If you are craving something warm, comforting, and unbelievably simple to prepare, this Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender cheese tortellini swimming in a flavorful chicken broth, with a burst of fresh spinach and the gentle sweetness of sautéed onions, all coming together in one cozy bowl in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for quick dinners or anytime you want a dish that feels like a warm hug, this soup balances heartiness and freshness in the best possible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, building layers of flavor and texture without overwhelming your kitchen or your taste buds. Fresh vegetables, delicate pasta, and rich broth make this recipe accessible and delicious.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful foundation that brings depth and warmth to the soup.
- 1 cup cheese tortellini: Bite-sized pockets of cheesy goodness that add a satisfying chew.
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (optional): Boosts protein and heartiness for a more filling dish.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and a savory base when sautéed.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Introduces vibrant color and a nutritious green touch to the bowl.
- Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning: Essential seasonings that awaken the flavors and tie everything together.
How to Make Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by heating a little oil in a pot and sauté the chopped onion until it is soft and translucent. This simple step releases the onion’s natural sweetness and creates a delectable base for your soup.
Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld perfectly, creating an inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
Once the broth is simmering, gently stir in the cheese tortellini. Let it cook for about seven minutes until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape, providing a delightful texture in every spoonful.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Spinach
If you are using cooked shredded chicken, add it now along with the baby spinach. Allow everything to simmer lightly until the spinach wilts and the chicken is warmed through, infusing the soup with freshness and protein.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Your Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! Ladle it into bowls and serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil will elevate the soup with bright, herbaceous notes.
Side Dishes
A slice of crusty bread or garlic toast complements this soup beautifully, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. A simple green salad on the side adds a refreshing crunch to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve the soup in a large, shallow bowl with tortellini piled high and spinach gently laid over the top. For a personal touch, place a parmesan crisp or toasted bread round right on the side of the bowl—it’s as stylish as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover soup into an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. The tortellini can absorb some broth as it rests, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, but for the best texture, consider freezing the broth and cooked chicken separately from the tortellini and spinach. Add the pasta and greens fresh when you reheat to keep everything tender and vibrant.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add extra broth if needed to loosen the consistency and bring it back to that perfect soupy warmth.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well. You might need to add a minute or two to the cooking time, but it will still be delicious and tender in the soup.
Is it necessary to add chicken?
Not at all. The soup tastes fantastic even without chicken, making it a wonderful vegetarian option if you use vegetable broth or keep it simple with chicken broth and vegetables.
Can I make this soup creamy?
Yes, definitely. Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half right before serving for a luscious, creamy twist on this Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add carrots, celery, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the onions for extra flavor, and adjust cooking time depending on how tender you want the veggies.
How spicy is this soup?
This soup is naturally mild, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or even some chopped jalapeño if you like a little kick.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a soup that combines ease, speed, and incredible flavor, and that is exactly what this Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe offers. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite go-to when you need a quick yet comforting meal.
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Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe
A light and cozy tortellini soup featuring tender cheese-filled pasta, savory chicken broth, sautéed onions, fresh baby spinach, and optional shredded chicken. This Italian-inspired soup is flavorful yet simple, coming together in under 30 minutes—perfect for quick and comforting weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Broth & Seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Pasta & Protein
- 1 cup cheese tortellini
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach
Other
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering broth. Cook uncovered for about 7 minutes or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Chicken and Spinach: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and baby spinach. Let the soup simmer lightly for 2-3 minutes more, until the spinach wilts and the chicken is warmed through.
- Serve Warm: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half during the final simmer.
- Try substituting cooked sausage or turkey for the chicken for a different protein option.
- Baby spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green.
- Add minced garlic when sautéing onions for extra flavor.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly (omit chicken accordingly).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
