Nothing hits the spot like a warm bowl of soup — especially when it’s packed with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and cozy veggies in a rich broth. This Chicken Tortellini Soup is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It’s comforting, hearty, and feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you just need something cozy and satisfying.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe takes me back to Sunday afternoons growing up — my mom would make chicken soup, and I’d help by tossing in pasta or chopping veggies. Now, I make this twist with tortellini because it makes it even more filling and fun.
- It’s ready in about 35 minutes
- Perfect way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken
- One pot — fewer dishes!
- The tortellini makes it feel special without extra work
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- Don’t overcook the tortellini — it only needs a few minutes
- Chop all your veggies the same size so they cook evenly
- Add spinach at the end for an extra veggie boost
- Taste the broth before serving and adjust seasoning as needed
Tools You’ll Need
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions and Variations
- Use turkey instead of chicken
- Try spinach or mushroom tortellini
- Add baby spinach or kale at the end
- Use homemade chicken stock if you have it
- Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes
Make Ahead Tips
Chop the veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also cook and shred the chicken in advance. Just store everything separately until ready to use. This soup reheats well, so it’s great for meal prep!
How Many Servings:
Makes 4–6 servings
Total Cook Time:
35 minutes
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Sauté the veggies
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion, 2 diced carrots, and 2 diced celery stalks. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until veggies are soft.
Step 2: Add the garlic
Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in broth
Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
Step 4: Add chicken and seasoning
Add 2 cups shredded cooked chicken and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add tortellini
Add 9 ounces of cheese tortellini. Let it simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, or until the tortellini float and are tender.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Turn off the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tortellini will soak up some broth, so you might want to add extra broth when reheating. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Simmering the broth after adding the chicken and seasoning helps all the flavors blend and deepen. Adding the tortellini last keeps them from getting mushy. The starch from the pasta slightly thickens the broth, giving it a cozy texture.
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the tortellini — they get mushy fast
- Not seasoning enough — taste as you go
- Using raw chicken — this recipe is for pre-cooked chicken
- Boiling too hard — gentle simmer keeps the broth clear
What to Serve With
- Warm crusty bread or garlic toast
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
- Grilled cheese for a fun twist
FAQ
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just add a few more minutes to the cook time.
Can I freeze this soup?
It’s best without the tortellini. Freeze the base, then add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Can I use raw chicken?
Only if you simmer it fully before adding tortellini — make sure it’s cooked through.
Is it okay to use vegetable broth?
Sure! It’ll change the flavor a bit but still taste great.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free tortellini and skip cheese garnishes. The broth is naturally dairy-free.
Now it’s your turn — grab your ingredients and make a pot of this cozy Chicken Tortellini Soup. If you try it, drop a comment below with how it turned out or if you have any questions!
