Tortellini soup is comfort food at its finest—warm, hearty, and soul-satisfying with every spoonful. This version brings together tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth that’s gently kissed with cream. It’s the kind of soup you want simmering on the stove when the weather turns chilly, when your loved ones need a nourishing meal, or when you’re simply craving something cozy yet substantial. Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken or cooking it fresh, this dish comes together in one pot with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot—less mess, fewer dishes, and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Hearty & Satisfying: Filled with protein-rich chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh vegetables, this tortellini soup is both filling and wholesome.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love. Creamy without being heavy and packed with familiar flavors.
- Flexible Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen tortellini, whatever leftover chicken you have, and adjust the veggies to your taste.
- Meal-Prep & Freezer Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or canola/avocado oil)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4 ribs celery, sliced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2½ teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2–3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ teaspoon tarragon vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
🧑🍳 Tip: For best flavor in your tortellini soup, use rotisserie chicken or oven-baked chicken with minimal seasoning.
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion, celery, and carrots. Stir to coat, then cover and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until veggies are slightly softened. - Add Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil. - Cook the Pasta and Veggies
Add the tortellini, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook according to tortellini package directions, usually about 5–7 minutes, or until al dente. - Finish the Soup
Stir in the shredded chicken, followed by the heavy cream and vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. - Serve and Enjoy
Let the tortellini soup cool slightly before serving. Top with grated Parmesan if desired.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — Approximate)
- Calories: 502 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 102 mg
- Sodium: 1493 mg
- Potassium: 975 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Vitamin A: 8776 IU
- Vitamin C: 22 mg
- Calcium: 190 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
🥄 Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on tortellini brand and type of chicken used.
Tips & Variations
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a time-saver, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and shred it—no extra cooking required.
- Frozen or Fresh Tortellini: Both work great. If using frozen, just cook the soup 2–3 minutes longer.
- Dairy-Free Option: Omit the heavy cream or substitute with a splash of unsweetened oat milk or coconut cream.
- Add Extra Veggies: Zucchini, mushrooms, or kale can be added for more texture and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for white beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
🍽️ Pro tip: Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving—this allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- – Cutting board and knife
- Ladle
Ingredients
- – 2 tablespoons olive oil or canola/avocado oil
- – 1 yellow onion diced
- – 4 ribs celery sliced
- – 4 carrots sliced
- – 2 cloves garlic minced
- – 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- – 2 bay leaves
- – 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
- – 2½ teaspoons kosher salt
- – ½ teaspoon black pepper
- – 3 cups cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
- – 2 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
- – ⅔ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- – 2–3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- – 1 cup heavy cream
- – ¾ teaspoon tarragon or white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add onion, celery, and carrots. Cover and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in tortellini, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook per tortellini package instructions.
- Add shredded chicken, heavy cream, and vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Serve warm, topped with Parmesan if desired.
Notes
– Use rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
– Let soup rest 10 minutes before serving for best flavor.
FAQs
Can I freeze tortellini soup?
Yes! Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
What kind of tortellini works best?
Cheese tortellini is classic, but chicken, spinach, or even sun-dried tomato tortellini are all delicious options. Just make sure it’s fresh or frozen—not dry shelf-stable pasta.
How do I make this soup thicker?
While this tortellini soup is naturally creamy, you can add a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water before adding the cream to thicken the broth.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free tortellini. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your broth and seasonings for additives.
Conclusion
This tortellini soup is everything you want in a cozy, weeknight meal—rich, creamy, and full of nourishing ingredients that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Customize it with your favorite tortellini filling, sneak in extra veggies, or keep it simple and classic—the result is always soul-warming. Don’t forget to serve it with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for the perfect pairing.