Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Soup is the perfect comfort food that comes together so easily in your slow cooker. It’s packed with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a gentle mix of veggies all simmered in a flavorful broth that feels cozy and satisfying. The slow cooker does all the work, letting the flavors meld while you go about your day.
I love how simple this recipe is, and I especially appreciate coming home to the warm, inviting smell of chicken and herbs filling the house. It’s like a little hug in a bowl! I usually toss in some fresh spinach or kale near the end for a bit of brightness, and it makes the soup feel even more wholesome without extra effort.
This soup works great when served with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, or just as it is for a light but filling meal. It’s a dish that pretty much everyone enjoys, so it’s wonderful for family dinners or when friends come over. Making it in the crockpot means you can set it and forget it, which is always a win in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I find boneless, skinless breasts cook nicely and shred easily, but thighs are great if you want a juicier, richer flavor. Both work well in the crockpot.
Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini adds delicious creaminess. If unavailable, you can swap for ravioli, but adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onion form a classic flavor base. I like adding fresh spinach near the end for some green goodness. You can also use kale or Swiss chard as a hearty substitute.
Herbs & Seasonings: Dried basil, oregano, and thyme give this soup its comforting Italian note. Feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them, adding fresh basil or parsley at the end for a brighter taste.
How Do You Prevent Tortellini from Getting Mushy in the Crockpot?
Adding tortellini too early can make it soggy and mushy. Here’s how to keep it just right:
- Cook the chicken and veggies first—about 6 hours on low or 3-4 on high.
- Remove chicken to shred it while the crockpot stays warm.
- Add tortellini and greens last, cooking on high for only 20-30 minutes until tender.
- Keep an eye on the tortellini texture—it cooks fast and can easily overcook in slow cooker heat.
This method keeps tortellini perfectly firm and the soup full of flavor without losing that nice pasta bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – perfect for hands-off cooking and slowly melding all flavors together.
- Cutting board and sharp knife – to chop your veggies and shred the cooked chicken easily.
- Large spoon or ladle – for stirring the soup without scratching your crockpot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – help keep the right balance of broth and spices.
- Forks – to shred the chicken quickly and easily after cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for Italian sausage for a richer, spicier taste that adds great flavor depth.
- Add mushrooms for earthiness and extra texture that pairs well with the herbs.
- Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green that stands up well to slow cooking.
- Stir in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a gentle kick if you like spice.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Seasonings & Extras:
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total cooking time is about 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high for the main soup to cook. Adding the tortellini and spinach takes an extra 20 to 30 minutes. So, plan for roughly 3½ to 7½ hours from start to finish depending on your slow cooker settings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Soup Base:
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Next, add the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, sliced carrots, diced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently stir everything to combine so the seasonings are evenly distributed.
2. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
3. Shred the Chicken:
Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back into the soup.
4. Add Tortellini and Spinach:
Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and chopped spinach. Cover and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes more, or until the tortellini is tender and spinach has wilted.
5. Final Touches and Serve:
Taste your soup and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if you like. Enjoy your cozy and delicious crockpot chicken tortellini soup!
Can’t get enough comforting soups? Try the bold flavors of our Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup or the creamy goodness of Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup. You’ll also enjoy our hearty Slow Cooker Taco Soup and protein-packed High Protein Lasagna Soup. For more Italian-inspired classics, don’t miss our Pasta Fagioli Soup. And if you crave creamy favorites, try our Chicken Noodle Soup or the indulgent Potato Soup with Bacon Bits.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs, but be sure to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high to ensure the chicken cooks through fully.
Can I Substitute Spinach with Other Greens?
Absolutely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even baby arugula work well as alternatives. Just add them near the end of cooking so they wilt but stay vibrant.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Let the soup cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the base ingredients and let them cook in the crockpot. Add the tortellini and spinach right before serving to keep the pasta from getting mushy.