If you’re craving a cozy, low-effort dinner, this creamy chicken tortellini soup is one of those meals that just works for busy family nights. It’s made in the slow cooker with bone broth, tender shredded chicken, marinara, and a splash of cream. Basically chicken parmesan vibes, but in soup form?!
As a dietitian and toddler mom, this is exactly the kind of recipe I come back to when I want something filling and comforting without a long ingredient list or extra prep. The flavors are familiar (hello, pasta + parmesan), the texture is toddler-friendly, and it’s easy to customize for the whole family.
It’s cozy, simple, and one of those dinners that feels like more effort than it actually is, which is honestly my favorite kind of recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- made almost entirely in the slow cooker
- creamy, cozy, and mild enough for toddlers
- tastes like chicken parmesan, without the breading or frying
- uses simple, store-bought ingredients (hello marinara)
- easy to customize for the whole family
This is one of those meals that feels comforting and nostalgic, but still realistic for busy weeknights. I bet you'd also love my chicken parmesan meatballs that could actually replace the shredded chicken in this!
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Ingredients You'll Need
- How To Make Your Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Substitutions
- What to Serve With Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Equipment
- Storing Your Tortellini Soup
- Tiff's Dietitian Tip
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup (slow cooker chicken parm style)
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make this creamy chicken tortellini soup:
- chicken (breasts or thighs): a great source of protein and iron, and it shreds perfectly after slow cooking
- chicken bone broth: creates a flavorful base and adds extra nutrients without extra effort
- garlic powder & onion powder: give that classic chicken parm flavor in a toddler-friendly way (no big chunks)
- marinara sauce: brings the tomato-rich flavor that makes this soup feel like chicken parmesan
- heavy cream or half & half: adds richness, balances the acidity of the tomatoes, and helps toddlers stay full longer
- cheese tortellini: soft, familiar, and usually a big hit with kids
- spinach: wilts right into the soup for gentle veggie exposure
- grated parmesan: finishes everything off with that classic chicken parm taste
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Your Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Step 1: Add chicken, bone broth, garlic powder, and onion powder to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Step 2: Remove chicken, shred, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir in marinara sauce and cream. Cook tortellini in a separate pot or add into slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes until tender.
- Step 3: Stir in spinach until wilted.
- Step 4: Top with grated parm and enjoy!
Substitutions
You can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini! Here are some other subs you can make:
- dairy-free: swap tortellini with just plain noodles (love using chickpea noodles for extra iron + protein + fiber) and substitute coconut milk for cream
- extra fiber: stir in white beans after shredding the chicken
- veggie boost: add sliced zucchini or finely chopped carrots with the marinara
- adult heat: add red pepper flakes to individual bowls
What to Serve With Chicken Tortellini Soup
- steamed broccoli or roasted veggies on the side
- garlic bread or buttered toast
- grilled cheese or quesadilla
- simple side salad (for adults)
Equipment
You’ll need a slow cooker, measuring cups, and measuring spoons for this recipe. A fork or meat shredder makes shredding the chicken quick and easy, and a ladle is helpful for serving. No sautéing or extra pans required, which makes this an easy set-and-forget family dinner.
Storing Your Tortellini Soup
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For freezing, freeze the soup before adding the tortellini and cream. Add fresh pasta and cream when reheating for best texture.
Tiff's Dietitian Tip
For toddlers, meals that include protein, fat, and carbohydrates help support steady energy and fullness. The combination of chicken, cream, and tortellini makes this soup especially helpful for picky eaters who may eat smaller portions.
FAQ
Yes. Simmer the chicken, broth, and seasonings on the stovetop for about 25-30 minutes, then shred and continue with the recipe.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this creamy chicken tortellini soup:
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup (slow cooker chicken parm style)
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 1½-2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6-8 cups chicken bone broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 large jar marinara sauce 24-32 oz
- ½-1 cup heavy cream or half & half
- 2 9-10 oz packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2-3 cups fresh spinach
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Add chicken, bone broth, garlic powder, and onion powder to the slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in marinara sauce and cream. Add tortellini and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes, until tender.
- Stir in spinach until wilted and serve topped with grated parmesan.
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