There’s nothing quite like coming home after a long day to the smell of this slow cooker chicken tortellini soup bubbling away. It’s one of those small joys that makes life feel calmer, warmer and easier.

It makes for a meal that is cozy, nourishing and incredibly simple to pull together.

With tender chicken, garden vegetables, cheesy tortellini and a perfectly seasoned broth, it’s a complete dinner in one pot. It feels like something you might order at a little Italian café, but with the ease of letting your slow cooker do most of the heavy lifting.

And the best part? This recipe is designed with real life in mind: minimal prep, hands-off cooking and plenty of leftovers that taste even better the next day.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, planning make-ahead meals or just craving a bowl of comfort food, this slow cooker chicken tortellini soup deserves a spot on your meal rotation.

Why you’ll love this slow cooker chicken tortellini soup

✅ Hands-off cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ve got a hot meal ready to serve.
✅ Wholesome and hearty: Protein-rich chicken, nutrient-packed veggies and cheesy pasta come together in a well-rounded bowl.
✅ Family-approved: Kids love the tortellini. Adults love the depth of flavor. Win-win!
✅ Meal-prep friendly: This soup keeps well and reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers or lunches.
✅ Cozy comfort food: It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights or anytime you need something soul-soothing.

chicken tortellini soup in the slow cooker.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:

Chicken breasts: The lean, tender protein that adds heartiness without making the soup too heavy.
Carrots: Add natural sweetness and a pop of color that brightens each spoonful.
Celery: Brings balance and that classic soup base flavor.
Yellow onion: Builds savory depth right from the start.
Garlic: Infuses warmth and aroma, giving the broth a homey flavor.
Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and richness to balance the creamy tortellini.
Sea salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the pot.
Ground black pepper: A subtle kick that keeps the broth from feeling flat.
Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful base that ties everything together while keeping sodium in check.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend of basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme that gives it that Italian café vibe.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle earthiness and complexity to the broth.
Fresh spinach (optional): For color, nutrition and a bit of freshness at the end of each bite.
Cheese tortellini: The hearty pasta that makes this soup extra satisfying. Each bite has a burst of cheesy flavor.
Parmesan: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish that rounds out everything.

How to make slow cooker chicken tortellini soup

1️⃣ Add all ingredients (except tortellini and spinach)

Simply load up your slow cooker.

2️⃣ COVER AND COOK

Do this on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

3️⃣ REMOVE CHICKEN AND SHRED IT

Use two forks to shred the chicken, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

4️⃣ STIR IN THE TORTELLINI AND SPINACH

Cook for about 10 minutes, until the tortellini is soft and puffy.

5️⃣ PREP AND SERVE

Discard the bay leaf, ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan before serving.

👉Tip: To avoid mushy pasta, don’t add the tortellini until the very end of cooking. It only needs a short time to cook through.

Serving suggestions

🍞 With crusty bread: There’s nothing better than dipping warm bread into a flavorful broth!
🥗 With a salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens adds freshness and crunch.
🧄 With garlic knots: Cheesy, buttery and perfect for soaking up every last drop.
🍷 With a glass of wine: A light red like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.
🧀 Extra Parmesan on top: Because in Italian-inspired dishes, there’s really no such thing as too much cheese.

Storage + make-ahead tips

This soup is one of those meals that actually gets better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Make ahead by cooking everything but the tortellini and spinach. When you’re ready to serve, add them fresh while reheating. This keeps the pasta from becoming too soft.
Freeze the soup for later without the tortellini for up to three months. Simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and add fresh tortellini while reheating.

Variations + substitutions

The beauty of a slow cooker soup recipe like this one is how flexible it can be. Here are a few ideas:

Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Use kale instead of spinach if you want sturdier greens that hold up better in leftovers.
Try sausage tortellini or even beef tortellini if you want a heartier protein boost.
Add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli to bulk up the soup and boost nutrition.
For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk right before serving.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat to please spice lovers.

Helpful tools

A few handy kitchen tools make this recipe even easier:

Slow cooker: Required and perfect for low-and-slow cooking.
Wooden spoon: For stirring and scraping down the sides.
Ladle: Makes serving soup easier and less messy.
Wire rack: Handy for cooling cooked chicken quickly before shredding.
Airtight containers: Essential for storing leftovers and keeping the soup fresh.

Final thoughts: Why this recipe matters

Food doesn’t just feed us; it comforts us, brings people together and makes everyday life feel a little more special. This slow cooker chicken tortellini soup checks every box. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but warm and welcoming enough to serve when friends drop by.

The slow cooker makes it foolproof, the tortellini keeps it fun, and the balance of vegetables, protein, and herbs makes it something you’ll want to come back to again and again.

So the next time you’re looking for a meal that’s hearty but not heavy, comforting but not complicated, give this recipe a try. Chances are, it will earn a permanent spot in your comfort food lineup.

📌 Pin it + print it – Save this recipe for cozy nights, busy weeks, or anytime you want to bring the comfort of Italian-inspired cooking to your table.

More Grandma Approved Recipes You’ll Love:

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Recipe
Hearty Cowboy Stew
Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings