Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

There’s something magical about discovering comfort food while traveling through Italy.

I first tasted Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe in the Emilia-Romagna region the birthplace of tortellini where locals proudly prepare these delicate cheese-filled pasta pockets by hand.

This region, known as the culinary heart of Italy, blends rustic charm with bold flavors, and this soup captures that spirit perfectly.

With its hearty broth, tender chicken, and rich tortellini, it’s like a warm Italian hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting soup. I’ve found that using fresh ingredients makes a world of difference in the final flavor.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and building the first layer of flavor.
• 1 large onion, chopped – A yellow or sweet onion works best to create a sweet, aromatic base.
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced – These add a touch of sweetness and beautiful color.
• 3 celery stalks, finely chopped – Provides a savory, slightly peppery note that balances the other veggies.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Freshly minced garlic is a must; it offers a much better flavor than the jarred kind.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A simple blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that gives the soup its signature Italian flair.
• 8 cups chicken broth – Using a quality, low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness yourself.
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – A store-bought rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon for saving time.
• 18 ounces refrigerated three-cheese tortellini – Use refrigerated tortellini, not frozen, as it cooks much faster and has a better texture.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste – Season at the end to ensure the flavors are perfectly balanced.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley – This adds a final touch of brightness and freshness.

Note: This recipe makes several servings, enough for about 6 generous bowls.

Variations

This soup is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ways you can customize it to your liking.

• Make it Creamy: For a richer, creamier broth, stir in a ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking. Don’t let it come to a full boil after adding the dairy.
• Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach or kale. Stir it in at the end until it just wilts. Frozen peas or corn are also great additions.
• Different Pasta: If you don’t have tortellini, you can substitute it with other small, stuffed pasta like ravioli, or even use gnocchi for a different texture.
• Spicy Kick: For those who like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.

Cooking Time

This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, perfect for any night of the week.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just some basic kitchen tools.

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: A 5-quart or larger pot is ideal for making soup without any spillovers.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping the vegetables quick and safe.
• Cutting Board: Use a large, stable cutting board for all your prep work.
• Ladle: For serving up perfect portions of soup into bowls.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe?

This soup comes together in just a few simple steps. It’s a straightforward method that delivers a delicious, layered flavor without a ton of effort. I love how the kitchen fills with the warm, inviting aroma as it simmers on the stove.

Sauté the Aromatics

First, heat the olive oil in your large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the carrots, celery, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and slightly tender. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base.

Simmer the Broth

Pour in the 8 cups of chicken broth, increase the heat to high, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This gives the vegetables enough time to soften completely and infuse their flavor into the broth, creating a rich and savory foundation for the soup.

Add Chicken and Tortellini

Now it’s time for the stars of the show. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and the refrigerated tortellini. Increase the heat slightly to maintain a gentle simmer (avoid a rolling boil). Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and tender. The pasta will puff up slightly. Be sure to follow the package instructions for your specific tortellini, as cooking times can vary.

Season and Serve

Finally, turn off the heat. Give the soup a taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. I find it’s always best to season at the end, especially when using pre-cooked chicken and store-bought broth. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Your delicious chicken tortellini soup is now ready to be served immediately.

🇮🇹 A Culinary Journey Through Emilia-Romagna, Italy

Nestled in Northern Italy, Emilia-Romagna is the proud birthplace of tortellini tiny pasta rings said to be inspired by the shape of Venus’s navel.

This region, home to food legends like Parma ham and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, is often called the “stomach of Italy” for good reason.

Its rich culinary heritage blends comfort and sophistication, and Chicken Tortellini Soup beautifully reflects that a cozy, flavorful dish rooted in Italian tradition and regional pride ❤️.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this soup many times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate it.

• I strongly recommend using a rotisserie chicken. It saves a huge amount of time, and the meat is already seasoned and incredibly tender, adding more depth to the soup.
• Don’t add the tortellini until you are almost ready to serve. The pasta acts like a sponge and will soak up a lot of the broth if it sits for too long, becoming mushy. If I know we’ll have leftovers, I cook and store the tortellini separately.
• For an extra layer of flavor, I sometimes add a parmesan cheese rind to the broth while it simmers. Just remember to remove it before serving. It adds a wonderful, nutty umami flavor.
• A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice into each bowl right before serving can really brighten up all the flavors. It’s a small step that makes a big impact.

How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Soup?

Enjoy this comforting Chicken Tortellini Soup just like the Italians do with a slice of crusty bread and a drizzle of olive oil, served piping hot on a cool evening.

In Bologna and Modena, locals often pair it with a glass of Lambrusco wine and a simple green salad.

It’s a meal that reflects the warmth, hospitality, and soulful simplicity of Northern Italian cooking best enjoyed slowly, surrounded by laughter and good company 🇮🇹.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a single serving of this soup.

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 kcal
• Protein: Around 25g
• Carbohydrates: Around 35g
• Fat: Around 15g

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup is great for meal prep with just a few considerations. Here’s how you can make it ahead and store it properly to enjoy later.

Storing

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As mentioned, the tortellini will absorb broth, so for best results, store the soup broth and the cooked tortellini in separate containers.

Freezing

The soup base (without the tortellini) freezes beautifully. Let the broth and vegetable mixture cool, then pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. I do not recommend freezing the soup with the tortellini, as the pasta’s texture will become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup base on the stovetop over medium heat. If you’ve stored the tortellini separately, add it to the pot once the broth is hot. If you’re starting from a frozen base, you can thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or reheat it directly from frozen. You can cook fresh tortellini directly in the reheating broth until tender.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this chicken tortellini soup is sure to become a favorite in your home.

• Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 40 minutes, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Comfort in a Bowl: The combination of tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and a flavorful, herb-infused broth is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cold day or when you’re feeling under the weather.
• Incredibly Versatile: It’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, spices, or even a creamy broth. You can easily adapt it to what you have on hand.
• Family-Friendly: This is a recipe that pleases everyone, from kids to adults. The familiar flavors of chicken soup combined with the fun of tortellini make it a guaranteed hit.