Slow Cooker Chunky Tortellini Noodle Chicken Soup

By charlotteh371

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 1/2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups celery, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 11-12 cups chicken broth (12 for less "chunky")*
• 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 26 oz. package of fresh cheese tortellini – UNCOOKED**

Preparation

Step 1

Add uncut chicken to the bottom of a slow cooker, followed by vegetables. Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the tortellini. Cover and cook on low heat 6 - 7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
When ready to serve, remove chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, add tortellini to the slow cooker (turn to high heat if on low). After 10 minutes, cut chicken into bite size pieces and add back to slow cooker. Tortellini should be about cooked by this time, approximately 15 minutes total. When tortellini is completely cooked, taste and add additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm.
NOTES
*It might seem like there is a lot of chicken stock while cooking, but it is needed to balance all the tortellini that is added at the end.
**I used Seven Cheese Olivieri Tortellini from the refrigerated section at Costco and it is divine!