Name: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen); Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

I’ve always had a soft spot for cozy, soul-warming soups, and this Chicken Tortellini Soup is exactly that kind of magic in a bowl. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in comfort with every spoonful—rich, hearty broth, tender shredded chicken, pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, and sweet bites of carrot and celery all working together in perfect harmony. Whenever I make this, the whole kitchen fills with the scent of home, and suddenly, everyone’s a little more eager to gather around the table.

What I especially love about this soup is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing depth of flavor. Whether you’ve had a long day or just want something wholesome without the fuss, this is a go-to recipe that feels both nourishing and satisfying. Plus, it’s flexible enough to use up leftover chicken or mix in your favorite vegetables. It’s comfort food with a twist—simple, classic, and endlessly cozy.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Soup

This soup is a beautiful marriage of hearty and light—something you’ll want to curl up with all year round. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s packed with protein, loaded with flavor, and incredibly satisfying without being too heavy. The cheese tortellini adds a delightful richness, while the fresh veggies give it balance and freshness.

It’s also kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you need a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or a reliable soup to soothe someone under the weather, this Chicken Tortellini Soup never disappoints.

What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

When it comes to tortellini, you’ve got options—and that’s part of the beauty of this soup. I usually go for cheese-filled tortellini because it adds a creamy, mellow contrast to the savory broth and chicken. You can use fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for a quicker cook time and a softer texture, or go with frozen tortellini if you want to keep a stash on hand for whenever the craving hits.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini for something a bit different. They’ll add their own flair to the soup without straying too far from the classic feel.

Options for Substitutions

This soup is incredibly forgiving, which makes it perfect for improvising based on what you have in your fridge or pantry.

Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but you can also use leftover baked, grilled, or poached chicken. Shredded turkey works just as well too.
Tortellini: Swap cheese tortellini for meat or spinach-filled ones. You can also use ravioli in a pinch.
Broth: Chicken broth adds the most flavor, but vegetable broth is a fine alternative for a lighter, vegetarian spin (just skip the meat or add tofu).
Vegetables: Carrots and celery are classic, but feel free to throw in zucchini, spinach, kale, or even peas for a nutritional boost.
Herbs: Fresh parsley gives it a clean finish, but thyme or basil can add a deeper herbal note.

This flexibility means you can make it your own every time—just the way you like it.

Ingredients for This Chicken Tortellini Soup

Each ingredient plays a role in building the comforting layers of flavor in this cozy soup.

Cooked Chicken: The heart of the soup—shredded chicken brings protein, texture, and that savory, homestyle taste.
Cheese Tortellini: These soft, pillowy pasta pockets soak up the broth and give the soup its signature richness and comfort.
Carrots: Sliced carrots add natural sweetness, color, and a tender bite that balances the savory broth.
Celery: A traditional base ingredient in many soups, celery adds a subtle earthy flavor and a bit of crunch.
Onion: Finely chopped onion deepens the flavor of the broth and brings everything together with a mellow sweetness.
Garlic: Just a few cloves make a big difference—garlic adds warmth and depth to the broth.
Chicken Broth: The base of the soup—rich, golden, and savory. A good-quality broth makes all the difference.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables and help infuse them with flavor right from the start.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the other flavors to life.
Fresh Parsley: Stirred in at the end, parsley brightens up the dish and adds a fresh finish.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5–6 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. Bring it to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10–15 minutes, allowing the veggies to become nice and tender and the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Stir in the Chicken

Add your cooked, shredded chicken to the pot. If you’re using cold or leftover chicken, give it a few minutes to warm through in the simmering broth. At this point, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

Gently stir in the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 5–7 minutes. Make sure not to overcook them; you want them tender but still holding their shape.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Give the soup one final taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle it into bowls while hot and steamy—it’s ready to enjoy!

How Long to Cook the Chicken Tortellini Soup

From start to finish, this soup comes together in about 30 minutes. The longest step is letting the broth and vegetables simmer to bring out the full flavor, which takes about 15 minutes. The tortellini only need 5–7 minutes to cook, and if you’re using pre-cooked chicken, it just needs a few minutes to heat through.

It’s fast, flavorful, and weeknight-friendly without skimping on that homemade feel.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tortellini Soup

Don’t overcook the tortellini: They can go from tender to mushy quickly. Add them at the end and watch them closely.
Use good broth: A rich, high-quality chicken broth gives your soup a deep, savory base that can’t be beat.
Sauté the vegetables first: This step enhances the flavor and prevents the soup from tasting flat.
Add greens for extra nutrition: Stir in baby spinach or kale just before serving for a fresh, healthy twist.
Keep it gently simmering: Boiling can break apart the tortellini and make the soup cloudy.
Taste and adjust seasoning: Especially after adding broth or chicken—salt levels vary, so don’t skip the final taste test.
Make it creamy (optional): Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of grated Parmesan if you want a richer version.
Cook tortellini separately for leftovers: To avoid soggy pasta when storing, cook and store tortellini separately and combine just before serving.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple soup like this one can take a wrong turn if you’re not paying attention to the small details. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Tortellini: They’ll fall apart and turn mushy if left too long in hot broth. Stick to the package time and check early.
Using Bland Broth: A weak broth equals a flat-tasting soup. Go for low-sodium if you want control over salt, but make sure it’s flavorful.
Skipping the Sauté Step: Don’t just toss in raw veggies—sautéing builds that base layer of flavor.
Not Seasoning Gradually: Add salt and pepper as you go, not just at the end. Layering the seasoning makes a difference.
Boiling After Adding Tortellini: High heat can burst them open. Simmer gently to preserve their shape.
Adding Dairy Too Early (if using): If you opt to make it creamy, don’t add cream while it’s boiling—it can curdle.
Neglecting Fresh Herbs: That sprinkle of parsley or basil at the end brings a much-needed freshness.
Overcrowding the Pot: Using too much tortellini or chicken can overwhelm the broth and mess with texture balance.

What to Serve With Chicken Tortellini Soup?

Crusty Bread

A warm slice of sourdough, baguette, or even garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth.

Simple Green Salad

A light salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and contrast to the rich, comforting soup.

Grilled Cheese

Level up the comfort food by pairing it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich—crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside.

Roasted Veggies

Try oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or sweet potatoes to round out the meal with extra nutrients.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Crisp, tangy, and refreshing—this cold salad offers a nice contrast to the warm soup.

Parmesan Garlic Flatbread

Toasty and cheesy, it makes a great side for scooping or just soaking up that flavorful broth.

Herbed Butter Biscuits

Fluffy biscuits with a touch of garlic or rosemary add a buttery richness to your bowl.

Sparkling Water or Light White Wine

Balance the savory flavors with something crisp and refreshing to sip alongside.

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about Chicken Tortellini Soup is how well it stores—perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Refrigerator:
Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. If possible, store the tortellini separately from the broth to prevent them from getting too soft.

Freezer:
To freeze, leave the tortellini out and add them fresh when reheating. The broth, veggies, and chicken freeze beautifully and will keep well for up to 3 months. Just cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.

Reheating:
Warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat until hot. If stored separately, cook the tortellini fresh and stir in right before serving.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1½ cups)

Calories: 320
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 670mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

These values may vary slightly depending on the type of tortellini or broth you use, but overall, it’s a well-balanced, comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well. Just give them a minute or two longer to cook in the broth compared to fresh ones.

How can I make this soup creamier?

You can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right at the end. Another option is to add a spoonful of grated Parmesan for extra richness.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! Make the broth, veggies, and chicken ahead of time, but for best texture, cook the tortellini fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Is this soup good for freezing?

It is—just leave the tortellini out before freezing. Add freshly cooked tortellini when you reheat to keep the texture perfect.

What kind of chicken is best for this recipe?

Shredded rotisserie chicken is super convenient and flavorful, but leftover roasted or grilled chicken works great too.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap the chicken for white beans or extra veggies, use vegetable broth, and stick with cheese tortellini for a satisfying meat-free version.

How do I avoid soggy tortellini in leftovers?

Store the tortellini separately from the soup if you plan to have leftovers. Add them to each bowl just before serving.

Can I add greens like spinach or kale?

Yes! Stir in baby spinach or chopped kale right before serving. It adds a fresh, vibrant touch and extra nutrition.

Conclusion

Chicken Tortellini Soup is that cozy, satisfying bowl you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, hearty enough to fill you up, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever’s in your fridge. Whether you’re nursing a cold, feeding the family, or just need a warm hug in a bowl, this recipe delivers every single time.

Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your kitchen—comfort food doesn’t get much better than this.