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A vibrant bowl of chicken tortellini soup filled with pasta, shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs, served with a spoon.
Daniel

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

A rich and comforting soup loaded with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh vegetables in a creamy herb broth. The perfect one-pot meal for a chilly evening.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 525

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
For the Fillings & Garnish
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 5 oz fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or stockpot
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's Knife

Method
 

  1. In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat the olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes, until the vegetables have softened.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This will create a roux that helps thicken the soup.
  4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, about one cup at a time, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a smooth base.
  5. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it gently simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cooked chicken, and the uncooked refrigerated tortellini. Increase the heat to bring back to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and floats to the surface (check package directions for exact timing).
  7. Turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach and the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the spinach has wilted and the cheese has melted completely into the soup.
  8. Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle the hot chicken tortellini soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the tortellini will absorb more liquid and become softer over time. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Shortcut: Using a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time and add flavor.
Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced mushrooms or zucchini along with the mirepoix. Kale can be substituted for spinach, but add it with the tortellini as it takes longer to cook.