Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup (Slow Cooker Option) Recipe
This creamy chicken tortellini soup is a comforting, hearty dish made with tender shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a rich, creamy broth thickened with a gluten-free roux. Perfect for a cozy meal, it can be prepared on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, offering flexibility and ease without sacrificing flavor. The soup is finished with fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes stovetop; 6-7 hours slow cooker on low
- Total Time: 35 minutes stovetop; up to 7 hours slow cooker
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 ½ cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked 2 medium chicken breasts)
- 1 10-ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini (gluten-free or regular)
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 celery rib, chopped
- ½ cup carrots, diced
- 5–6 cups chicken broth (more as needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
For the Roux and Creaminess
- 1–2 tbsp butter or vegan butter
- 3 tbsp gluten-free flour
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (or substitute half and half or heavy cream)
Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Thyme or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, diced carrots, onion, and chopped celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Make the Roux: Add butter to the pot; once melted, sprinkle gluten-free flour over the vegetables. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Spices: Gradually pour in 5-6 cups of chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add Chicken, Coconut Milk, and Tortellini: Stir in shredded chicken and coconut milk (or cream substitute). Adjust consistency with extra broth if too thick. Allow soup to heat and simmer for 10 minutes so it thickens. In the last 5 minutes, add tortellini and cook until tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley or thyme and serve hot.
- Slow Cooker Option – Add Vegetables: Place minced garlic, carrots, onion, and celery into the Crockpot.
- Add Broth, Spices, and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth, add seasonings, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Add shredded chicken and combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
- Make and Add Roux: About 20 minutes before serving, melt butter in a small pan, stir in gluten-free flour and cook for 2 minutes. Stir roux into the Crockpot to thicken soup.
- Add Tortellini and Coconut Milk: 5 minutes before serving, stir in coconut milk and tortellini. Cook until tortellini is tender.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or herbs and enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cheese tortellini with gluten-free or dairy-free options as needed.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less chicken broth.
- For a creamier texture, use half and half or heavy cream in place of coconut milk.
- Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley add brightness and enhance flavor.
- Using rotisserie chicken is a great time saver.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and chicken with plant-based protein.
Keywords: Creamy chicken tortellini soup, gluten-free tortellini soup, slow cooker chicken soup, easy chicken soup recipe, creamy chicken soup, comfort food soup
