Name: Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb chicken breast; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cheese tortellini; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you are craving a warm, hearty meal that feels like a big, comforting hug in a bowl, this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender chicken, delicate cheese-filled tortellini, and vibrant vegetables all swimming in a savory broth, this soup is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s fast to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any day when you want to feel cozy and satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot shows four stages of making chicken tortellini soup on a white marbled surface. First, sliced orange carrots, bright green celery, minced white garlic, and herbs with salt and pepper are layered side by side. Next, a woman's hand using tongs lowers a smooth, pale raw chicken piece into clear broth with tiny herb bits floating. Then, the pot fills with a golden broth and many uncooked tortellini pasta pieces, mixed with the softened carrot and celery slices. Finally, chunks of cooked white chicken, finely chopped green parsley, and yellow lemon zest sit on top of the warm soup full of tortellini and vegetables, ready to serve. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, making the cooking process straightforward yet incredibly rewarding. Let’s talk about these superstar elements that will bring this soup to life.

Olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil adds richness and helps soften the veggies for a smooth flavor base.
Onion: Diced onion provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that gently infuses the broth.
Carrots: Sliced carrots bring a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color, making the soup inviting.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds that punch of warmth and depth that ties all flavors together beautifully.
Chicken breast: The star protein, tender and mild, that soaks up all the comforting broth notes perfectly.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties in all ingredients while keeping it light and savory.
Cheese tortellini: Soft, cheesy pockets that add a delightful, creamy texture that makes this soup irresistible.
Italian seasoning: The perfect blend of herbs brings a classic Italian flair that elevates every spoonful.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and brighten all the flavors in the soup.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sliced carrots, cooking until they soften and release their sweet aromas. This step builds a flavorful base that’s crucial for the soup’s depth.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Chicken

Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for just a minute to unlock its fragrant essence without letting it burn. Then, add the whole chicken breasts to the pot, preparing them to simmer in the broth.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Seasonings

Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and chicken, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting everything meld together for about 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the flavors to develop fully.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. This shredding helps the chicken pieces to blend evenly throughout the soup, giving you bites of tender meat in every spoonful. Return the shredded chicken to the pot right after.

Step 5: Add the Tortellini

Next, stir in the cheese tortellini and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes until tender and perfectly cooked. The tortellini soak up the broth and add wonderful textural contrast that makes this soup truly comforting.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give the soup a final taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed. Your Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is ready to enjoy—warm, nourishing, and bursting with Italian-inspired goodness.

How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes can take your Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe to the next level. Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant pop of color and freshness. A little grated Parmesan on top undoubtedly offers a savory, melty finish that invites you to dive right in.

Side Dishes

This soup shines beautifully when paired with crusty bread or garlic knots, perfect for dipping and soaking up every flavorful drop. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the meal with a bit of crispness and brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in charming bowls with a rustic linen napkin on the side to create an inviting atmosphere. For a fun twist, consider serving it in mini bread bowls or adding a drizzle of pesto on top for an herbaceous surprise that delights the senses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Freezing

While you can freeze most soups, be cautious with tortellini, as it can become mushy after thawing. If you want to freeze this soup, consider holding back the tortellini and adding freshly cooked ones when reheating to maintain texture integrity.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating helps restore the perfect soup consistency and flavor balance.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time and adds extra flavor, especially if you’re in a rush. Just shred it and add it in the last few minutes of cooking.

What type of cheese tortellini should I use?

Classic cheese-filled tortellini works best here, but feel free to experiment with spinach and ricotta or even mushroom-filled varieties to add a new twist to your Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For protein, add beans or tofu cubes to keep it satisfying.

Is it possible to add greens to this soup?

Definitely. Spinach or kale can be stirred in at the very end of cooking for a lovely boost of color, flavor, and nutrition that complements the existing ingredients perfectly.

How spicy is this soup? Can I add heat?

This recipe is mild and comforting by default, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick to warm you up even more.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe. It’s simple, flavorful, and brings a sense of warmth that just makes any day better. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe is a lovely way to share some cozy vibes and delicious eats. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will become one of your go-to comfort foods you’ll want to make again and again.