Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe: Creamy, Hearty & Comforting

I made this Chicken Tortellini Soup a few nights ago when I was craving something warm and cozy. It turned out better than I expected—rich broth, soft tortellini, juicy chicken, and tender veggies all came together in one perfect bowl.

As soon as it started simmering, the house smelled amazing, and everyone kept asking when dinner would be ready.

I love how easy it was to make with basic pantry ingredients, and it’s now one of my favorite go-to comfort meals. You’ve got to try this—especially on a chilly night!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a flavorful, hearty pot of Chicken Tortellini Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil – helps sauté the vegetables and adds a nice depth of flavor
1 small onion, diced – adds sweetness and aroma
2 celery stalks, chopped – brings crunch and earthiness
2 carrots, peeled and sliced – adds color and natural sweetness
3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic makes the flavor pop
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that gives the soup its signature taste
6 cups chicken broth – the base of your soup; use low-sodium if you prefer
2 cups shredded cooked chicken – leftover rotisserie works great
9 oz cheese tortellini – fresh or refrigerated is best; avoid frozen if possible for better texture
Salt and pepper to taste – adjust to your liking
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – for garnish and freshness

Note: This recipe makes approximately 4 generous servings.

Variations

Want to switch it up? Here are some ways to customize this soup:

Dairy-Free: Use plain pasta instead of cheese tortellini and skip the cheese.
Extra Veggies: Add a handful of baby spinach, kale, or peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
Different Protein: Try turkey, shredded chicken thighs, or even plant-based chicken alternatives.
Zesty Twist: Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavor.

Cooking Time

Here’s the total time you’ll need from start to finish:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need fancy tools—just these basics:

Large pot or Dutch oven: To cook the soup evenly and give the ingredients room to simmer
Chef’s knife: For chopping onions, carrots, and celery
Cutting board: Keeps your prep clean and safe
Garlic press (optional): Speeds up the mincing process
Ladle: For serving up those hearty bowls of soup

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup?

This soup is comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Let’s walk through it step-by-step.

Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warm, toss in your diced onion and sauté until translucent—about 2–3 minutes. Add chopped celery and carrots and cook another 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for just a minute to release their aroma.

Add the Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for around 10–15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld. This step builds the rich, savory base that makes this soup so cozy.

Add Chicken and Tortellini

Once the veggies are tender, stir in the cooked shredded chicken and tortellini. Keep the soup at a simmer while the tortellini cooks through. Most fresh or refrigerated tortellini only need 4–5 minutes—don’t overcook, or they’ll turn mushy.

Season and Serve

Season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with chopped parsley for a pop of green and added freshness. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast for the ultimate meal.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I’ve made this soup several times now, and these tips really helped take it up a notch:

Don’t let the tortellini sit too long in hot broth before serving—it’ll get too soft.
Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil just before serving to brighten the flavor.
If you’re planning for leftovers, keep the tortellini separate and add it in when reheating.
Want even more flavor? Sauté the veggies in butter instead of oil for a richer base.

How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Soup?

Serve this soup hot in wide bowls so you can show off the vibrant carrots, green parsley, and golden tortellini. Garnish with more fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for a little gloss. It’s perfect with garlic bread, cheesy toast, or a crisp side salad like Caesar or spring greens. For a heartier meal, serve it with a grilled sandwich.

Nutritional Information

This soup is both hearty and nutritious. Here’s a breakdown per serving:

Calories: 397
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fat: 13g

Make Ahead and Storage

Planning to prep ahead or save leftovers? Here’s what you need to know.

Make Ahead

You can make the soup base (without tortellini) up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and add fresh tortellini when reheating.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you’ve already added the tortellini, know that it may soak up broth and become soft—still tasty, though!

Freezing Option

This soup freezes well—just freeze the broth and chicken mixture separately. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it, bring it to a simmer, and cook fresh tortellini right before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is one of those cozy meals that checks all the boxes. Here’s why it might become your new favorite:

Easy and Quick: It’s ready in under an hour and uses simple, everyday ingredients.
One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor. Everything comes together in a single pot.
Kid-Approved: The cheesy tortellini is always a hit with little ones.
Customizable: Use what you have on hand—swap veggies, proteins, or seasonings.
Great for Leftovers: Make once, enjoy for days. It reheats beautifully!

Ash Tyrrell