Indeed, it’s soup season, and we couldn’t be happier! When the weather turns chilly, there’s a natural inclination to seek out meals that are both nourishing and deeply satisfying. A slow cooker recipe, especially during the busy winter months, is a true lifesaver, simplifying dinner preparations immensely. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a flavorful powerhouse designed to boost your immune system with a generous load of fresh vegetables, aromatic garlic, and rich chicken broth. It’s truly a family favorite!

Soups hold a special place in my heart as the ultimate comfort food. You can often find a batch of homemade soup readily available in my fridge, ready for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week. There’s an unparalleled warmth and contentment that comes with a large bowl of hearty soup, especially when paired with some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth. The best part about this particular Chicken Tortellini Soup? It practically makes itself in the slow cooker, allowing you to “dump and go” in the morning and return home to a fragrant, ready-to-eat meal.

With school back in full swing and kids juggling sports and other activities, quick, healthy, and wholesome dinner options are essential. This soup perfectly fits the bill. It’s brimming with lean protein from the chicken, a vibrant array of healthy vegetables, and the soothing warmth of chicken broth. For those who enjoy making things from scratch, consider using our Homemade Chicken Broth recipe to elevate the flavor even further.

I rotate a variety of chicken soups through my weeknight meal plan, including favorites like Chicken Potato Soup, Moroccan Chicken Soup, Spicy Chicken Soup, Asian Chicken Noodle Soup, and Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup. This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup easily joins that lineup as a go-to option for those busy evenings when you need a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Key Ingredients for this Easy Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Soup

One of the many reasons this recipe is a favorite is its reliance on simple, readily available ingredients that come together to create an incredibly rich and satisfying flavor profile. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need for this delicious crockpot creation:

• Chicken: For this recipe, we opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for slow-cooked dishes because they stay incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the broth without drying out. Their slightly higher fat content also contributes to a richer, more flavorful soup. While thighs are recommended for optimal tenderness, you can certainly use chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If using chicken breasts, be mindful not to overcook them to prevent toughness. This is also a great recipe to utilize any leftover shredded chicken you might have on hand – just add it towards the end with the tortellini.
• Vegetables: This soup incorporates the classic trio often found in comforting chicken soups: carrots, onions, and celery. This “mirepoix” forms a foundational layer of flavor, adding sweetness, depth, and essential nutrients. Fresh garlic is also crucial for its aromatic qualities, enhancing the overall profile of the soup. Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or even some zucchini or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Broth: High-quality chicken stock is the backbone of any good soup. It provides the liquid base and a significant portion of the flavor. You can use store-bought chicken stock, opting for low-sodium if you want more control over the salt content, or take it to the next level with homemade chicken broth for unparalleled depth of flavor.
• Spices: A simple yet effective blend of Italian seasoning and paprika brings this soup to life. Italian seasoning typically includes a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, providing earthy, aromatic notes. Paprika adds a subtle warmth and a beautiful hint of color without making the soup spicy. For a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be a wonderful addition.
• Tortellini: The star pasta of this dish! We use frozen cheese tortellini for convenience. The cheesy filling adds another layer of richness and texture to the soup. It’s crucial to add the tortellini towards the end of the cooking process, allowing it to simmer for just 5-10 minutes (or according to package directions) until it’s perfectly al dente. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and soaking up too much broth. You can also experiment with other tortellini fillings, such as spinach and ricotta, or even mushroom tortellini for a gourmet touch.

Crafting Your Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup: A Simple Guide

One of the best features of this chicken tortellini soup is its incredible ease of preparation. Your slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal hands-on time. Here’s how to bring this comforting dish to life:

Step 1. Prepare and Add Vegetables & Spices: Begin by adding your prepped vegetables—chopped carrots, celery, and diced onion—along with the minced garlic, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper directly into the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and the vegetables are coated in the broth. This forms the aromatic base of your soup.

Step 2. Add Chicken and Slow Cook: Carefully place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the slow cooker, nesting them among the vegetables and broth. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6 hours. This slow simmering process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and infuses all the ingredients with deep, rich flavors.

Step 3. Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker. Using two forks, easily shred the tender chicken meat. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it back into the broth and vegetables. This ensures every spoonful of soup is packed with delicious chicken.

Step 4. Incorporate Tortellini: Now it’s time for the star pasta! Add the frozen cheese tortellini (or your tortellini of choice) into the slow cooker with the chicken and vegetables. Give it a good stir to ensure the tortellini is submerged in the broth and can cook evenly.

Step 5. Cook Pasta and Serve: Cover the slow cooker once more and let it cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the tortellini pasta is tender and cooked through. The cooking time for tortellini can vary by brand, so always check the package directions for the most accurate timing. Once cooked, ladle the hot, aromatic soup into individual bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and plenty of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with warm, crusty garlic bread for the ultimate comforting meal. Store any delicious leftovers in an airtight container.

Storage and Freezing Tips for Leftover Soup

This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Here are some tips to keep your leftovers fresh and tasty:

Storing Leftovers in the Fridge:

Store any remaining soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. A common issue with pasta soups is that the pasta tends to absorb more liquid and can become mushy over time. If you anticipate having leftovers, a great trick is to cook the tortellini separately and only add it to individual bowls of soup just before serving. This way, your tortellini will maintain its perfect texture.

Freezing This Soup:

This chicken tortellini soup freezes surprisingly well, but with a similar caveat regarding the pasta. For best results, I highly recommend freezing the soup base (chicken, vegetables, broth) without the tortellini. Once you’re ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop. Cook fresh tortellini separately according to package directions and add it to the hot soup just before serving. If you do freeze the soup with the tortellini already in it, be aware that the pasta might have a softer texture upon reheating, but it will still be delicious!