Looking for the ultimate comfort food to warm you up on chilly days? This creamy chicken tortellini soup combines tender shredded chicken, soft cheese-filled tortellini, and a velvety, flavorful broth to create a bowl of pure coziness. Quick to prepare and family-friendly, this soup is a perfect one-pot meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
If you enjoy creamy pasta dishes, you’ll love this baked Asiago tortellini Alfredo with grilled chicken, another comforting recipe that pairs cheese-stuffed pasta with rich flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
This recipe stands out because it offers:
- Rich and Creamy Texture: A velvety broth made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Protein-Packed Chicken: Juicy, tender chicken that makes the soup filling and satisfying.
- Cheese-Stuffed Tortellini: Soft pasta pillows bursting with cheesy goodness.
- Wholesome Veggies: Carrots, celery, and spinach for added flavor, color, and nutrients.
If you’re a fan of rich, cheesy pasta and creamy soups, this recipe combines the best of both worlds into one irresistible dish.
Ingredients for Chicken and Tortellini Soup
To make this delicious soup, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (300–400 g) or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Tortellini: 300 g fresh or frozen cheese-filled tortellini.
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup (150 g) carrots, chopped
- 1 cup (150 g) celery, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach
- Broth and Cream:
- 4 cups (1 liter) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g) grated for garnish.
- Butter or Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for sautéing.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Follow these easy steps for a warm and comforting soup ready in under 30 minutes:
1. Sauté the Vegetables for Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the Chicken and Broth
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- If using raw chicken breasts, add them to the broth and simmer for 15 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- For pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, add it directly to the broth.
3. Cook the Tortellini
- Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions (5–7 minutes for fresh tortellini, 8–10 minutes for frozen).
4. Finish with Creamy Goodness
- Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and add the spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the soup thickens slightly.
- Season with thyme, basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Mastering this creamy chicken tortellini soup is all about balance, timing, and a few clever tricks. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, these tips will help you achieve a flavorful, perfectly textured soup every time.
1. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini
Tortellini is the star of this dish, so keeping it tender and perfectly cooked is essential:
- When to Add It: Add the tortellini toward the end of cooking—typically during the last 5–7 minutes for fresh tortellini or 8–10 minutes for frozen tortellini. Adding it too early will cause the pasta to overcook, turn mushy, and lose its shape.
- Cook to Al Dente: For the best texture, aim for an “al dente” finish, where the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite.
- Stir Gently: Stir the soup carefully when the tortellini is cooking to prevent the delicate pasta from breaking apart.
If you’re planning to store the soup for leftovers, consider cooking the tortellini separately. Add it fresh when reheating to keep it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming too soft.
2. Short on Time? Use Pre-Cooked Rotisserie Chicken
If you’re looking for a time-saving shortcut, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a game-changer.
- Skip the Cooking Step: Instead of simmering raw chicken, shred 2 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it directly to the broth when the soup is almost ready. This shaves off at least 15 minutes of cooking time.
- Why It Works: Rotisserie chicken is seasoned and tender, adding a savory depth to the soup without extra effort.
- Storage Tip: Keep shredded rotisserie chicken in your freezer or fridge for a quick protein addition to soups, salads, and casseroles.
Using rotisserie chicken doesn’t compromise flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a quick, satisfying meal.
3. Add More Vegetables for Texture and Flavor
While carrots, celery, and spinach are classic additions to chicken soup, you can easily customize it with other vegetables to boost flavor, nutrients, and color. Some great options include:
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy, umami flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy broth. Sauté them with the onions, carrots, and celery for extra richness.
- Peas: A handful of peas adds a pop of sweetness and vibrant green color. Toss them in during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking to keep them bright and tender.
- Zucchini: Diced zucchini cooks quickly and adds a light, fresh flavor to balance the creaminess of the soup. Add it halfway through cooking the tortellini.
- Kale or Swiss Chard: Swap out spinach for kale or Swiss chard if you prefer heartier greens. Remove the tough stems and add them in the last few minutes of cooking.
By incorporating these vegetables, you not only add color and texture to the dish but also boost its nutritional value, making it an even more wholesome one-pot meal.
4. Make It Lighter Without Sacrificing Flavor
For a lighter version of creamy chicken tortellini soup, you can adjust the ingredients without losing the luxurious, velvety texture:
- Half-and-Half: Replace the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lower-fat alternative. It still provides creaminess but cuts back on calories.
- Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk. It adds a subtle sweetness and maintains a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Milk and Broth Mix: Combine whole milk with a little extra chicken broth for a thinner, lighter version of the soup. If you want to thicken it slightly, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
- Greek Yogurt: Stir in 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt at the end of cooking for a creamy, tangy flavor boost with added protein.
These swaps keep the soup satisfying while making it a lighter option for those watching their fat or calorie intake.
5. Customize the Protein
While chicken is the classic choice for this soup, you can easily swap it out for other proteins to suit your preferences:
- Italian Sausage: Browned Italian sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy twist to the dish. Crumble and cook it before adding the broth.
- Shrimp: For a seafood variation, stir in shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the creamy broth.
- Turkey: Leftover roasted turkey works just as well as chicken, making this soup a great option for post-holiday meals.
- Tofu or Chickpeas: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with cubes of firm tofu or a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas.
6. Boost the Flavor with Simple Additions
To take your creamy chicken tortellini soup to the next level, try these flavor boosters:
- Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or thyme just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
- Lemon Zest or Juice: A touch of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness that cuts through the richness of the creamy broth.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
- Parmesan Rind: Drop a Parmesan cheese rind into the broth while the soup simmers. It imparts a deep, savory flavor to the broth. Remove it before serving.
7. Plan Ahead: Make It Meal-Prep Friendly
- Separate Components: To keep the tortellini from becoming too soft, store the soup and tortellini separately when meal prepping. Add fresh tortellini while reheating the soup.
- Freeze the Base: Freeze the broth, chicken, and vegetables. Add cream and tortellini when reheating for the best texture.
Similar Comforting Dishes to Try
If you love creamy pasta dishes like this soup, try the baked Asiago tortellini Alfredo with grilled chicken. Both dishes combine tender pasta, rich sauces, and savory proteins, making them perfect for cozy, satisfying meals.
By following these tips, you’ll create a flawless creamy chicken tortellini soup every time. Whether you’re customizing it with extra veggies, lightening it up, or adding unique flavor twists, this soup is versatile, hearty, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy every warm, comforting bite!
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Pair this hearty soup with simple, complementary sides:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Toast: Ideal for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Side Salad: A fresh Caesar salad or a spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Lightly roasted broccoli or asparagus add a healthy, flavorful side.
For a complete, comforting meal, add a slice of fresh bread or a warm salad to complement the creamy flavors of the soup.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if it thickens.
- Freeze: For best results, freeze the soup without the tortellini or cream. Add them fresh when reheating. Frozen soup can last up to 3 months.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen tortellini?
- Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Adjust the cooking time to about 8–10 minutes.
- Can I make this soup dairy-free?
- Absolutely! Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and skip the Parmesan cheese.
- How can I thicken the soup?
- Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and simmer until thickened.
- What’s the best chicken for this recipe?
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken all work great.
- How do I prevent the tortellini from getting mushy?
- Add the tortellini toward the end of cooking and serve the soup immediately.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken tortellini soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, velvety broth, tender shredded chicken, and cheesy tortellini into one bowl of warmth. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress, this soup delivers on flavor, texture, and ease of preparation.
For more delicious recipes like this one, check out our popular baked Asiago tortellini Alfredo with grilled chicken—another crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.
Make this creamy soup today and enjoy a bowl of cozy comfort!