Name: Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ medium onion, chopped; 3 sticks celery, finely chopped; 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped or sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 cups chicken broth; 2 cups shredded cooked or rotisserie chicken (or more, to taste); 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini; Salt & pepper to taste; Chopped parsley to taste, for garnish

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting bowl of soup that really hits the spot, this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is going to become one of your go-tos—I absolutely love how this turns out every time. It’s packed with tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, fresh veggies, and a flavorful broth that wraps it all together beautifully. Stick with me and I’ll walk you through everything, including some kitchen tricks I picked up along the way so you can nail it on your first try.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Made Easy: This soup feels homemade but comes together in under 40 minutes.
Flavor-Packed Broth: The combination of fresh veggies and Italian seasoning makes every bite vibrant.
Pillowy Tortellini Perfection: Soft cheese tortellini elevates this soup beyond your usual chicken noodle.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, and I’m sure yours will too.

This image shows a close-up view of a bowl of clear broth soup filled with three main layers: the large, yellow tortellini pasta with a smooth, slightly wrinkled texture placed throughout; small, bright orange carrot cubes scattered evenly; and pieces of shredded white meat chicken mixed in. Small bits of green herbs float on top, adding a pop of color. A silver spoon with a long handle is scooping up the soup from the bowl, which is white, set on a white marbled surface. The broth has a light golden color and looks warm and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Tortellini Soup, Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup, Comforting Tortellini Soup, Homemade Chicken Tortellini Soup, Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe plays a key role to deliver balance—fresh onions and garlic build the base, the carrots and celery bring sweet earthiness, and of course, chicken and tortellini make it hearty. Pro tip: using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a halved medium yellow onion with layers visible, three bright green celery stalks trimmed and chopped, three vibrant orange carrots peeled and sliced, two peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with mixed dried Italian herbs, a white ceramic bowl holding light brown shredded cooked chicken, a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs, a few uncooked cheese tortellini pasta pieces with folded ring shapes, and a white ceramic bowl filled with golden chicken broth, arranged with perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chicken Tortellini Soup, Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup, Comforting Tortellini Soup, Homemade Chicken Tortellini Soup, Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup

Olive oil: Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for sautéing to add subtle richness.
Onion: I like half a medium yellow or white onion, chopped fine so it melts nicely into the broth.
Celery: Celery adds just the right aromatic crunch—finely chopped is best to avoid big chunks.
Carrots: Peel and chop or thinly slice to ensure they soften during cooking without overpowering the soup.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is a must to elevate the savory notes.
Italian seasoning: This blend is my quick shortcut to that classic herby flavor—don’t skip it!
Chicken broth: Homemade or store-bought, but pick a low-sodium kind so you control the saltiness.
Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here—keeps it juicy and flavorful.
Cheese tortellini: Use refrigerated cheese tortellini for quick cooking and tender texture.
Salt & pepper: To taste—season gradually for best results.
Chopped parsley: Fresh parsley adds that pop of color and brightness at the end.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m a fan of making this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe my own depending on what I have on hand, and I encourage you to do the same. Whether it’s swapping veggies or switching up the herbs, a little creativity goes a long way.

Vegetable Swaps: I often add spinach or kale in the last few minutes for extra nutrition and color—it’s a game changer!
Protein Options: Leftover rotisserie turkey or even cooked sausage can replace chicken with delicious results.
Broth Variations: Sometimes I go with a mix of chicken and vegetable broth to boost depth without extra salt.
Italian Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can brighten the flavor beautifully if you want to swap out the Italian seasoning.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot. Toss in your chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it softens and just begins to brown around the edges—that little caramelization boosts the soup’s richness. The smell at this point will have you hooked already.

Step 2: Add the Veggies and Seasonings

Next, add the chopped celery, carrots, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. This lets the veggies soften a bit and the garlic become fragrant without burning. Trust me, this base makes all the difference.

Step 3: Simmer in the Broth Until Veggies Are Tender

Pour in the chicken broth and crank the heat up to high. Once it reaches a boil, reduce to a rapid simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes or until your carrots are tender but still hold shape—perfect for that little bit of bite in every spoonful.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Tortellini, Finish Cooking

Now, stir in the shredded chicken and tortellini. Bring the heat back up to medium-high and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. Keep an eye on it because tortellini can overcook quickly and get mushy. If the soup starts boiling vigorously, lower the heat to keep it gentle.

Step 5: Season and Garnish

Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve it piping hot for that ultimate comforting experience.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time but amps up flavor—plus, the chicken stays lovely and moist.
Don’t Overcook Tortellini: It cooks fast, so add it near the end and watch carefully to avoid mushiness.
Adjust Broth as Needed: Tortellini soaks up broth over time—if your leftovers seem thick, just add a splash of broth or water before reheating.
Fresh Herbs Finish: Adding parsley right before serving brightens and lifts the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I almost always top mine with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Sometimes I sprinkle on a little grated Parmesan or add a drizzle of good olive oil if I want to feel fancy. A handful of crushed red pepper flakes also adds a nice kick if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

Crispy garlic bread or a warm baguette are my go-to sides. The crusty bread soaks up every last bit of that delicious broth, which you’ll definitely want to savor. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also make a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like serving this soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls—that always wows guests and makes the meal feel extra cozy. Another fun idea is topping it with toasted pine nuts for crunch or swirling in a dollop of pesto just before serving for a pop of herbal flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to keep the tortellini separate if I’m planning on having leftovers so the pasta doesn’t soak up all the broth and get mushy.

Freezing

I personally don’t freeze this soup with tortellini in it because the pasta gets gummy after thawing. Instead, freeze the broth and chicken mixture alone, then add fresh tortellini when you’re ready to reheat.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems thick, splash in a bit of broth or water to loosen up the consistency. If your tortellini is leftover but uncooked, simply add and cook in the simmering soup for a few minutes until tender.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini in this soup?

Yes, you can! Just add frozen tortellini directly to the simmering soup and cook a few minutes longer—usually about 5-7 minutes—until tender. Keep an eye on it since cooking times will vary slightly.
Is it better to use homemade or store-bought chicken broth?

Either works well! Homemade broth gives the deepest flavor, but good-quality store-bought low-sodium broth is a convenient and tasty shortcut that’s perfect for this recipe.
Can this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe be made in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Sauté the veggies and combine all ingredients except tortellini in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add the tortellini during the last 15-20 minutes to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap regular cheese tortellini for a dairy-free or vegan tortellini alternative. You can also garnish with fresh herbs instead of cheese or cream-based toppings.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s the definition of cozy, satisfying homemade soup that’s quick enough for weeknights. I still remember the first time I made it for my family; the way they kept going back for seconds (and thirds!) made it clear I’d found a winner. I know you’ll enjoy it just as much, so grab your pot and enjoy the warm, comforting hug of this soup with your loved ones.