If you’re craving a cozy bowl of comfort that wraps you in creamy, savory goodness, you’re going to love this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe. This soup brings together tender shredded chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a luscious, velvety broth that’s seasoned perfectly with Italian herbs. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and is effortless enough to whip up any night of the week. Whether you’re new to homemade soups or a seasoned pro, this recipe hits all the right notes with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to make magic. Each element plays its part, from the aromatic onion and garlic to the fresh carrots and celery adding vibrant texture and color, all simmered in a flavorful chicken broth that ties it all together with creamy indulgence.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): The flavor base for sautéing your aromatics and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth as it softens.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Brings a fragrant warmth that perks up every spoonful.
- Carrots, sliced (2): Provides a pleasant sweetness and a bit of crunch.
- Celery stalks, sliced (2): Adds subtle earthiness and texture that balances the soup.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): This is your flavorful liquid foundation, infusing every bite with savory notes.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Tender protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
- Cheese tortellini (9 oz package): The star of the bowl — cheesy pockets that soak up the creamy broth.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Brings luxurious creaminess and richness to the soup.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Dried Italian seasoning (1 tsp): A blend of herbs that adds warmth and classic Italian flair.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish with a pop of fresh, herbal color.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they become soft and translucent. This step awakens the base flavors and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that hints at the delicious soup to come.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Next, add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Cook them for about five minutes until they start to soften but still hold a slight crunch. This not only builds flavor but also adds texture and color that make the soup as beautiful as it is tasty.
Step 3: Add Broth and Bring to Boil
Pour your chicken broth into the pot, raising the heat to bring it all to a boil. The broth’s warmth will help blend the flavors of the veggies and aromatics, creating a savory base that perfectly complements the rest of the ingredients.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken and Tortellini
Now, stir in the cooked shredded chicken and cheese tortellini. Let everything simmer together according to the tortellini package instructions—usually seven to nine minutes—so the pasta cooks through while absorbing the wonderful broth flavors. This step really brings the heartiness and creaminess together.
Step 5: Add Cream and Seasonings
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and slowly stir in the heavy cream, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This is the moment your soup transforms into a rich, velvety bowl of indulgence, with herbs adding layers of subtle complexity to the comforting taste.
Step 6: Simmer and Finish
Allow the soup to simmer for an additional five minutes, letting all the flavors marry and the soup heat through thoroughly. You’ll notice the cream thickening the broth slightly, making every spoonful utterly satisfying.
Step 7: Serve Hot with Fresh Parsley
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle each serving with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh contrast. This final touch amps up both visual appeal and flavor, making your Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe a standout meal.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. These small touches add extra layers of flavor and make your presentation inviting and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty garlic bread or a simple mixed greens salad to round out the meal. The crispness of the bread or salad offers a perfect counterpoint to the soup’s creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls. Not only will this wow your guests, but it also adds fun texture and flavor dimensions to the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal that’s just as comforting.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but note that the tortellini may become a little softer after thawing. Freeze in portioned containers and consume within two months for best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if it has thickened too much after refrigeration or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen or packaged?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini will cook faster, so reduce the simmer time accordingly. Just keep an eye on the pasta to avoid overcooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative to maintain that creamy texture while keeping it dairy-free.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here. It saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred the meat and toss it in during step four.
What can I add to make this soup spicier?
To add a bit of heat, try tossing in crushed red pepper flakes while adding the Italian seasoning or top your bowl with a dash of hot sauce before serving.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply sauté the aromatics first, then add everything else to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours and add the cream near the end to avoid curdling.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s comforting, rich, and surprisingly simple to prepare, perfect for feeding family and friends or even treating yourself after a long day. Give it a try and let its warmth and creaminess remind you why homemade soup is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Print
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy meals. Combining tender shredded chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich creamy broth enhanced with Italian seasoning, this soup is both flavorful and easy to make in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook vegetables: Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot; cook for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add broth and boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Add chicken and tortellini: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and cheese tortellini. Cook following the tortellini package instructions, generally 7-9 minutes, ensuring the tortellini is tender.
- Add cream and seasoning: Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer soup: Let the soup gently simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the soup is heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Use fresh tortellini for best texture, but frozen can work too with adjustments in cooking time.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice subtle heat.
- Make sure the chicken broth is well-seasoned or use homemade broth for richer flavor.
