Chicken Tortellini Soup is tender shredded chicken, hearty veggies, and cheese tortellini simmered in a savory broth. This is an easy, comforting dish that is perfect for the fall season.
Ready to try more chicken soup recipes? Try my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Chicken Lime Avocado Soup next.
Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
This chicken tortellini soup is my go-to recipe when I'm craving something warm and satisfying with simple ingredients. It has the flavor of a classic chicken soup but we've swapped the noodles for cheesy tortellini.
If you're feeling under the weather or just want some comfort food during the fall or winter, this recipe is a winner. We start by sauteeing some fresh vegetables, then adding chicken broth, shredded chicken, and pasta.
Everything simmers in one pot for a healthy, flavorful meal. Grab a bowl and get cozy!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breast for its lean protein and ease of cooking. It cooks quickly and shreds easily, making it a great base for this soup. You can also use precooked or leftover chicken (rotisserie chicken) for convenience.
- Chicken bouillon: This is my go-to for adding a concentrated, rich chicken flavor to the broth without needing additional seasoning. It really enhances the depth of the soup.
- Olive oil: I use this to sauté the veggies, allowing them to soften and release their natural sweetness, which builds the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
- Veggies: Celery, and carrots are classic soup vegetables. They add flavor. texture, and nutrition.
- Aromatics: Onions are the foundation of flavor. Minced garlic provides a fragrant, savory kick that complements the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Seasoning: Keep it simple with a cajun seasoning or all purpose seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Chicken broth: This is the liquid base of our recipe and it enhances the chicken flavor.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: These cook up quickly, so I add them towards the end. They bring a creamy, cheesy bite that makes the soup feel indulgent and satisfying. Most varieties contain ricotta cheese and parmesan but you can use any cheese you prefer.
- Chopped parsley: I like to finish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It adds a pop of bright, freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich broth.
How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
To make this delicious chicken tortellini soup, I start by heating up some olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is warm, I add in the chopped onion and let it sauté for about 5-7 minutes until it's soft and just starting to brown.
Then, I toss in the celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning, stirring everything together and cooking it for a few more minutes to build up those flavors.
When the veggies have softened, I pour in the chicken broth and stir in the chicken bouillon, making sure it's fully dissolved.
Then we turn up the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, I lower the heat to a rapid simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the veggies are tender.
Now it’s time to add the chicken and tortellini. I increase the heat back to medium-high, letting the soup cook for a few more minutes until the tortellini is done.
If the soup starts boiling too hard, simply reduce the heat a bit. Finally, I season the soup with salt and pepper, garnish it with some fresh parsley, and it's ready to serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Pre-cook the chicken. Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience; just shred it before adding to the soup to save time and keep the chicken tender.
- Use fresh tortellini. Opt for fresh, refrigerated cheese tortellini because they cook quickly and have a better texture. Add them towards the end to avoid overcooking.
- Do not skip the sauté. Sauté the onions, celery, and carrots until softened and slightly golden to fully develop their flavors before adding the broth.
- Adjust the consistency. Thin the soup with additional chicken broth if it’s too thick, or simmer uncovered to reduce and thicken if it’s too thin.
- Season at the end. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving to ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced.
Storage
Store leftover chicken tortellini soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tortellini will gradually absorb the broth so store them separately. You can also cook fresh tortellini when you're ready to reheat the broth.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic to give the soup a subtle kick, or increase the amount for a bolder, spicier flavor.
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking for a richer, creamier soup. You could also add a dollop of cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- More Veggies: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale just before adding the tortellini, allowing it to wilt slightly without overcooking.
- Slow Cooker: To make this soup in a slow cooker or crockpot, add the chicken breasts, veggies, garlic, chicken broth, chicken bouillon, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, then remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker. Add the tortellini during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, and finish with salt, pepper, and parsley before serving.
Tools for This Recipe
- Large Soup Pot: To cook the soup and hold all the ingredients comfortably.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the ingredients as they cook.
- Chef’s Knife: To chop the vegetables, garlic, and parsley.
- Cutting Board: For prepping the vegetables and chicken.
- Measuring Spoons: To measure out the olive oil, seasonings, and bouillon.
- Ladle: For serving the soup.
FAQ
Can you freeze chicken tortellini soup?
You can freeze the broth but I do not recommend freezing the tortellini. Cooked pasta does not freeze well and the texture will be altered.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the tortellini right before serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Just add them a few minutes earlier to ensure they cook through completely.
Can you put raw chicken in soup to cook?
If you're using raw chicken breast, it needs to be cooked and shredded before adding it to the soup. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken saves time and ensures the chicken is tender.
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📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 whole Chicken breast boneless skinless OR 2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken (or more, to taste)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Chicken bouillon
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- ½ medium Onion diced
- 2 sticks Celery chopped
- 2 large Carrots peeled & chopped or sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 9 ounce packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning sub all purpose seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add chicken breast to a large stock pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the chicken broth to a low boil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Turn heat off on the pot and remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside in a bowl to cool down.
- While the chicken is cooling, add the olive oil to a skillet and then add in the onion, celery, and carrots sand saute for about 5 minutes, or until the veggies begin to soften.
- Add in the garlic and saute for 1 minute, then stir in the italian seasoning until it is fully combined. Now gently add the vegetables into the pot of chicken broth.
- Make sure the chicken breast are cool enough to handle, then use two forks or a hand mixer and shred the chicken. Once the chicken is shredded, add it into the pot with the vegetables and chicken broth.
- Turn the heat on the pot up to medium-high and let the soup cook for about 5-7 minutes, just until the tortellini pasta is cooked through. The pasta will begin to float to the top once it is cooked.
- Add in cajun seasoning and stir until mixed well. Taste for seasoning and season the soup with about 1-2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper- more or less taste!
- Serve with crackers or a crusty bread, and enjoy!
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