Name: Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)

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If you’re searching for the perfect cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, look no further than this delightful Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe. Bursting with tender shredded chicken, luscious cheese-filled tortellini, and a medley of fresh vegetables swimming in a savory, creamy broth, this soup is not only incredibly comforting but also a breeze to make. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or craving a satisfying solo meal, this soup hits all the right notes with ease and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl shows bright layers of sliced orange carrots, light green celery, small white garlic pieces, and mixed herbs and salt filling half the bowl from the bottom to the top in a neat arrangement. Next to it, a white bowl contains light golden broth with herbs floating in it, and a woman's hand holding metal tongs dips a light pink chicken piece into the liquid. The third image presents the white bowl filled with cooked tortellini pasta swimming in the golden broth with bits of soft carrots and celery peeking through. Lastly, the bowl is topped with chopped cooked chicken pieces, finely chopped green herbs, and grated lemon zest creating a colorful layer above the pasta and broth. All images have a white marbled surface background, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe comes together beautifully with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic vegetables to the cheesy tortellini, every element contributes to the perfect bowl of soup.

1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a fruity, rich base for sautéing the vegetables, enhancing depth of flavor.
1 medium onion, diced: Brings sweetness and savory notes as it softens.
2 carrots, sliced: Provides a gentle crunch and natural sweetness to the broth.
2 celery stalks, sliced: Adds a subtle freshness and slight bitterness for balance.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a punch of fragrant warmth that wakes up the soup.
8 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Tender protein that makes this soup hearty and satisfying.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the broth with classic Italian flair.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance flavors.
9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini: Pillows of cheesy deliciousness that soak up the soup’s creaminess.
2 cups fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color and a gentle earthiness while boosting nutrition.
1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional): A fresh herbal finish that elevates the presentation and taste.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery, stirring occasionally. Let these cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant. This step is essential as it releases the natural sweetness and builds the foundational flavor that will carry through the entire soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Chicken Broth

Once the veggies have softened beautifully, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds — enough to unlock those garlicky aromas without turning bitter. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a lively boil. This broth is where all your flavors will mingle and marry, making your soup come alive.

Step 3: Incorporate Chicken and Seasonings

Lower the heat slightly and stir in the shredded cooked chicken along with your Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This step adds heartiness and warmth, while the Italian herbs give the soup that beloved comforting Italian-American vibe. Let it come together for a few minutes, allowing the chicken to heat through and the seasoning to infuse the broth.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Next up, gently stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Simmer the soup for 5 to 7 minutes until the tortellini are tender but still hold their shape. The tortellini are little pockets of gooey cheese that soak up the broth’s flavor, making each bite comforting and indulgent.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Finish

Just before serving, add the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt in the hot soup for 1 to 2 minutes. This splash of vibrant green not only looks gorgeous but also adds a subtle freshness that balances the creamy richness perfectly. Give your soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. For an extra touch of brightness and aroma, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

The image shows a white round pan filled with creamy soup that has many tortellini pasta pieces floating on top. The soup is pale yellow with a smooth texture, and the tortellini are a light pale yellow color with soft, folded shapes. Small chunks of orange carrots and green leafy vegetables are scattered throughout the soup, adding color and contrast. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface with some scattered green leaves and a wooden container nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your soup even more inviting, top it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. A few fresh basil leaves or a dusting of cracked black pepper can really enhance the presentation and flavor, turning an everyday meal into something truly special.

Side Dishes

This soup thrives alongside a slice of crusty artisan bread or warm garlic breadsticks that are perfect for soaking up the creamy broth. A side salad with a light vinaigrette is also a refreshing companion, adding crispness to contrast with the soup’s softness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, serve this soup in cozy, rustic bowls with a sprig of fresh herbs perched on top for a pop of color. For a fun family meal, let everyone customize their toppings with bowls of shredded cheese, chili flakes, or chopped nuts on the side. You can even serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for an irresistibly charming touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store the soup separately from any fresh herbs or crunchy toppings to preserve their texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but keep in mind that the tortellini may slightly change texture after thawing. To minimize this, you can freeze the soup broth and chicken separately, adding freshly cooked tortellini when reheating for a fresher bite.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the soup over medium-low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Because the tortellini absorbs a lot of broth, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the soup and bring back its lovely creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini in this soup?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works well in this recipe, but you’ll need to simmer it an additional 2 to 3 minutes to ensure it cooks through and becomes tender.

What type of chicken is best for this soup?

Using cooked, shredded chicken is best — rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for busy nights, delivering delicious flavor without extra effort.

Is this soup dairy-free?

Since the tortellini is cheese-filled and the broth has a creamy texture, this soup is not dairy-free. However, you could experiment with dairy-free tortellini and non-dairy broth alternatives if needed.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the broth to give your Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe a lively kick.

How can I make the soup creamier?

If you prefer an even richer soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half after adding the spinach. It adds lusciousness but keep the balance so the other flavors still shine through.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about digging into a bowl of this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe — it hits every comfort food note with heartwarming flavors and effortless preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your soup-making journey, this recipe promises to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab your pot, gather those simple ingredients, and let the cozy magic of this soup bring a little joy to your dinner table tonight!