Welcome to Fresh Leaf Rezepte! My love for soups started in my grandmother’s kitchen on crisp fall afternoons. That’s where I first tasted a bowl of what I now call my Classic Chicken Tortellini Soup, steamy, rich, and comforting down to the last spoonful. I’ve spent years cooking across diners and food stalls, and yet, nothing says “home” like this soup. It’s become one of the most requested recipes in our Fresh Leaf community, and for good reason.
This post will guide you through creating this deeply satisfying soup using simple, seasonal ingredients. From a detailed ingredients list and step-by-step instructions to helpful tips and easy variations (like gluten-free and vegetarian options), you’ll walk away with a recipe that becomes part of your fall and winter rotation.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or prepping for a cozy solo dinner, Classic Chicken Tortellini Soup delivers. Let’s dive in.
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Classic Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This soul-warming Classic Chicken Tortellini Soup is filled with tender vegetables, shredded chicken, and cheesy tortellini. A nostalgic, creamy soup perfect for chilly nights or cozy recovery meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until vegetables are soft and flavors combine.
- Add shredded chicken and tortellini. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until tortellini float and are tender.
- Stir in spinach and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes. Add cream if using, and stir gently.
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Notes
To make ahead, prep your veggies and use rotisserie chicken. Tortellini should be added just before serving to avoid overcooking. For a gluten-free or vegetarian version, see our variations section.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make one pot of soul-warming Classic Chicken Tortellini Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover works great)
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth if needed, and use pre-cooked chicken to make this even quicker for weeknights.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes, then stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened. - Add herbs and broth:
Stir in thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. - Simmer the flavors:
Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, allowing the vegetables to fully soften and the flavors to marry. - Toss in chicken and tortellini:
Add shredded chicken and tortellini to the pot. Cook for 6–8 minutes or until tortellini float and are tender. - Finish with greens and cream:
Stir in spinach and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes. Add heavy cream if desired for a velvety texture. - Serve hot:
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Looking for more creamy and cozy soups? Check out our chicken broccoli cheese soup recipe and the ultra-comforting velveeta broccoli cheese soup.
Tips for Success
Prep Ahead
Chop your onions, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in a sealed container in the fridge. This makes weekday cooking quick and stress-free.
Use Rotisserie Chicken
Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a roasted depth to your soup. Just shred and add it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Tortellini Timing Matters
Don’t overcook the tortellini. Add them toward the end and cook only until they float, this keeps them perfectly al dente.
Adjust Creaminess
Want it lighter? Skip the cream and just use broth. Want it richer? Add an extra splash of cream or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese.
And if you’re a fan of noodle soups, you’ll love our flavorful spicy chicken noodle soup next.
Variations to Try
Gluten-Free Option
Substitute cheese tortellini with your favorite gluten-free pasta or gluten-free gnocchi. Be sure to check your broth and seasonings for hidden gluten too.
Make it Vegetarian
Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth and skip the meat. Add white beans or chickpeas for a protein punch. A great companion recipe is this gnocchi soup recipe, equally cozy and satisfying.
Add More Veggies
Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or corn for extra texture and nutrition. Kale also works beautifully in place of spinach.
Add Heat
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a swirl of hot sauce. This version pairs well with a tomato soup grilled cheese casserole for the ultimate comfort meal.
How to Store & Reheat
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The tortellini may soak up some broth, so add a splash of extra broth before reheating.
Freezing
Freeze the soup without the tortellini (they don’t hold up well frozen). Just freeze the base, then add fresh tortellini when you reheat. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If using a microwave, heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between. Add broth if needed to restore the soup’s consistency.
Want more soup-worthy inspiration? Take a peek at our chicken potato soup recipes or a unique twist with Asian noodle soup ideas.
FAQ: Classic Chicken Tortellini Soup
Can I use frozen tortellini in this soup?
Yes! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Be sure they’re cooked through and floating before serving.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook the base (without tortellini) on LOW for 4–6 hours. Add tortellini and spinach in the last 30 minutes.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Skip the cream and use a dairy-free tortellini or pasta. The soup is still rich and flavorful without dairy.
What should I serve with this soup?
Crusty bread, garlic knots, or a green salad make great sides. Try pairing it with this weight watchers soup recipe lineup for a lighter meal plan.
Conclusion
There’s something undeniably comforting about a pot of Classic Chicken Tortellini Soup simmering on the stove. It’s the kind of meal that brings people to the table, even on busy weeknights. Whether you’re curled up solo with a bowl or feeding your family after a chilly fall day, this recipe delivers.
At Fresh Leaf Rezepte, our goal is to share everyday recipes that feel special without being complicated. And this soup? It hits all the marks, flavorful, filling, and full of heart.
Be sure to browse more comforting bowls in our soup section or whip up your own cozy twist. And if you try this recipe, we’d love to hear about it!