Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup

Looking for a comforting and hearty soup that’s perfect for any day of the week? This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup is the answer! Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini, this soup is a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a delicious, warming soup by simply prepping the ingredients and letting the slow cooker do the work.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken breast
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or more to taste)
• 2 cups cheese tortellini
• Chopped fresh parsley for serving (if desired)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Step 1: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker Begin by adding the chicken breast, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, and Italian seasoning to your slow cooker. This combination of ingredients will create a flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Cook on Low Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 6 hours. During this time, the flavors will meld together, and the chicken will become tender and juicy.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken After 6 hours, remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Shred or cube the chicken, then return it to the slow cooker. This ensures every bite of soup is filled with delicious chicken.

Step 4: Add Tortellini Next, add in the cheese tortellini. Cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the tortellini are cooked through. This step adds a delightful cheesy element to your soup.

Step 5: Season and Serve Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Discard the bay leaves. Serve the soup immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this hearty soup.

Nutrition Information

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
• Servings: 6

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips

1. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor and presentation of your soup by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or basil. This adds a burst of color and freshness to each bowl.
2. Pair with Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or a warm baguette. The bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
3. Add a Side Salad: Complement your soup with a light side salad. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the soup.
4. Cheese Topping: Sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese on top of the soup just before serving for an extra cheesy kick.
5. Accompany with a Beverage: A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, pairs nicely with the flavors of the chicken tortellini soup. For non-alcoholic options, consider serving with sparkling water or a light herbal tea.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the soup to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain its quality.
2. Freezing: If you want to store the soup for a longer period, you can freeze it. Place the cooled soup in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating: When reheating refrigerated or frozen soup, do so gently to avoid overcooking the tortellini. For refrigerated soup, heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For frozen soup, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop. Alternatively, you can reheat directly from frozen on low heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be cautious not to overcook the tortellini as it can become mushy. Heat just until the soup is hot and the tortellini is warmed through.
5. Batch Cooking: If you plan to make a large batch to freeze, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it to individual portions when reheating. This helps maintain the texture of the tortellini.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Soup fresh and flavorful whether it’s freshly made, stored in the refrigerator, or frozen for later use.

Variations :

1. Vegetarian Version

Ingredients:

• Replace the chicken with 1 ½ pounds of diced hearty vegetables such as butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or mushrooms.
• Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.

Directions: Follow the same directions as the original recipe, cooking the vegetables in the slow cooker until tender before adding the tortellini.

2. Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

• Add 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half.
• Optional: 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Directions: After adding the tortellini, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the tortellini is done and the soup is creamy and heated through.

3. Spicy Chicken Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.

Directions: Include the crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce when adding the initial ingredients to the slow cooker. Adjust the spice level to your preference.

4. Italian Sausage and Chicken Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

• Add ½ pound of Italian sausage (mild or spicy), crumbled and browned.

Directions: Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Follow the rest of the original recipe as directed.

5. Pesto Chicken Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

• Add ¼ cup of basil pesto.

Directions: Stir in the basil pesto just before serving for a fresh, herby flavor. This works well with or without the addition of cream.

6. Lemon Chicken Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

• Add the juice and zest of one lemon.

Directions: Add the lemon juice and zest to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. The lemon adds a bright, fresh flavor to the soup.

7. Chicken and Spinach Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

• Add 2 cups of fresh spinach.

Directions: Stir in the fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted. This adds a nutritious green element to your soup.

8. Chicken Tortellini Soup with White Beans

Ingredients:

• Add 1 can (15 oz) of white beans, such as cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed.

Directions: Add the beans to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. The beans add extra protein and heartiness to the soup.

9. Mexican Chicken Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

• Add 1 can (15 oz) of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
• Add 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder.

Directions: Include the tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder with the initial ingredients. Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

10. Chicken Tortellini Soup with Kale

Ingredients:

• Add 2 cups of chopped kale.

Directions: Stir in the chopped kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt and soften before serving.

FAQs:

1. Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated through.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely. Chicken thighs can be used and may add a richer flavor to the soup. Adjust the cooking time if necessary, as thighs may cook a bit quicker.

3. Can I make this soup on the stovetop? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for stovetop cooking. Simmer the ingredients on low heat for about 1-2 hours, adding the tortellini in the last 10-15 minutes.

4. How can I thicken the soup? For a thicker soup, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

5. Is this soup gluten-free? To make this soup gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free tortellini and check that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

6. Can I add other vegetables? Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, peas, or bell peppers to the soup.

7. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

8. Can I use dried tortellini? Yes, you can use dried tortellini. It may require a bit more liquid and a longer cooking time to soften properly.

9. How can I make this soup dairy-free? To make the soup dairy-free, use dairy-free tortellini and skip any optional additions of cream or cheese.

10. What can I serve with this soup? This soup pairs well with a side of crusty bread, a simple green salad, or a sandwich for a complete meal.