There’s something about the arrival of crisp fall air that sends me straight into soup mode. And no soup captures the warmth of the season quite like Homemade Chicken & Herb Tortellini Soup. This recipe is inspired by the flavors I remember from my grandmother’s kitchen, where simmering pots and freshly torn herbs filled the air with comfort.
Through my travels, from bustling European bistros to tiny street kitchens in Southeast Asia, I’ve always found that the most satisfying meals are the ones rooted in simplicity and soul. This soup, with its tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and herby broth, brings those memories together in one cozy bowl. It’s no wonder this has become a reader favorite, it’s hearty enough for dinner, simple enough for a weeknight, and flavorful enough to serve guests with pride.
In today’s post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to recreate this comforting classic at home, from the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to expert tips, delicious variations, and smart storage ideas. Whether you’re new to cooking or already confident in the kitchen, this Homemade Chicken & Herb Tortellini Soup will quickly become a seasonal staple.
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Homemade Chicken & Herb Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This cozy, soul-soothing soup is packed with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh herbs, perfect for fall or any chilly evening.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 5 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until tender and translucent.
- Stir in thyme, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let spices bloom for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add shredded chicken and reduce heat. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions, about 7–8 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and chopped herbs. Cook for 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
Add fresh herbs at the end for brightness. Don’t overcook tortellini—it continues to soften in hot broth. Freeze soup without tortellini for best texture when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Homemade Chicken & Herb Tortellini Soup
Let’s start with what you’ll need. Every ingredient has a purpose and contributes to the flavor-rich, nourishing base of this soup. Below, I’ve also included easy substitutions to make the recipe adaptable to your pantry.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 5 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
Ingredient Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can use homemade broth or bone broth.
- Use rotisserie chicken for ease and added taste.
- If you want a vegetarian version, swap chicken for white beans and use vegetable broth.
- Looking for more creamy soups? Don’t miss this Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s bring this comforting Homemade Chicken & Herb Tortellini Soup to life in just 30 minutes. This recipe is as friendly to busy weeknights as it is to Sunday slow cooking.
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender and the onions are translucent.
2. Add Seasonings and Broth
Stir in the thyme, basil, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper. Let the spices bloom for 1 minute before pouring in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
3. Simmer the Chicken
Add the shredded chicken and reduce the heat. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. If using rotisserie chicken, you can simmer for a shorter time.
4. Cook the Tortellini
Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually about 7–8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add Spinach and Finish
Stir in the fresh spinach and chopped herbs. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot with warm crusty bread or alongside this Mississippi Chicken Recipe for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips for Success
Even simple recipes can shine with the right technique. Here’s how to make your Homemade Chicken & Herb Tortellini Soup flawless every time.
Use Fresh Herbs at the End
Fresh parsley, dill, or basil should be added right before serving to keep their flavor vibrant and fresh. Dried herbs are great for building base flavor during simmering.
Don’t Overcook the Tortellini
Since tortellini continues to cook in the hot broth, pull it off the heat just before it’s fully done to avoid a mushy texture.
Balance the Seasoning
Because broth can vary in saltiness, taste your soup before and after adding the tortellini. Adjust salt slowly, you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
Soup too thick? Add a bit of extra broth or water and simmer for a few more minutes.
Want it creamy? Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a luxurious twist, perfect for those cozy nights when only comfort food will do.
Flavorful Variations
This Homemade Chicken & Herb Tortellini Soup is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ways to tweak the recipe depending on dietary needs or what’s in your fridge.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free cheese tortellini (available at many health food stores). Double-check the broth label to make sure it’s gluten-free as well.
Spicy Kick
Craving a little heat? Add more crushed red pepper or even a spoonful of harissa. It pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese tortellini and chicken.
Vegetarian-Friendly
Omit the chicken and use a mix of white beans and mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version. Vegetable broth works great in this case.
Streusel-Style Topping (yes, you read that right!)
Make it into a baked casserole by topping leftover soup with herbed breadcrumbs and baking it briefly—this unexpected twist adds crunch and makes great use of leftovers.
Looking for more cozy soup ideas? You might enjoy this seasonal Autumn Squash Soup Recipe or this flavorful Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup.
Storage & Meal Prep
This Homemade Chicken & Herb Tortellini Soup stores well and tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to save it for later:
Fridge:
Let the soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat.
Freezer:
For best results, freeze the soup without the tortellini. Tortellini tends to get too soft when thawed. Freeze the broth and chicken base for up to 3 months and add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Reheat Tip:
Add a splash of broth or water while reheating to revive the soup’s texture.
Meal Prep Idea:
Pack individual containers of soup and a slice of crusty sourdough for easy grab-and-go lunches. Looking for more quick soups? Try the reader-loved Hash Brown Soup Recipe or browse our Weight Watchers Soup Recipes collection.
FAQs About Homemade Chicken & Herb Tortellini Soup
1. Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just increase the cooking time by 1–2 minutes. Add it straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.
2. What herbs go best with chicken tortellini soup?
Thyme, basil, parsley, dill, and rosemary all work well. Fresh herbs should always be added at the end of cooking for maximum flavor.
3. Can I make this soup in the slow cooker?
Yes! Cook the aromatics and broth with chicken on low for 6 hours, then add tortellini and spinach during the last 20–30 minutes.
4. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, but for best results, freeze without the tortellini and add fresh ones when reheating.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Chicken & Herb Tortellini Soup is the kind of meal that soothes the soul and satisfies the stomach. Whether you’re curled up on the couch after a long day or feeding a table full of family, it delivers warmth in every spoonful.
This recipe is easy to make, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable, perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned pros alike. Make a big batch and freeze some for those busy nights when you crave comfort with minimal effort.
And if this cozy classic left you smiling, try it alongside the Asian Noodle Soup Guide for more flavorful inspiration. Cooking at home doesn’t need to be complicated, it just needs to be delicious.