If you’re looking for a soul-warming meal that practically makes itself, then you’re going to adore this Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out — it’s rich, comforting, and packed with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant spinach. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving something cozy for yourself, this soup hits all the right notes and is so simple to throw together in your slow cooker.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: You toss everything in the crock pot and let it do its thing — no babysitting needed.
- Perfectly Creamy & Comforting: The blend of cream, parmesan, and tender chicken makes it irresistibly cozy.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: Even the pickiest eaters in my house ask for seconds every time.
- One-Pot Meal: Combines protein, vegetables, and carbs for a hearty, balanced dinner without extra fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup only calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in a slow cooker. I like to choose good-quality chicken breasts and freshly shredded parmesan, which really elevates the flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook up tender and shred perfectly in the crock pot.
- Yellow onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the soup base.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic amps up the savory notes.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup rich without overpowering saltiness.
- Tomato paste: Gives a subtle tang and thickens the broth beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess.
- Seasonings (black pepper, salt, thyme, oregano, Italian seasoning): Blends classic Italian flavors for a fragrant soup.
- Corn starch: Helps thicken the soup once the cream is added.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, velvety texture you’ll fall in love with.
- Frozen cheese tortellini: Melts into the soup, offering cheesy pockets of comfort.
- Parmesan cheese: Injects savory depth and a salty finish.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds brightness and a splash of healthy green goodness.
Variations
I love how versatile this Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is — feel free to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs! I’ve tried some tweaks that worked really well, and I’m excited for you to try your own spin.
- Mild Spice Boost: I add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking to give it a gentle kick without overpowering the creaminess.
- Vegetable Load-Up: Sometimes I toss in chopped carrots or mushrooms along with the onions for extra texture and nutrition.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap the heavy cream and parmesan for coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy, vegan-friendly twist.
- Herb Swaps: Fresh basil or rosemary in place of dried herbs give a lovely, more vibrant flavor if you have them on hand.
How to Make Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Start With a Flavorful Base
Begin by adding the chicken breasts, diced onion, chicken broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and all the seasonings straight into your slow cooker. Don’t worry about sautéing the onions beforehand — the long cooking time softens them right up. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and flavorful.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. This is one of my favorite parts — freshly shredded chicken is so juicy and perfect in soup! Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot so it can mingle with all the flavors.
Step 3: Add the Cream, Tortellini, and Spinach
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth — this slurry helps thicken the soup and keeps that creamy texture from separating. Pour it into the crock pot along with the frozen tortellini, parmesan cheese, and fresh baby spinach. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, then let the soup cook for another 45 minutes or so. This allows the tortellini to cook through and the spinach to soften just right.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded parmesan cheese. I love how the cheese melts just a little on top, adding a salty punch. Pull up a chair and enjoy the cozy warmth — this soup is seriously like a hug in a bowl!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Slurry: I discovered this trick after my first batch got too runny; it gives the soup that perfect thick, silky texture.
- Use Frozen Tortellini Straight from the Bag: No need to thaw! Tossing the frozen tortellini in ensures they hold their shape and cook evenly during that last 45-minute step.
- Shred Chicken While Warm: I find the easiest way to shred chicken is right when it’s hot, so make sure not to wait too long to pull it out of the crock pot.
- Avoid Overcooking the Tortellini: Cooking tortellini too long can make it mushy, so keep an eye on it during the last step and don’t rush the timing.
How to Serve Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly grated parmesan for that extra nutty crunch and sometimes toss chopped fresh basil on top when I have it on hand. A drizzle of good olive oil or a grind of black pepper adds a lovely finishing touch, too. These simple garnishes take the soup up a notch.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides are crusty Italian bread or garlic knots—perfect for dunking! You could also serve a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. If you’re feeling indulgent, some roasted vegetables make a great accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love serving this soup in mini bread bowls—it’s such a fun twist that guests go crazy for. You could also layer the soup with fresh herbs and a parmesan crisp on top for a party-ready presentation. It’s these small touches that make it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always cool the soup to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the texture of the tortellini and to keep the cream from separating.
Freezing
Freezing creamy soups can be tricky, but I’ve had decent results with this recipe by slightly undercooking the tortellini before freezing. Freeze the soup without the tortellini if you want to prevent mushiness, then add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often to keep the cream from curdling. Adding a splash of broth or cream during reheating helps refresh the soup’s consistency.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Add it after the broth and tomatoes have simmered so the flavors blend nicely without overcooking the chicken.
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What kind of tortellini works best in this soup?
I prefer frozen cheese tortellini because it cooks evenly in the slow cooker and delivers a luscious cheesy bite. You can also use fresh or refrigerated tortellini, but adjust cooking time since fresh pasta cooks faster.
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Can I make this soup without dairy?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and swap parmesan for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese to keep it creamy and flavorful while fitting a dairy-free diet.
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How long can I leave the soup on the crock pot before adding tortellini?
Cook the chicken and broth base for 3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low. Adding tortellini too early risks it getting mushy, so save it for the last 45 minutes after adding cream and parmesan.
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Is it okay if I don’t have fresh spinach on hand?
While fresh spinach really brightens up the soup, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain it well before stirring it in during the last step to avoid excess water in the soup.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is one of those meals that has become a staple in my kitchen — it’s easy enough for busy weeknights but feels special enough to serve when friends come over. I love how it brings comfort and smiles around the table, and I’m sure once you try it, it’ll become a favorite for your family too. Trust me, with such simple steps and ingredients, this is a slow cooker win you’ll keep coming back to again and again. Don’t wait to give it a go — I’d bet you’re going to love it as much as I do!
Print
Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Tortellini Soup 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 the crock pot, combining tender shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a blend of Italian seasonings in a rich tomato and cream-based broth. Perfect for chilly days and loved by kids and adults alike, this soup is a hearty meal that’s ideal for picky eaters and busy families.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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 Creamy Addition
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Additional Ingredients
- 19 ounces frozen cheese tortellini
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (finely shredded), plus extra for garnish
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Place the chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, black pepper, salt, dried thyme, oregano, and Italian seasoning into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and flavors to meld thoroughly.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts and use two forks to shred them finely. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup base.
- Prepare Cream Mixture and Add Tortellini: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth and lump-free. Add this mixture along with the frozen cheese tortellini, shredded parmesan cheese, and fresh baby spinach into the crock pot. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Continue Cooking: Cook the soup for an additional 45 minutes in the crock pot to thicken and allow the tortellini to cook through while the spinach wilts.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional parmesan cheese as desired before serving.
Notes
- This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a perfect wintertime comfort food favorite, creamy and full of flavor.
- Kids especially love this recipe, making it great for picky eaters.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level in the soup.
- Frozen cheese tortellini cooks perfectly in the slow cooker without becoming mushy due to the added cream and cornstarch thickener.
- Fresh spinach adds a nutritious and colorful touch to this hearty soup.
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