonious blend of protein, vegetables, and pasta.
  7. Garnish with optional fresh herbs or grated parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor profile before serving immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and lean protein.
  • Enhance flavor by sautéing onions and garlic briefly before adding to slow cooker for deeper taste profile.
  • Use fresh cheese tortellini for better texture and richer flavor compared to frozen varieties.
  • Add spinach in the last 10 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain vibrant green color and nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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