If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and completely satisfying, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Picture tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a rich, velvety broth loaded with shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a blend of savory herbs—all topped off with a generous splash of Parmesan cheese. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you need a little comfort food magic. Trust me, once you try this soup, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, relying on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the subtle earthiness of thyme and basil to the creamy indulgence of heavy cream and Parmesan, every component plays a key role in building layers of flavor and creating a satisfying texture.
- Olive oil: The base for sautéing vegetables, adding a fruity richness.
- Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic cloves: Adds a fragrant punch that warms the soul.
- Carrots: Bring subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Celery stalks: Offers a refreshing crispness and savory balance.
- Dried thyme and basil: These herbs introduce a lovely aromatic Mediterranean flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s taste.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The savory liquid that forms the heart of the soup.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Adds wholesome protein and satisfying texture.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Delicious pasta pockets that make the soup extra hearty.
- Baby spinach: A fresh, leafy addition that wilts perfectly in the hot broth.
- Heavy cream: Creates the signature creaminess that makes this soup irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and luxurious mouthfeel.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to build a flavorful foundation. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery, then sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes until everything is beautifully softened and fragrant. This first step unlocks the natural sweetness and earthy flavors that create a perfect base for the soup.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Next, stir in dried thyme, basil, salt, and black pepper to infuse the broth with warm herbaceous notes. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. The simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making that broth truly savory and comforting.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Cook Tortellini
Once the broth is simmering, add your cooked shredded chicken and let it warm through for about 5 minutes, soaking up the lovely herbs and broth. Then, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions—usually about 5 to 7 minutes—until tender and perfectly cooked. This is where the soup starts getting truly hearty.
Step 4: Incorporate Spinach and Cream
When the tortellini is tender, add the baby spinach and cook just long enough for it to wilt, about 2 minutes. Finally, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Gently mix until the soup is heated through and luxuriously creamy. This step brings that gorgeous velvety texture that makes this recipe so special.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl of Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe, consider topping it with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, extra grated Parmesan, or even a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil. These simple garnishes add freshness and visual appeal, making each spoonful even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crunchy garlic bread can turn it into a truly satisfying feast. A side of roasted vegetables also complements the flavors beautifully, adding variety and extra nutrition to your dining experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in charming crocks or rustic bowls, and place a small wedge of crusty bread on the side. You can also drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil or truffle oil on top before serving for an elegant touch. Don’t be afraid to get creative—this soup shines when shared in a warm, inviting setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the creaminess.
Freezing
While this soup is delicious fresh, freezing is best done before adding the cream and cheese to maintain the best texture. Freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove and stir in cream and Parmesan just before serving.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly over low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Heating too quickly or at very high temperatures can cause the cream to separate. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating can help maintain the soup’s luscious, smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this soup?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works great in this recipe. Just follow the package cooking time carefully in the simmering soup so they cook through perfectly without becoming mushy.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes, for a lighter take, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. The soup will still be creamy but with fewer calories and less fat.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe, swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Consider adding mushrooms or plant-based protein for extra heartiness.
What kind of cheese tortellini works best?
Refrigerated cheese tortellini with a ricotta and Parmesan filling is perfect for this soup. It melts nicely and pairs well with the creamy broth. Avoid frozen cheese tortellini with heavy breading as it can affect texture.
How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, and stir it into the simmering soup just before adding the cream. This will give it a lovely thicker consistency without changing the flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a warm bowl of this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe that just melts away the day’s stresses and satisfies your cravings all at once. Whether you’re cooking it for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend meal, it’s simple, delicious, and made with ingredients you likely have on hand. Give this recipe a whirl—you might just find your new favorite comfort food that feels like a hug from the inside out!
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Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This creamy chicken tortellini soup is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender shredded chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a rich creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, it’s easy to make on the stovetop and packed with flavor from aromatic herbs and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat and sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add seasonings: Stir in dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper evenly to coat the vegetables and enhance the flavor.
- Simmer broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, preparing the base for the soup.
- Add chicken: Add the cooked shredded chicken to the simmering broth and cook for 5 minutes to heat the chicken through and meld the flavors.
- Cook tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, generally 5 to 7 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Incorporate spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for about 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the soup.
- Add cream and cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese gently, heating the soup through while creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Once heated and creamy, ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience to save prep time.
- For a thicker soup, add a cornstarch slurry made by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water before adding the cream.
- Substitute kale in place of spinach if preferred for a different leafy green flavor.
