Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is the kind of comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. With tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth, it’s everything you want in a cozy homemade soup recipe. On chilly evenings in Carmel-by-the-Sea, this simple chicken tortellini soup is one of my family’s favorites to gather around the table and enjoy together. It’s easy, hearty, and ready in less than 30 minutes perfect for busy weeknights or slow Sunday suppers.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• It’s quick and simple, using fresh or leftover chicken for a fast meal.
• The cheesy tortellini adds a satisfying twist to classic chicken soup.
• It’s a one-pot wonder easy to clean up and perfect for busy nights.
• Warm, flavorful, and family-friendly, this soup is comfort in every spoonful.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini makes the soup rich and hearty.
• Carrots, celery, and onion: These add sweetness, texture, and depth to the broth.
• Garlic: A few cloves bring warmth and flavor.
• Chicken broth: The base that ties everything together; choose low-sodium for better control of flavor.
• Olive oil and butter: Used to sauté vegetables and build flavor.
• Spinach: Stirred in at the end for color and freshness.
• Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper: Essential for balance and depth.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, then sauté until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add shredded chicken and Italian seasoning.
4. Add the tortellini and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
5. Stir in fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Ladle into bowls and serve warm with crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Helpful Tips and Variations

• If you like extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end.
• For a vegetarian twist, try a similar flavor combination in my vegan coconut black-eyed peas stew.
• Use any fresh vegetables you have on hand zucchini, kale, or peas work beautifully.
• If you love bold flavors, try a spicy variation inspired by this easy Thai chicken soup.
• This simple chicken tortellini soup also freezes well; just skip adding the tortellini until you reheat it.

Serving and Storage

Serve this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a few fresh herbs on top make it feel extra special for guests or family dinner.

Chicken Tortellini Soup

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a warm, comforting meal with tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s a quick and hearty dish, perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 390

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 celery stalks sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 6 cups chicken broth low sodium
• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Finish

• 12 oz cheese tortellini fresh or refrigerated
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large Pot

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until vegetables begin to soften.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add shredded chicken and Italian seasoning.
4. Add tortellini and cook for 7 to 9 minutes, or until tender.
5. Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve warm with crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Notes

• For added creaminess, stir in a splash of cream at the end.
• To freeze, omit the tortellini and add it fresh when reheating.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If the tortellini absorbs too much broth, just add a splash of water or extra chicken broth before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this homemade soup recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the broth and vegetables ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bring to a simmer, add tortellini, and cook until tender. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy days when you need a quick meal ready to go.

What’s the best tortellini to use for chicken soup?

Fresh cheese tortellini cooks quickly and adds wonderful texture. If using frozen, just increase the cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes. For extra flavor, look for varieties filled with ricotta and Parmesan cheese.

Can I freeze chicken tortellini soup?

You can freeze the broth and vegetables without the tortellini. When reheating, add fresh tortellini to the hot soup and simmer until tender. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy when thawed.

Can I use leftover chicken from another recipe?

Absolutely. Leftover roasted chicken or even grilled chicken works beautifully. This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftovers from dishes like easy stuffed pepper soup night.

Final Thoughts from Ama

Some soups simply make you slow down, and this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is one of them. It’s warm, easy, and full of heart perfect for days when you want to feed both body and soul. Even if it’s not perfect, it will still taste wonderful. Remember, good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Just a few honest ingredients, a little love, and a cozy bowl waiting to be shared.