The kitchen has always been my sanctuary, a place where I can turn simple ingredients into something comforting and delicious. That’s why I’m so excited to share my Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe with you! It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you need something warm, satisfying, and ready in about 30 minutes. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a bowl full of love, designed to bring joy to your table with minimal fuss.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Quick Weeknight Meal: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules.
- Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids, thanks to the cheesy tortellini and tender chicken.
- Easily Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
- Better Than Restaurant Soup: Homemade flavor that surpasses anything you’ll find at a restaurant.
What Makes This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe Special?
I believe in making every step count when creating recipes. That’s why this soup starts with sautéing the onion, celery, and carrots; this builds a deep, savory base flavor that you simply can’t get from boiling the vegetables alone. The gentle sautéing coaxes out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and creates a rich foundation for the broth. I prefer using shredded cooked chicken in this recipe because it’s quick and easy. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience, but poaching your own chicken is another fantastic option for super tender pieces, if you have the time. For another delicious chicken soup, check out our simple chicken noodle soup crock pot recipe.
Ingredients for Your Chicken Tortellini Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 sticks celery (finely chopped)
- 3 large carrots (peeled & chopped or sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken ((or more, to taste))
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Chopped parsley (to taste)
For the best flavor, I highly recommend using high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth. It really makes a difference!
How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and heartwarming Chicken Tortellini Soup:
- First, add the olive oil and onion to a large soup pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes (it’s ok if onion lightly browns).
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot! Giving the onions enough space allows them to caramelize properly. If the pot is too crowded, the onions will steam instead of sauté. - Next, add the celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Give it a good stir and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Tip: Make sure to finely chop the celery so that it cooks evenly and doesn’t overpower the other flavors. - Then, add the chicken broth to the pot. Increase the heat to high, and once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a rapid simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes or until the veggies have softened to your liking.
Tip: Avoid boiling the soup too vigorously at this stage, or the vegetables may become mushy. - Now, add the chicken and tortellini to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the soup cook for a few more minutes until the tortellini is cooked. If it starts to boil furiously, you may need to turn the heat down again.
Tip: Be sure to stir the soup occasionally to prevent the tortellini from sticking to the bottom of the pot. - Finally, season with salt & pepper as needed and garnish with the chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Tip: Taste as you go. It’s really important to season the soup gradually, so you don’t add too much salt or pepper.
Tortellini Types: Choose Your Own Adventure
I love that you can really mix it up with tortellini! Cheese tortellini is my go-to for its creamy, mild flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables. Meat tortellini adds a richer, more savory element to the soup, perfect if you want a heartier meal. Spinach tortellini, on the other hand, is a great way to sneak in some extra greens and adds a subtle earthy flavor. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type and brand of tortellini you choose, so always check for doneness before serving.
Variations and Substitutions for Chicken Tortellini Soup
| Variation | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Vegan/Vegetarian | Use vegetable broth and plant-based tortellini. |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free tortellini. |
| Different Protein | Substitute shredded turkey, cooked sausage, or chickpeas for the chicken. |
Serving Suggestions
While a slice of crusty bread is always a welcome addition to any soup, why not elevate your Chicken Tortellini Soup experience? I love pairing it with a simple grilled cheese sandwich; the warm, melty cheese is the perfect complement to the savory soup. Alternatively, you could serve it with a side of tomato bruschetta for a burst of fresh flavor or some roasted vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Storing and Reheating Your Soup
To store leftover Chicken Tortellini Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be careful not to boil the soup, as this can cause the tortellini to become mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you freeze tortellini soup? Yes, you can freeze tortellini soup for up to 2-3 months. The texture of the tortellini may change slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.
- What goes good with tortellini soup? Grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato bruschetta, and roasted vegetables all pair well with tortellini soup.
- How do you keep tortellini from getting soggy in soup? To prevent tortellini from becoming soggy, add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking time and avoid boiling the soup vigorously.
- Is tortellini soup healthy? Tortellini soup can be a healthy and balanced meal, especially when made with lean chicken, plenty of vegetables, and a moderate amount of tortellini.
- How long is tortellini soup good for? Tortellini soup is good for 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator.
- What is tortellini soup made of? Tortellini soup is typically made with broth, tortellini, vegetables, and protein (such as chicken).
Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe Card
Amazing 30-Minute Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the olive oil and onion to a large soup pot. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes (it’s ok if onion lightly browns).
- Add the celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Give it a good stir and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot. Increase the heat to high, and once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a rapid simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes or until the veggies have softened to your liking.
- Add the chicken and tortellini to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the soup cook for a few more minutes until the tortellini is cooked. If it starts to boil furiously, you may need to turn the heat down again.
- Season with salt & pepper as needed and garnish with the chopped parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making this Chicken Tortellini Soup as much as I do! It’s a simple, comforting, and customizable recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. Do you have any favorite variations or substitutions? I’d love to hear your ideas! And don’t forget to share your delicious creations on social media using #CookingInspired. Happy cooking!
