Chicken Tortellini Soup

When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of Chicken Tortellini Soup. This cozy dish combines tender chunks of chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh vegetables simmered in a savory, flavorful broth. It’s a complete, satisfying meal the whole family will love.

What makes this recipe extra special is how quick and easy it is to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can have a hearty soup on the table in under 30 minutes. The cheesy tortellini add a rich, satisfying bite, while the vegetables and herbs bring freshness and balance.

Whether you’re craving something cozy on a cold night or need a quick weeknight dinner, this Chicken Tortellini Soup delivers big flavor without much effort. Plus, I’ll share tips on how to make it creamy, add extra protein, and customize it to your taste. Trust me, one spoonful of this hearty soup and you’ll be making it on repeat!

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What Makes This Chicken Tortellini Soup Special?

• Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

• One-pot meal – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.

• Cheesy tortellini goodness – Pillowy pasta filled with cheese takes this soup to the next level.

• Customizable – Add veggies, make it creamy, or swap proteins to suit your taste.

• Family-approved comfort food – Cozy, flavorful, and loved by both kids and adults.

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Ingredient Notes

Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Cheese tortellini (9 oz package) – Fresh or refrigerated tortellini work best. Frozen tortellini are fine too but may need 2-3 extra minutes of cooking.

• Chicken breast or thighs (2 cups cooked, shredded) – Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut or cook fresh chicken right in the soup.

• Chicken broth (6 cups) – Low-sodium broth lets you control seasoning better.

• Carrots (2 medium, diced) – Adds natural sweetness and texture.

• Celery (2 stalks, chopped) – Brings a subtle, earthy balance.

• Onion (1 medium, diced) – Forms the base flavor for the broth.

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic deepens the overall taste.

• Spinach (2 cups fresh) – Adds color, nutrition, and freshness. Kale works too.

• Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – Blends herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for a classic Italian flavor.

• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – For sautéing aromatics and veggies.

• Salt and pepper – Essential for balancing flavors.

• Optional: Heavy cream (½ cup) – For a richer, creamier soup.

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How To Make Chicken Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Broth

4. Pour in chicken broth and add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Tortellini

6. Stir in shredded chicken and tortellini.

7. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the tortellini float and are tender.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Finish

8. Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.

9. For a creamy version, stir in ½ cup heavy cream before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

10. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

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Storage Options

• Room temperature: Don’t leave out longer than 2 hours.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze without the tortellini for up to 2 months. Add fresh tortellini when reheating for the best texture.

• Reheating: Warm over low heat on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen the soup.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup – Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.

• Vegetarian option – Skip the chicken and use veggie broth; add mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.

• Spicy twist – Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of pesto for extra heat and flavor.

• Protein boost – Use leftover rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even Italian sausage.

• Low-carb swap – Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just add 2-3 extra minutes of cooking time.

2. Can I make this soup creamy?
Absolutely! Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, cook the tortellini just before serving.

4. How do I thicken the broth?
Simmer longer to reduce the liquid or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

5. Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Definitely! This soup is a great way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers.

6. What can I serve with chicken tortellini soup?
Pair it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food. With tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and a savory broth, it’s a one-pot meal the whole family will love. Whether you make it creamy, add extra veggies, or keep it simple, this soup is quick, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week.

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