Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is the definition of cozy comfort food. It is rich, ultra creamy, and packed with cheesy tortellini that make every spoonful deeply satisfying. The slow cooker does all the hard work, gently developing flavor while you go about your day, making this recipe perfect for busy schedules or relaxed weekends.
What truly sets this soup apart is its texture. It is velvety without being heavy, hearty without feeling overwhelming, and balanced with simple ingredients that work beautifully together. I tested this soup with both fresh and refrigerated tortellini, and refrigerated cheese tortellini held up best during slow cooking. This is the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and feels like a full meal on its own. Whether served on a cold evening or prepared ahead for meal prep, it is a reliable, family-friendly recipe that always delivers.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup: Ultra Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting
- Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is an ultra-creamy, cheesy, comforting soup made with tender cheese tortellini, vegetables, broth, and melted cheeses—all cooked low and slow for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Add chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in tortellini and cook an additional 20–30 minutes until tender.
- Add heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, and chicken (if using).
- Cook another 10–15 minutes until cheese melts and soup is creamy.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, stir in 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water before adding tortellini.
- Use sausage instead of chicken for a richer flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hrs
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cheese tortellini is the star of this soup, adding hearty pasta bites filled with creamy cheese that make the soup satisfying and filling.
Chicken broth forms the savory base, providing depth and allowing the flavors to meld slowly during cooking.
Heavy cream gives the soup its signature ultra-creamy texture and rich mouthfeel.
Cream cheese adds extra creaminess and a slight tang, helping to thicken the soup naturally.
Parmesan cheese enhances the cheesy flavor and adds savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Onion contributes subtle sweetness and builds the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
Garlic adds aromatic warmth and balances the richness of the dairy.
Italian seasoning provides gentle herbal notes that complement the cheese and broth.
Spinach adds color, freshness, and a light contrast to the creamy base.
Salt and black pepper balance and sharpen all the flavors.
Directions
Add the chicken broth, diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the flavors to develop.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the cream cheese to the slow cooker. Stir occasionally until it melts fully into the broth, creating a smooth base.
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the soup becomes creamy and cohesive.
Add the cheese tortellini and continue cooking on low until the tortellini is tender, usually about 20 to 30 minutes.
Just before serving, stir in the spinach and allow it to wilt naturally in the hot soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four to six people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, with a slow cooking time of 4 to 5 hours on low, plus 30 minutes after adding the tortellini.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much.
Variations and Customizations
This soup is easy to customize based on preference. For added protein, cooked chicken or Italian sausage can be stirred in before adding the tortellini.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the soup will be slightly less rich. You can also add vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for extra texture and nutrition.
For a flavor boost, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds gentle heat, while extra Parmesan intensifies the cheesy profile. These variations allow you to tailor the soup while keeping its creamy, comforting nature intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is a hearty dish containing dairy and gluten. It provides carbohydrates, protein, and fats in a balanced way and can be adapted using gluten-free tortellini or dairy-free alternatives if needed.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Tortellini Timing
Add tortellini near the end to prevent overcooking.
Cream Cheese Softening
Cube cream cheese for easier melting.
Consistency Control
Adjust thickness with extra broth if needed.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Flavors improve after resting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, add a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Will tortellini get mushy?
Not if added during the final cooking stage.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes, cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, adding tortellini at the end.
Is this soup very thick?
It is creamy and thick but easily adjustable.
Can I add meat?
Yes, cooked chicken or sausage works well.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream.
What type of tortellini is best?
Cheese tortellini works best for flavor and texture.
Can I add kale instead of spinach?
Yes, add it slightly earlier so it softens.
How do I prevent curdling?
Keep heat low and avoid boiling after adding cream.
What can I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread or a simple salad pairs well.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is an ultra-creamy, cheesy comfort dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfectly tender tortellini, a rich broth, and smooth cheese come together in a soup that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you are feeding your family or preparing cozy meals ahead of time, this recipe is a dependable favorite that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bowl.
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