Easy & Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
This easy and creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup features tender shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, and fresh vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth with herbs and parmesan. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it combines the heartiness of chicken soup with the indulgence of cream and cheese-filled pasta, ready in just 40 minutes.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (optional for thickening)
- 6 cups chicken broth
Proteins & Pasta
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Dairy & Greens
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute, releasing its aroma.
- Season and Build Flavor: Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to coat the vegetables evenly. For a thicker soup, sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add the Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the cooked shredded chicken and reduce the heat to let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions (typically 3 to 5 minutes) until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape.
- Stir in the Cream and Spinach: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and add the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Heat through carefully without bringing to a boil to prevent curdling; cook just until the spinach wilts and the soup is warmed.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time and enhance flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit cream altogether.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, adding flour helps but can be skipped for a lighter broth.
- Fresh spinach is optional but adds color and nutrients; kale or other greens can also be used.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to cater to your taste, especially salt and pepper.
Keywords: Chicken tortellini soup, creamy chicken soup, easy chicken soup, cheese tortellini recipe, stovetop soup, comfort food