Name: Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 3 sticks celery, finely chopped; 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped or sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Chopped parsley, to taste; 2 cups shredded cooked or rotisserie chicken (or more, to taste); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting and soul-warming meal that comes together quickly, let me introduce you to this Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup. This delightful soup combines tender shredded chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and vibrant vegetables all swimming in a flavorful chicken broth. It’s a dish that feels both luxurious and homely, perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you make this Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup, it’ll quickly become your go-to comfort recipe that’s both easy and incredibly satisfying.

Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role. Every item brings something special to the bowl—from the tender crunch of celery to the rich creaminess of cheese tortellini—creating a harmonious flavor and texture combination.

1 tablespoon olive oil: The base for sautéing veggies, adds a subtle fruity richness.
1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds a sweet, aromatic depth when cooked.
3 sticks celery (finely chopped): Provides a fresh crunch and earthy undertones.
3 large carrots (peeled & chopped or sliced): Offers sweetness and vibrant color to brighten up the soup.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Injects a punch of flavor and warmth.
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that lifts the soup’s profile beautifully.
8 cups chicken broth: The hearty, savory liquid foundation that ties everything together.
2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken: Convenient protein that’s tender and flavorful, perfect for quick prep.
2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini: Adds a delightful cheesy bite and tender pasta texture.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Chopped parsley (to taste): A fresh, herbaceous garnish to finish the soup with a pop of color.

How to Make Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat, then add the chopped onion. Sauté these until the onion softens and just starts to brown slightly, releasing a rich, savory base that will elevate the entire soup’s flavor.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Seasoning

Next, toss in the finely chopped celery, carrots, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes. This step lets the veggies soften just enough to release their sweetness and meld deliciously with the herbs and garlic.

Step 3: Pour in the Chicken Broth and Simmer

Pour the chicken broth into the pot and crank up the heat to bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a rapid simmer. Let the soup bubble gently for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape, creating a perfect balance of texture.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken and Tortellini

Now it’s time to add the shredded chicken and cheese tortellini. Turn the heat to medium-high, allowing the tortellini to cook fully—usually just a few minutes. Be careful not to let it boil too wildly, or the pasta could break apart. This is where the soup becomes irresistibly hearty and cheesy.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a burst of fresh color and flavor. Serve it piping hot, and get ready to savor every comforting spoonful.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup

Garnishes

While the chopped parsley is a classic finishing touch, you can also add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for added richness. A few cracked red pepper flakes can bring a subtle kick, too, if you love a little heat in your soup.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad for a refreshing contrast or a crusty baguette to soak up every last bit of broth. Garlic bread or cheesy crostini will also complement the delicate cheesiness of the tortellini beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. It’s perfect for entertaining and adds an impressive touch without any extra cooking effort. You could even let everyone customize their bowls with different herbs or cheeses at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. You’ll find the flavors meld even further after a day, making leftovers just as tasty as the first serving.

Freezing

While cheese tortellini can sometimes become a little softer after freezing and reheating, you can freeze this soup in portions for up to 2 months. To freeze, leave the tortellini out and add fresh when reheating to keep the pasta perfectly tender, or freeze it all together if convenient.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If frozen without the tortellini, add fresh pasta towards the end of reheating and cook until tender. Avoid microwaving for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well in this soup. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since frozen pasta takes longer to cook through.

What type of chicken is best for this soup?

Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here, but you can also poach or roast your own chicken breasts or thighs before shredding. Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly too.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Adding extra vegetables or hearty beans can boost the protein and make it just as satisfying.

Is this soup spicy?

No, the base recipe is mild and comforting, but you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like more heat.

How thick or brothy is the soup?

This Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup is a mostly brothy soup with tender chunks of chicken and tortellini, offering a perfect balance of lightness and heartiness—not too thick but deeply satisfying.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup enough if you want a quick, cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on chilly days. It’s straightforward to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and so flexible to suit your tastes. Next time you’re looking for a fuss-free dinner that still feels special, this soup will be waiting to welcome you home.

Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 29 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender shredded chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful chicken broth seasoned with Italian herbs. Ready in under 40 minutes, this soup is both nourishing and delicious, ideal for family meals or meal prep.

Instructions

Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to soften and lightly brown for enhanced flavor.
Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the finely chopped celery, carrots, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, to combine the flavors.
Simmer Broth and Veggies: Pour the chicken broth into the pot and increase the heat to high. Once it comes to a boil, reduce to a rapid simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender to your liking.
Add Chicken and Tortellini: Stir in the shredded chicken and refrigerated cheese tortellini. Bring the soup to a medium-high heat and cook until the tortellini is tender and fully cooked, a few minutes. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid a vigorous boil.
Season and Garnish: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

You can use homemade chicken broth for extra flavor or substitute with low-sodium broth for a healthier version.
Rotisserie chicken speeds up the preparation, but leftover cooked chicken works just as well.
Feel free to add spinach or kale for extra greens.
If you prefer, substitute cheese tortellini with meat or spinach tortellini.
The soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking the tortellini.
For a thicker soup, add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last few minutes of cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American