Delish Chicken Tortellini Soup
This Chicken Tortellini Soup is the kind of comforting bowl that feels like a warm embrace on even the busiest days.
Tender cheese-filled tortellini float in a creamy, tomato-kissed broth enriched with shredded chicken, fragrant aromatics, and vibrant greens. Every spoonful brings together richness, freshness, and gentle heat, creating a meal that’s both soothing and deeply satisfying.
It’s the perfect blend of cozy and gourmet—simple enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to linger over.
Why People Will Love This Delish Chicken Tortellini Soup:
It brings together comfort and elegance in one bowl, blending a creamy, tomato-rich broth with tender chicken, fresh greens, and cheese-filled tortellini for a soup that feels both soothing and elevated.
The flavors deepen with every spoonful, from the sweetness of sautéed onions to the richness of fire-roasted tomatoes and the gentle warmth of garlic.
The tortellini add a satisfying heartiness, transforming the soup into a full, nourishing meal that feels indulgent without being heavy.
It’s incredibly versatile and forgiving, welcoming spinach or kale, extra broth, added vegetables, or a touch of spice depending on your mood.
The creamy finish gives it a luxurious texture, making the dish feel like something slow-simmered and special—even though it comes together quickly.
It brings comfort to the table in every season, whether enjoyed on a chilly night, a busy weekday, or when you simply need a warm, flavorful reset.
Key Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini – The heart of the soup, each tender ring filled with creamy, savory cheese that melts slightly into the broth, adding richness and turning the dish into a comforting, complete meal.
Shredded Chicken – Gentle, succulent strands that soak up the flavors of the broth, providing warmth, protein, and a sense of home-cooked comfort in every bite.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – Smoky, vibrant, and sweet, these tomatoes deepen the base of the soup, adding layers of complexity that balance beautifully with the cream and aromatics.
Heavy Cream – The finishing touch that transforms the broth from simple to luxurious—a silky, velvety texture that carries all the other flavors with effortless richness.
Kale or Spinach – Bright, nourishing greens that bring freshness and balance, softening just enough to blend into the soup while still offering gentle earthiness and color.
Onion & Garlic – The aromatic foundation, slowly sautéed to release sweetness and warmth, building the backbone of flavor that the entire soup rests on.
Expert Tips
Let the aromatics fully soften before building the soup. Giving the onion and garlic time to gently caramelize—not brown—creates a naturally sweet, fragrant base that deepens the entire dish.
Toast the tomato paste. Cooking it until it darkens slightly unlocks deeper umami notes and removes the raw acidity, allowing the broth to develop a fuller, rounder flavor.
Simmer gently after adding the chicken. A mild simmer allows the shredded chicken to absorb the seasoned broth, becoming more tender and flavorful without breaking apart.
Add the cream after the heat has softened. High heat can cause dairy to separate. Stir it in over low heat to achieve a smooth, silky broth that feels luxurious without becoming heavy.
Cook the tortellini directly in the soup for maximum flavor. The pasta absorbs the seasoned broth as it cooks, creating a richer, more cohesive dish. Just be careful not to overcook—tortellini should remain plump and tender.
Adjust the broth to your desired texture. For a lighter soup, add extra broth; for a creamier, stew-like consistency, reduce slightly or add more cream. This flexibility allows the soup to suit both cozy nights and heartier meals.
Finish with brightness. A pinch of freshly ground pepper, a squeeze of lemon, or a dusting of Parmesan can lift the final bowl, balancing the richness and highlighting the delicate flavors of the tortellini.
Delish Chicken Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 sweet onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 can (14 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1½ cups cooked shredded chicken
4–5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
¾ cup heavy cream
3 cups chopped kale or spinach
8–12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving
Crushed red pepper flakes, optional for heat
Instructions
Step 1 – Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic, along with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Cook until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Step 2 – Add Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, allowing it to darken slightly and deepen in flavor.
Step 3 – Build the Soup Base
Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, shredded chicken, and 4 cups of chicken broth.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes to develop flavor.
Step 4 – Add Cream and Greens
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the chopped kale or spinach.
Simmer until the greens begin to wilt.
Step 5 – Cook the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Add additional broth as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6 – Taste and Serve
Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Important Notes When Making Delish Chicken Tortellini Soup
Let the broth develop before adding the cream. The simmering stage with tomatoes, chicken, and aromatics is where the soup gains depth. Allowing this time ensures the flavors fully bloom before introducing the richness of the cream.
Mind the heat when adding dairy. Heavy cream can separate if added to a rolling boil. Lower the heat, stir gently, and let it warm slowly into the broth for a velvety, unified texture.
Add tortellini at the end—and watch it closely. Tortellini cooks quickly. Leaving it in too long can cause it to swell, soften, and lose its delicate bite. Stop cooking as soon as the pasta becomes tender.
Choose your greens based on the texture you prefer. Kale adds structure and a gentle earthiness, while spinach melts into the soup with softness and subtle sweetness. Each creates a different experience.
Season gradually and with intention. Fire-roasted tomatoes and broth already carry salt, so taste frequently. Proper seasoning is what transforms a good soup into something deeply comforting and memorable.
Broth consistency is yours to control. Add more broth for a lighter, more sippable soup, or reduce slightly for a thicker, heartier bowl. This flexibility makes the recipe adaptable to any preference.
Let the soup rest before serving. Even a few minutes off the heat allows the flavors to settle and the tortellini to absorb just a bit more broth, deepening every spoonful.
How to Enjoy Chicken Tortellini Soup After Cooking
Let the soup settle for a moment before serving. A brief rest off the heat allows the cream to fully relax into the broth and the tortellini to absorb just a touch more flavor. This pause deepens the warmth and harmony of the bowl.
Stir gently before ladling. This redistributes the chicken, greens, and tortellini so each serving carries the perfect balance of textures—creamy broth, tender pasta, and vibrant vegetables.
Serve it in warm bowls. Pre-warming your bowls keeps the soup hot longer and preserves the velvety texture of the cream. It also enhances the sensory experience, making the meal feel even more comforting.
Top with intention. A dusting of Parmesan adds saltiness and depth, while crushed red pepper introduces gentle heat. A drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can brighten the bowl and awaken the flavors.
Pair it with something simple and grounding. A slice of crusty bread, warm garlic toast, or a fresh green salad complements the richness of the soup and creates a satisfying, balanced meal.
Savor the layers slowly. Notice the sweetness of the onions, the smokiness of the tomatoes, the creamy finish of the broth, and the soft bite of the tortellini. Let each spoonful remind you of the care and warmth built into the dish.
Enjoy it in a moment of pause. Whether it’s a busy evening or a quiet weekend afternoon, let this soup be a small, grounding ritual—one that brings you comfort, warmth, and a sense of nourishment beyond the bowl.
Nutrition information
For Chicken Tortellini Soup (per serving, based on 6 servings).
Calories: 360 kcal | Total Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5 g | Cholesterol: 75 mg | Sodium: 650–850 mg (depending on broth & added salt) | Total Carbohydrates: 32 g | Dietary Fiber: 3 g | Sugars: 5 g | Protein: 22 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes—frozen tortellini works perfectly. Add it directly to the simmering soup without thawing. You may need to extend the cooking time by 1–2 minutes until the pasta becomes tender.
How can I make the soup thicker or creamier?
For a richer, creamier soup, add an extra splash of heavy cream or simmer the broth for a few minutes longer before adding the tortellini. You can also stir in a small handful of grated Parmesan to naturally thicken and enrich the broth.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
Absolutely. Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter version, though the broth will be less rich. If using milk, keep the heat low to avoid curdling.
How do I keep the tortellini from overcooking?
Add the tortellini only during the final few minutes of cooking and check for doneness frequently. Tortellini should be tender but still hold their shape. Overcooking can cause them to swell and lose texture.
Can I add extra vegetables to this soup?
Yes—this recipe is very flexible. Carrots, celery, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added during the simmering stage. For a quicker option, stir in frozen mixed vegetables along with the greens.
When should I add the tortellini to avoid overcooking?
Add the tortellini only during the final 5 minutes of cooking. They cook quickly, and adding them too early can make them mushy or cause them to fall apart. Taste one after 4 minutes and remove the soup from heat once they’re just tender.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling in the soup?
Keep the heat low after adding the cream and avoid boiling the soup. High heat causes dairy to separate. Stir gently and let the cream warm slowly into the broth for a smooth, velvety finish.
Why do I need to cook the tomato paste before adding other ingredients?
Toasting the tomato paste deepens its flavor and eliminates raw acidity. Cooking it for 1–2 minutes caramelizes the natural sugars, giving the soup a richer, more complex base.
What should I do if the soup becomes too thick after adding the tortellini?
Tortellini naturally absorb broth as they cook. Simply add more chicken broth—half a cup at a time—until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
Can I use rotisserie chicken, and how should I add it?
Yes—rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Shred it into bite-sized pieces and add it during the simmering stage so it can absorb the flavors of the broth without overcooking.