There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, and when you add tender chicken, pillowy tortellini, and a rich, flavorful broth, you’ve got a recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. Chicken Tortellini Soup is the perfect meal for cozy nights in, busy weeknights, or anytime you need a little bit of comforting goodness. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Tortellini Soup
This soup is more than just filling—it’s all about warmth and comfort in every bite. Here’s why it’s destined to be a go-to:
Versatile: Whether it’s a casual dinner for the family or a meal prepped for the week, this soup can be enjoyed any day. Serve it as a starter at a dinner party or as a one-pot meal, and it’s sure to impress.
Budget-Friendly: Most of the ingredients you’ll need are pantry staples, making it easy on your wallet. No need for fancy or expensive items to create a meal that feels indulgent.
Quick and Easy: This is a super easy recipe that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The prep time is minimal, and the slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
Customizable: You can easily switch things up with the veggies or type of broth, depending on what you have on hand. Want a creamier soup? Add a splash of heavy cream at the end!
Crowd-Pleasing: With its rich broth and hearty tortellini, this soup is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s the kind of dish everyone will want a second serving of.
Ingredients
This soup is a perfect balance of fresh ingredients and pantry staples that come together to make something special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts cook up tender and add a nice, lean protein to the soup. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
- Tortellini: The star of the show! Choose cheese-filled or meat-filled tortellini, depending on your preference. They’ll cook right in the broth, absorbing all those delicious flavors.
- Carrots: These sweet, tender veggies add a lovely flavor and a bit of crunch to the soup.
- Celery: The celery brings a subtle earthiness to the mix and pairs perfectly with the other vegetables.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is the perfect base for this soup’s aromatic foundation, giving it that savory kick.
- Chicken Broth: A rich, flavorful broth brings everything together, and it’s the base for your delicious soup.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and an extra boost of nutrients. It wilts beautifully into the broth, adding a touch of earthiness.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding a hint of richness to the soup.
- Salt and Pepper: To season the soup and bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get to making this comforting, flavorful soup!
- Cook the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken breasts. You can either cook them in a skillet with a little olive oil or boil them in water until fully cooked. Once done, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté the Veggies: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the veggies are softened and the kitchen smells heavenly.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. This is when the flavors start to come together!
- Add the Tortellini: Stir in the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 3-5 minutes, until they’re tender and floating in the broth.
- Add the Chicken and Spinach: Once the tortellini is cooked, add in the shredded chicken and spinach. Stir everything together, letting the spinach wilt into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy the cozy goodness in every bite!
How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Soup
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can easily elevate it with a few tasty sides. Here are some ideas:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth. It’s a perfect match.
- Salads: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette will complement the soup’s rich flavors without overpowering it.
- Cheese: Top your soup with a sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for that extra layer of flavor.
- Crusty Bread: Another great option for dipping, or just enjoy a slice alongside your soup.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can chop the veggies and shred the chicken ahead of time to save a bit of time on busy days. Just keep everything in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Add Cream: For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. It makes the broth feel luxurious.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you like a little kick in your soup.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
- Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes well! Make a big batch and freeze half for a rainy day.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A1: Yes! Frozen tortellini works just as well as fresh, and it’s convenient for busy days.
Q2: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a flavorful vegetarian version.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Q4: Can I freeze this soup?
A4: Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Q5: Can I add more veggies?
A5: Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini, peas, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q6: Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
A6: Yes, you can. Add the chicken, broth, and vegetables to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the tortellini and spinach during the last 30 minutes.
Q7: Can I make this ahead of time?
A7: Yes, this soup keeps well in the fridge for a few days. You can also make it in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q8: What kind of chicken should I use?
A8: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken works as a great shortcut.
Q9: Can I add cheese to the soup?
A9: Absolutely! A handful of shredded cheese (like Parmesan or mozzarella) can be added right before serving for extra richness.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to serve a crowd or to have leftovers for the week!
Conclusion
Chicken Tortellini Soup is the kind of dish that makes you feel cozy and content, no matter the weather outside. It’s comforting, satisfying, and full of flavor, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy nights or lazy weekends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, heartwarming soup that everyone will love. So go ahead, grab your pot, and start simmering up some happiness! Enjoy!
Print
Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach. Perfect for warming up on a chilly day, this delicious soup is both satisfying and quick to prepare!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup baby carrots, sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, skinned, boned, and shredded
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 19 oz bag cheese-filled frozen tortellini
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the avocado oil, onion, and carrots. Cook for 8-10 minutes until tender.
- Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and flour. Stir and cook for another minute to cook the flour.
- Slowly add the chicken broth one cup at a time, stirring continuously to avoid clumps.
- Add the rotisserie chicken and heavy whipping cream. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, cover, then reduce heat to a simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tortellini and chopped parsley, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the baby spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Notes
- Feel free to use homemade chicken broth or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- You can freeze leftovers using Souper Cubes for future meals!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg