There is nothing quite like coming home to a warm, comforting meal that’s been simmering away all day. This Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Soup is the definition of cozy, combining tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth into a one-pot wonder. If you’re looking for a simple, set-it-and-forget-it dinner that the whole family will love, you’ve found it. This recipe requires minimal prep and lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights.
We’re creating a soup that’s not just easy but packed with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a dose of pure comfort food. Let’s dive in and make this incredible slow cooker meal together.
Why This Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Soup is a Weeknight Winner
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a game-changer for your dinner rotation. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
- Incredibly Easy: With just a few minutes of prep, you can have this soup cooking in your crockpot. It’s a true dump-and-go recipe that saves you time and effort.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and heavy cream creates a luxuriously smooth and flavorful broth that perfectly coats every single tortellini.
- Family-Approved Flavor: From the tender chicken to the cheesy pasta, every bite is packed with savory goodness. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Hearty and Filling: This soup is a complete meal in one bowl. Packed with chicken, pasta, and spinach, it’s satisfying enough to be a standalone dinner. For a lighter meal, you might enjoy this Blueberry Peach Feta Salad.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of this recipe is its simple, accessible ingredient list. You likely have many of these items in your pantry and refrigerator already.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best as they become incredibly tender and easy to shred.
- Chicken Broth: This forms the flavorful base of our soup. Use a low-sodium version to better control the saltiness.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes adds a wonderful depth and a hint of smokiness.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building a savory foundation.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of herbs that complements the other flavors perfectly.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: The star of the show! Using refrigerated tortellini ensures they cook up perfectly tender without becoming mushy.
- Cream Cheese: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy, rich broth.
- Heavy Cream: Adds another layer of richness and creaminess right at the end.
- Fresh Spinach: A few handfuls wilted in at the end add color, nutrients, and a fresh flavor.
How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crockpot (Step-by-Step)
Making this creamy Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Soup is as easy as 1-2-3. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the diced onion, minced garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together gently.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Stir in the cubed cream cheese until it’s fully melted and integrated into the broth. This will create that signature creamy texture. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini, pushing them down into the broth. If you’re a fan of cheesy crockpot meals, you should also try this Crockpot Cheesy Beef Pasta.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Cover and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through. Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt for a couple of minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Tortellini Soup
Want to take your soup from great to absolutely amazing? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Add the tortellini at the very end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming soft and mushy. They only need a short time to cook through.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor and melt, grate your own Parmesan cheese. It makes a huge difference compared to the pre-shredded kind.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: For an even creamier broth, use softened cream cheese and cube it before adding. It will melt more easily and smoothly into the soup.
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas:
- Add a Veggie Boost: Stir in chopped carrots and celery with the onions for more classic soup flavor and texture.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a gentle kick of heat.
- Switch up the Protein: Try using mild or spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile. Just brown it before adding it to the crockpot. This Crockpot Swamp Soup is another great sausage-based option.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
This soup makes for fantastic leftovers, but it’s important to store it correctly.
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the tortellini will absorb more liquid as it sits.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You may need to add an extra splash of chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tortellini tough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make substitutions for a dairy-free version. Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and full-fat canned coconut milk or a cashew cream instead of heavy cream. You would also need to find a dairy-free tortellini.
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. You may need to add about an hour to the cooking time on low. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
The key is to add the tortellini at the very end of the cooking process. Stir it in during the last 15-20 minutes on high heat. This is just enough time for it to cook through without becoming overcooked and soft.
Refrigerated cheese tortellini works best. It cooks quickly and holds its shape well. Avoid using frozen tortellini as it can become mushy, and dried tortellini would require a much longer cooking time and more liquid.
This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping, a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or garlic bread.
The Best Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Soup (The Easiest, Creamiest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Top with chopped onion, minced garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Stir in the softened, cubed cream cheese until it is completely melted and the broth is creamy.
- Add the refrigerated tortellini to the slow cooker, stirring to submerge them in the broth.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes, just until the tortellini are tender.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach until the spinach is wilted.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Tip 2: Do not use frozen tortellini, as it can alter the cooking time and texture. Stick with fresh, refrigerated tortellini for the best outcome.
Tip 3: If the soup is thicker than you'd like after adding the tortellini, you can stir in an extra splash of chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Share Your Delicious Creation!
I hope you love this Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Soup as much as my family does! It’s truly one of our favorite comfort food meals. If you make it, I would love to see it! Please leave a comment below or share a photo of your masterpiece on Pinterest. Your feedback helps other readers and makes my day!
