Chicken Tortellini Soup — A Bowl of Comfort and Flavor

When the weather turns chilly or you’re simply craving something cozy and heartwarming, nothing quite satisfies like a bowl of Chicken Tortellini Soup. Tender shredded chicken, pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, and a fragrant broth infused with herbs and vegetables come together in a way that comforts both body and soul. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of warmth, richness, and freshness — the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special.

What makes this soup so beloved is how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into something that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, even though it comes together in less than 40 minutes. Whether you’re nursing a cold, feeding your family, or just want a cozy dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl, Chicken Tortellini Soup delivers every time.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredient	Quantity	Calories (Approx.)
Olive oil	1 tbsp	120 kcal
Butter	1 tbsp	100 kcal
Yellow onion (diced)	1 medium	45 kcal
Carrots (sliced)	2	50 kcal
Celery (chopped)	2 stalks	20 kcal
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves	15 kcal
Chicken broth (low sodium)	6 cups	60 kcal
Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)	2 cups	320 kcal
Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)	9 oz (about 2 cups)	420 kcal
Baby spinach (optional)	1 cup	10 kcal
Dried thyme	½ tsp	2 kcal
Italian seasoning	1 tsp	5 kcal
Salt and pepper	To taste	—
Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)	1 tbsp	4 kcal
Fresh parsley (for garnish)	1 tbsp	3 kcal

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   Heat olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
   Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for another minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant — be careful not to burn it.
3. Pour in Broth and Simmer:
   Add the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add Chicken and Tortellini:
   Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and cheese tortellini. Simmer uncovered for about 7–9 minutes (or according to package instructions) until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
5. Add Greens and Lemon:
   Toss in the spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
6. Taste and Serve:
   Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

• Make it creamy: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half for a rich, creamy version of this soup.
• Boost the flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to enhance depth.
• Add vegetables: Toss in peas, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken: A time-saver that adds incredible flavor and tenderness.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the chicken with cannellini beans and use vegetable broth for a delicious meat-free alternative.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~300 kcal
Protein	23 g
Carbohydrates	28 g
Fat	11 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	4 g
Sodium	720 mg
Cholesterol	70 mg

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this comforting Chicken Tortellini Soup with a slice of crusty garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth.
• A crisp Caesar salad or a light mixed greens salad pairs beautifully with this dish.
• For a heartier meal, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or shaved Pecorino Romano over the top.
• Add a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon to balance the meal.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well for this recipe. You don’t need to thaw it — simply add it directly to the simmering broth and cook for a few extra minutes (usually 2–3 minutes longer than the package suggests) until tender.

2. What type of chicken works best for Chicken Tortellini Soup?

You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or poached chicken breast — anything you have on hand works great. Shredded rotisserie chicken adds amazing flavor and makes the recipe quick and convenient.

3. Can I make Chicken Tortellini Soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the soup up to a day in advance — just store it without the tortellini. When reheating, add the tortellini fresh so it doesn’t get too soft or mushy. The broth and chicken reheat beautifully.

4. How long does Chicken Tortellini Soup last in the fridge?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If the tortellini absorbs too much broth, simply add a splash of chicken stock before reheating.

5. Can I freeze Chicken Tortellini Soup?

Yes, but with one small tweak — it’s best to freeze the soup without the tortellini. Pasta tends to break down after freezing. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat the soup, then add fresh tortellini and cook for a few minutes until tender.

Conclusion

Few things bring as much comfort as a warm bowl of Chicken Tortellini Soup on a cozy evening. With tender chicken, savory broth, and cheesy tortellini swimming together in harmony, it’s a dish that feels both homemade and gourmet. The air fills with the comforting aroma of simmering herbs and garlic, and each bite reminds you why simple recipes often taste the best.