If you’re craving a comforting, hearty soup that’s bursting with flavors and comes together without any fuss, this Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is just the thing to warm your soul. It’s packed with tender chicken, luscious cheese-filled tortellini, and a medley of fresh vegetables swimming in a flavorful chicken broth. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just want a bowl of pure comfort, this soup strikes the perfect balance of simple ingredients and rich, satisfying taste you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, resulting in a deliciously balanced bowl of soup. From the savory broth to the tender vegetables and soft tortellini, every component is easy to find and essential for creating this delightful meal.
- Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base for sautéing and helps soften the onions perfectly.
- Onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth when cooked until translucent and lightly browned.
- Celery: Offers a crisp, fresh bite and balances the soup’s savory elements.
- Carrots: Provide subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the overall flavor profile.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties all ingredients together beautifully.
- Shredded cooked or rotisserie chicken: Adds protein and heartiness, making the soup truly satisfying.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Deliciously tender pasta pockets that soak up the broth and provide a cheesy surprise.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to taste, enhancing every flavor in the pot.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh, bright garnish that adds a pop of color and herbaceous note.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes. This initial step softens the onions and lets them develop a subtle sweetness, especially if they brown just a bit. This foundation is key for the rich flavor base of your soup.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Herbs
Next, toss in the finely chopped celery, carrots, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to combine the flavors, then cook for a few more minutes. This process lightly cooks the veggies and lets the herbs release their fragrant oils, building layers of taste.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Veggies
Pour in the chicken broth and crank the heat up to high until the soup reaches a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to maintain a rapid simmer. Let the pot cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, until the vegetables have softened just right — tender but still with some bite that adds texture to the soup.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Tortellini
Now comes the heart of the soup! Stir in the shredded chicken and the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Bring the heat back up to medium-high and let everything cook together until the tortellini is perfectly tender, usually a few minutes more. Keep an eye on the pot to adjust heat; you want a gentle simmer rather than a wild boil to keep the tortellini intact.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve the soup piping hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful of this Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish like freshly chopped parsley really elevates this soup by adding a burst of freshness. For extra flair, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can bring a salty, savory touch. A drizzle of good quality olive oil on top can also add richness and a silky finish.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or warm garlic knots that are perfect for dipping into the broth. A crisp green salad on the side brings a refreshing crunch and balances out the creamy tortellini. For something heartier, a side of roasted vegetables or a light pasta salad can complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy, homey presentation or use elegant white bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the ingredients. Adding a few edible flowers or microgreens on top can make the dish feel special for a dinner party. For an informal gathering, serve it family-style in a large soup tureen so everyone can ladle their own servings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe tastes just as good the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld beautifully overnight, just be aware the tortellini might soak up more broth, so you can add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you’re looking to keep it longer. For best results, freeze the soup without the tortellini, as pasta can become mushy after freezing. Store the broth, chicken, and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and cook fresh tortellini separately before combining.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding extra broth or water as needed to loosen it up. If you froze the soup without tortellini, cook fresh tortellini separately and add it just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving for long periods to keep the chicken tender and the soup from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well and can be added directly to the soup. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through completely without getting too soft.
Is rotisserie chicken the best choice?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut because it’s already cooked and flavorful, saving you time. However, leftover cooked chicken or even poached chicken breast works perfectly in this recipe.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add extra veggies or beans for protein, making a hearty vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
How do I make the soup spicier?
To add some heat, toss in crushed red pepper flakes when you add the Italian seasoning or top each bowl with a drizzle of spicy chili oil. Freshly chopped jalapeños also work well for a kick.
What cheese tortellini is best to use?
Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini is recommended for its convenience and tenderness, but you can also use frozen varieties. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade tortellini will take this soup up a notch!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is truly a gem in the kitchen, bringing together cozy comfort and simple ingredients in a way that’s easy to love. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, it offers reliable, delicious warmth that’s hard to beat. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every nourishing, flavorful spoonful as much as I do.
