Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

When you’re short on time but still want a comforting and hearty meal, nothing beats this Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup.

It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, plump cheese-filled tortellini, and a flavorful broth filled with vegetables and herbs. This soup comes together in under 30 minutes and is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal prep solution for the week ahead.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Chicken

1. Pour in the Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Add the Shredded Chicken: Stir in the cooked and shredded chicken breasts.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

1. Add the Tortellini: Stir in the tortellini, making sure it’s fully submerged in the broth.
2. Simmer: Let the soup simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Seasonings

1. Add the Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the soup.
2. Season: Add the Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the flavors meld for 2-3 more minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove the Bay Leaf: Before serving, take out the bay leaf.
2. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup

• Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: If you’re in a rush, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
• Adjust the Tortellini Cooking Time: Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time, as fresh and frozen tortellini have different cooking times.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: While fresh spinach is ideal, frozen spinach can also be used. Just thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding to the soup.

Variations of Chicken Tortellini Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup:

• For a richer version, add ½ cup of heavy cream or half and half at the end of cooking. This will make the soup velvety smooth and indulgent.

Vegetarian Tortellini Soup:

• Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to make it heartier.

Spicy Chicken Tortellini Soup:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick. This works well if you enjoy a bit of heat in your soup.

Gluten-Free Version:

• Swap the regular tortellini for gluten-free pasta or a gluten-free version of tortellini, if available, to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty Bread: Serve this soup with warm crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this hearty soup.
• Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a great side dish.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 4g

How to Store and Reheat

Storing Leftovers:

• Store any leftover Chicken Tortellini Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini will continue to absorb the broth as it sits, so you may need to add more liquid when reheating.

Reheating:

• Reheat the soup in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. If the soup has thickened too much, add a bit of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.

Freezing:

• While tortellini doesn’t freeze well, you can make the soup base (without the tortellini) and freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw the soup base, bring it to a simmer, and then add fresh tortellini to cook through.

Conclusion

This Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food for busy nights.

Yield: 4

Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Print

When you're short on time but still want a comforting and hearty meal, nothing beats this Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup. It's the perfect blend of tender chicken, plump cheese-filled tortellini, and a flavorful broth filled with vegetables and herbs. This soup comes together in under 30 minutes and is ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a meal prep solution for the week ahead.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
   Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
   
2. Simmer the Soup:
   Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
   Stir in the dried thyme and basil, and season with salt and pepper.
   Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
   
3. Add Chicken and Tortellini:
   Add the shredded or diced cooked chicken to the pot.
   Stir in the tortellini and simmer for 4-5 minutes (if using fresh tortellini) or 8-10 minutes (if using frozen), until the tortellini are cooked through.
   
4. Add Spinach (Optional):
   If using, stir in the baby spinach during the last minute of cooking and let it wilt.
   
5. Serve:
   Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
   Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Chicken Options: Use pre-cooked or leftover chicken, or shred rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Tortellini Options: You can use any variety of tortellini, such as cheese, spinach, or chicken-stuffed tortellini.

Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, but keep in mind that the tortellini may soften over time.