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Creamy Chicken Soup

Featured in Warm Bowls of Goodness.

Turn a classic chicken dish into a comforting pot of soup. Chicken cooks slowly with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings. Spinach adds brightness while tortellini makes it hearty. Finish with cream and three cheeses for a velvety texture. This crowd-pleaser is great for family dinners or gatherings.
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Updated on Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:14:19 GMT
Creamy Chicken Soup Pin it
Creamy Chicken Soup | mecooking.com
This luxurious Chicken Enchantment Soup turns the internet-famous chicken dish into a smooth, heartwarming bowl of delight. Tender chicken, cheese-packed tortellini, and oil-marinated dried tomatoes float in a luscious, Italian-inspired broth loaded with two cheese varieties and garden-fresh spinach.

I stumbled on this dish last year and now it's what I make whenever I want to wow friends without kitchen stress. The name fits perfectly - everyone wants the recipe after their first taste.

Key Components and Shopping Advice

  • Bone-in Chicken: Go for pieces with skin for extra flavor. Bones really boost your broth quality.
  • Sun-dried Tomatoes: Grab the ones in oil for maximum taste. You'll need that oil to cook your chicken.
  • Cheese Tortellini: The refrigerated kind works better than dry versions and cooks faster too.
  • Heavy Cream: Don't skimp with low-fat options - the real stuff prevents breaking and gives that smooth feel.
  • Havarti Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has just the right mild flavor profile.
  • Fresh Spinach: Look for crisp, vibrant leaves for both color and nutritional boost.

Crafting Your Stunning Soup

Step 1: Get That Chicken Golden
Start by warming the oil from your sun-dried tomatoes until it's hot. Season chicken well with salt and pepper. Cook it skin-down first until you see a nice golden crust. This builds amazing flavor throughout your soup.
Step 2: Build Your Flavor Foundation
Toss chopped onions into that same pan to soak up all those tasty bits left from the chicken. Once they're golden, throw in your garlic and tomato paste. Cook until the paste darkens a bit and sticks slightly to the pan - this makes the flavors pop.
Step 3: Create Your Amazing Broth
Add some broth and scrape all those flavorful bits from the pan bottom. Pour everything into your slow cooker with the rest of your broth and seasonings. This step-by-step layering makes your soup incredibly rich.
Mouthwatering Chicken Enchantment Soup Pin it
Mouthwatering Chicken Enchantment Soup | mecooking.com

The joy on my family's faces when I bring this soup to the table makes the cooking totally worth it. Those swirls of cream and melted cheese running through the broth remind me of the best Italian restaurant soups I've ever had.

Handling The Final Touches

Be careful when you mix in your cream and cheese - too hot and they'll separate. Take the pot off high heat before you slowly stir them in, letting each bit melt completely before adding more.

Prep Work Strategy

This soup is great for parties since you can do lots beforehand. Make everything through step 5 and put it in the fridge. Then just add tortellini and finishing touches right before you want to eat.

Perfect Flavor Balance

Though it's rich and creamy, the lemon juice and fresh spinach add brightness that keeps it from feeling too heavy. I sometimes throw in extra veggies like mushrooms or colorful peppers for more variety.

Stunning Chicken Enchantment Soup Closeup Pin it
Stunning Chicken Enchantment Soup Closeup | mecooking.com

This soup has become what people ask me to make for special gatherings, bringing both comfort and class in every spoonful. Using the slow-cooker means I can handle busy days while still serving something that tastes like restaurant quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Sure, just cut back the cooking time by an hour so the meat doesn't overcook.
→ Why brown the chicken before cooking?
It makes the soup tastier. Browning gives you little bits of flavor that deepen the broth.
→ Is it okay to freeze leftovers?
Yes, but leave out the tortellini and cream. Toss them in fresh when reheating for the best texture.
→ What can I swap for Havarti cheese?
Try mozzarella or provolone, which melt well and taste mild.
→ Can this be cooked on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer over low heat for an hour. Toss in the tortellini right at the end and finish as written.

Creamy Chicken Soup

This cheesy soup blends tender chicken, creamy tortellini, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, flavorful broth.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
300 Minutes
Total Time
320 Minutes
By: Mariana

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 1 package (5 oz) baby spinach, chopped roughly
02 20 oz pack of cheese-filled tortellini from the fridge
03 2 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, bone-in and skin-on

→ Aromatics and Tomatoes

04 6 oz can of thick tomato paste
05 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
06 A large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
07 2/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, plus a tablespoon of the oil

→ Dairy and Cheese

08 1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese (4 1/2 ounces)
09 1 cup of rich heavy cream
10 1 1/2 cups shredded Havarti cheese (6 ounces)

→ Liquids and Seasonings

11 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
12 8 cups of chicken stock or broth
13 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
14 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
15 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, divided
16 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend

Instructions

Step 01

Over medium-high heat, warm the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a big pan. Sprinkle salt (1/2 tsp.) and pepper on the chicken. Cook each side for three minutes to brown them, then move the pieces to the slow cooker.

Step 02

Use the same pan to cook up the onion until golden, about five minutes. Toss in the garlic and let it cook for two more minutes. Add the tomato paste, stirring it around for 2-3 minutes until it smells amazing.

Step 03

Pour 1 cup of broth into the pan, scraping up all that nice brown stuff on the bottom. Dump this into the slow cooker along with the rest of the broth, salt, and seasonings.

Step 04

Cover the slow cooker and leave it to do the work. Cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through. Take the chicken out, let it cool just a bit, then pull it apart, tossing the bones and skin.

Step 05

Toss the tortellini, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes into the slow cooker. If it’s not already on HIGH, switch it over. Cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is soft. Add the lemon juice.

Step 06

Pour the cream in and slowly mix in the cheeses until they melt completely. Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, then taste and tweak the seasoning if needed.

Notes

  1. If your chicken doesn’t move when you try flipping it, let it cook for 1-2 more minutes before trying again.
  2. To avoid curdling, wait for the tortellini to be fully cooked before you add the cream and cheese.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 6-quart slow cooker
  • One big skillet
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy (various cheeses, cream)
  • Wheat is present (tortellini)
  • Eggs are included (tortellini)