Next, as the time ticks away and the aroma fills my home, I sneak a few tastes of the broth. After about 6 hours, the chicken is usually quite tender, so I take a couple of minutes to shred it directly in the pot—no need to dirty an extra dish! Just using two forks does the trick, and I stir everything around to make sure the shredded chicken mingles nicely with the veggies.
Then, here comes the exciting part: I add the tortellini! I generally toss in frozen cheese tortellini at this stage—my family loves the extra creaminess it provides. I let it cook on low for another 30 minutes, until the tortellini is cooked through. Lastly, I stir in the fresh spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt but still maintain a touch of that vibrant green color. This adds a beautiful visual and nutritional boost to my soup.
Now for the grand finale! I serve this delightful concoction in bowls, topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The blend of flavors, aromas, and textures is simply intoxicating, and before I know it, my family is gathered around the table, spoons at the ready.
Pro Tips for Best Results
One thing I always emphasize is to use quality chicken broth. I’ve tried both store-bought and homemade, and the difference is notable! When I can, I opt for low-sodium broth; it lets me adjust the salt levels as needed without overwhelming the dish.
Another tip I can’t stress enough is to monitor the cooking time. Overcooking the chicken can cause it to dry out and spoil that tender texture we’re after. I usually set my crockpot timer and check the chicken around the 5-hour mark.
Lastly, if your family loves extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a little cream cheese just before serving. This creamy addition takes the comforting nature of the soup to a whole new level!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I see a lot is tossing everything into the pot at once without considering cooking times. While the slow cooker is forgiving, certain ingredients have different cooking times. For example, adding the tortellini too early might lead to overcooked pasta. To avoid this, always add the tortellini during the last half hour of cooking. (See the next page below to continue…)