If you are searching for a soul-warming dish to cozy up your chilly evenings, you have to try this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a velvety broth enriched with fresh spinach and parmesan. Slow-cooked to perfection, this soup brings comfort straight from the slow cooker to your bowl, making it an effortless yet satisfying meal that the whole family will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a black slow cooker, there is a mix of four visible layers: at the bottom, a light brown broth fills most of the pot, above it sits a layer of small, bright red tomato pieces scattered in the center, then a layer of finely chopped white onions spread evenly across the surface, and finally, a sprinkled layer of dark green dried herbs rests mostly around the edges, floating lightly on top. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients will set you up for success. Each one plays a vital role in layering flavors and textures, from the savory chicken broth to the luscious creaminess that ties everything together.

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides the main protein, tenderizes beautifully during slow cooking.
1 cup yellow onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to the soup.
3 teaspoons minced garlic: Delivers warmth and depth to the savory broth.
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a rich and flavorful liquid foundation without overwhelming saltiness.
6 ounces tomato paste: Gives a depth of umami and slight acidity for balance.
28 ounces diced tomatoes: Introduce sweet, tangy brightness with chunks of tomato texture.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
½ teaspoon dried thyme: Brings an earthy, herbal note.
½ teaspoon oregano: Lends a classic Italian touch to the seasoning blend.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Combines herbs that complement the soup’s overall Italian-inspired profile.
2 tablespoons corn starch: Helps thicken the soup, creating that signature creamy texture.
1 ½ cups heavy cream: Adds luscious richness and smoothness to the broth.
19 ounces frozen cheese tortellini: Provides a delightful cheesy bite and hearty texture.
½ cup finely shredded parmesan cheese: Imparts salty depth and umami boost.
3 cups fresh baby spinach: Infuses freshness, vibrant color, and added nutrition.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by placing the chicken breasts, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and all the dried herbs and seasonings into your slow cooker. This combination will build a flavorful broth that melds gently over hours.

Step 2: Slow Cook Until Tender

Set your slow cooker to high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 5 to 6 hours. This slow, steady heat allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and the flavors to develop deeply, creating a rich foundation for the soup.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker so it can soak up the delicious broth.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and corn starch until smooth without lumps. This slurry will thicken the soup nicely, giving it that creamy, comforting texture we all crave.

Step 5: Add Tortellini, Cheese, and Spinach

Pour the cream mixture into the slow cooker, then add the frozen cheese tortellini, shredded parmesan cheese, and fresh baby spinach. Stir everything gently until well combined.

Step 6: Final Cooking

Let the soup continue cooking for an additional 45 minutes. This final cook time allows the tortellini to become tender, the parmesan to melt in perfectly, and the spinach to wilt into the broth, rounding out the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe

A black slow cooker filled with creamy orange sauce holding yellow tortellini pasta, small pieces of cooked chicken, dark green spinach leaves, and bits of red tomato evenly mixed throughout. The tortellini pieces are plump and smooth with folded edges, floating on the sauce surface. To the top right, a golden-brown baguette rests beside the slow cooker on a textured grey cloth. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface, with a small part of a blue plate visible in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra shredded parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper on top just before serving. A small handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley can add a lovely pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This soup is wonderfully hearty on its own but pairs fabulously with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last bit of that creamy broth. A simple crisp green salad also offers a refreshing counterbalance to the warm richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a cozy, all-in-one presentation. You can also ladle it over cooked pasta shells or serve it alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for a nostalgic comfort meal that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool before refrigerating to keep the flavors fresh and the texture intact.

Freezing

While this soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions before adding the tortellini and spinach for quality that holds up better. Freeze in meal-sized containers for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Add fresh spinach and tortellini after reheating if freezing without them, then cook until tender for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts in the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Add it in the last step with the tortellini and spinach to warm through without overcooking.

What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little flour or cornstarch to help thicken the soup, but the texture will be a little lighter.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the chicken. You might want to add extra tortellini or beans for protein and heartiness.

How spicy is this soup?

This soup is very mild and kid-friendly. If you prefer a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce when serving.

Can I prepare this soup in an Instant Pot instead of a Crock Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté setting for the initial steps, then pressure cook for about 15 minutes before finishing with the cream, tortellini, and spinach on the sauté setting again.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend enough giving this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe a try. It is one of those dishes that transforms a simple weeknight into something special with minimal effort. Cozy, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect antidote to chilly days or whenever you need a little comfort in a bowl.