Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup
The Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup is one of those comforting dishes that has the power to warm your heart and soul. I remember the first time I made this soup on a chilly winter evening when the snow was falling softly outside. I had just returned home from a long day and was craving something calming and delicious. As the aroma of simmering chicken and fresh herbs filled my kitchen, I felt the stress of the day melt away. This dish was a hug in a bowl, and it quickly became a favorite in my household. Each spoonful of this tortellini soup brings nostalgia, warmth, and a sense of togetherness, making it the perfect meal to share with family and friends.
Recipe Snapshot
3 hr 45 mins
15 mins
210 mins
Hard
350 kcal
30 g
Gluten-Free
10 g
6 quart slow cooker, Large spoon, Measuring cups and spoons, Cutting board, Sharp knife, Boxgrater, 2 forks, Ladle
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup Stands Out
It’s Hearty and Filling
The Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup is more than just a warm meal; it’s a complete dish packed with protein from the chicken and the delightful cheese tortellini. Each serving is hearty enough to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
Convenience of the Slow Cooker
One of the best things about this soup is the convenience of the slow cooker. Just toss all the ingredients in, set it, and forget it! You can carry on with your day without worrying about the meal, and by dinnertime, your kitchen will be filled with an inviting aroma that will have everyone rushing to the table.
Customizable Ingredients
This recipe is easily adaptable. If you have leftover vegetables, feel free to toss them in! Whether it’s some extra spinach or a few diced carrots, you can make this soup your own while still keeping that classic flavor.
Great for Meal Prepping
This soup holds up wonderfully in the fridge and can be made in large batches. You can easily meal prep for the week, making it a perfect option for busy weekdays when you need something quick and satisfying.
Comfort Food That Warms the Soul
Nothing beats a cozy bowl of soup on a cold winter day. The Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food that can turn a dreary day into something special. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories shared over a warm meal.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup
The magic of the Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup lies in its simple yet wholesome ingredients that work wonderfully together. From the tender chicken to the savory broth, each component adds depth and flavor, creating a symphony of tastes. The tortellini adds a delightful texture, while the fresh spinach brings a touch of color and nutrition. Together, these ingredients combine to offer not just a meal, but a comforting experience.
- 2 Chicken breasts – boneless, skinless, provides a tender base for the soup.
- 3 cans Tomatoes – 14 ounce cans, crushed or diced, they add acidity and depth of flavor.
- 1 Large carrot – grated, lends natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 Small onion – diced, gives a classic flavor base that enhances the soup.
- 32 ounces Low sodium chicken broth – the heart of the soup, bringing everything together.
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that infuses the dish with aromatic notes.
- ½ Teaspoon Dried basil – for a fresh, herbal essence.
- 1 Teaspoon Salt – to enhance all the flavors.
- ½ Teaspoon Pepper – adds a gentle kick.
- 16 ounce Frozen cheese tortellini – the delightful pasta that makes the soup satisfying.
- 1 cup Fresh spinach – diced, for a splash of green and added nutrients.
- Parmesan cheese – to serve at the table, adds a rich finish.
How to Cook Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cooking the Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy. Grab your slow cooker and let’s get started!
- Start by placing the chicken breasts and canned tomatoes in the slow cooker. Ensure the tomatoes are distributed evenly over the meat, allowing those rich flavors to seep into the chicken.
- Next, grate the carrot and dice the onion. Add these to the slow cooker, introducing a beautiful mix of colors and textures.
- Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together gently to combine the flavors.
- Now, cover your slow cooker and set it on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Once cooked, 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.
- Add the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker, stirring it in well.
- Now, it’s time for the tortellini. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and allow it to cook for an additional 20 minutes. This will give the pasta time to become tender and soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Next, dice the fresh spinach into small pieces. Add it to the slow cooker and keep it covered for about 10 minutes. This will just wilt the spinach perfectly.
- Finally, serve the soup hot with a generous topping of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy the delightful aroma and the warmth of this comforting dish!
Things Worth Knowing
- Slow cooking enhances flavor: The slow cooker allows the ingredients to simmer together, enriching the flavors as they meld over time.
- Texture matters: Add the tortellini towards the end of cooking to keep it from getting overly soft and mushy.
- Broth consistency: For a thicker soup, consider blending part of it before adding the tortellini.
- Seasoning timing: Adding herbs early in cooking ensures they impart their flavor, while adding fresh herbs later retains their brightness.
Ways to Adapt This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to tailor it to your taste. Here are some great ways to adapt this recipe.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to three months. Just remember to leave out the tortellini when freezing; add it fresh when reheating.
- Variations: Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or add different vegetables like zucchini or peas.
- Herb Changes: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or oregano for a unique flavor twist.
What Complements This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup
Serving the Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup can be a delightful experience, as it pairs well with a variety of sides and complements many occasions. Here are some ideas:
- Crusty bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.
- Cheese toast: Toast topped with melted cheese is an indulgent side that everyone loves.
- Lunch or Dinner: This soup is versatile for lunch or dinner and is especially comforting on a cold winter evening.
- Seasonal Pairing: Serve with seasonal vegetables in the winter for a hearty meal that warms you up.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup is a delightful dish that combines simplicity and comfort in every bowl. It’s a recipe that not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart. I encourage you to try making this soup on your next chilly evening; it might just become a new favorite in your home!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup
Equipment
- 6 quart slow cooker
- Large spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
- Boxgrater
- 2 forks
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Chicken breasts boneless, skinless, about 12 ounces
- 3 cans Tomatoes 14 ounce cans, low or no salt preferred. Crushed or diced both work.
- 1 pieces Large carrot grated, about ½ cup grated carrot
- 1 pieces Small onion diced, about a half cup
- 32 ounces Low sodium chicken broth one box
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
- 16 ounces Frozen cheese tortellini anywhere between 16-20 ounces works best, see notes if you have refrigerated tortellini
- 1 cup Fresh spinach diced, see notes about using frozen spinach
- 1 pieces Parmesan cheese at table
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts and tomatoes in the slow cooker. Grate the carrot and dice the onion, then add to the slow cooker. Next add the chicken broth, italian seasoning, basil, salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low. Chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink in the middle.
- Remove the chicken breast from the slow cooker to a cutting board. With two forks turned backward, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces that fit on a spoon. Then add the chicken back to the slow cooker.
- Add the tortellini to the slow cooker and let it cook for 20 minutes.
- Dice the spinach into small pieces. Add to the slow cooker and keep it covered for about 10 minutes.
- Serve with a generous topping of parmesan cheese and enjoy.
Notes
- Substitutions: You can substitute fresh refrigerated tortellini for frozen fairly interchangeably in this recipe though the fresh will cook a little faster.
- Dried tortellini: If you have dried tortellini, I recommend cooking it in a separate pot of boiling water according to the package directions and then add the drained pasta to the soup before serving. Dried tortellini absorbs a lot more liquid than frozen or fresh pasta does and with the liquid proportions of this recipe you will be left with very little broth left in your soup.
- Slow cooker: This recipe was made in a 6-quart slow cooker.
