Hearty 30-Minute Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Craving a warm, comforting meal that comes together in a flash? This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is your new weeknight hero! It’s incredibly cozy, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for busy parents and beginners, this family-favorite soup delivers big taste in just 30 minutes. Get ready to enjoy a hearty bowl that feels like it simmered all day.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Soup

This delightful Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is a true game-changer for quick meals.

• Quick 30-minute meal: From start to finish, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in just half an hour.
• Easy one-pot preparation: Cleanup is a breeze because everything cooks beautifully in a single pot.
• Flavorful, comforting ingredients: Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh vegetables create an incredibly satisfying taste.
• Customizable with favorite veggies: Easily adapt it by adding your family’s preferred greens or other hearty vegetables.
• Perfect for chilly evenings: This warm, hearty soup is the ideal antidote to a cold day, offering comfort in every spoonful.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this incredible Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe. You’ll find everything you need for a comforting and flavorful meal right here. Fresh, simple components are key to making this soup truly shine.

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 3 qt. chicken broth
• 3 1/2 c. shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 (20-oz.) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
• Grated parmesan cheese, to serve

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many ingredients in this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe. Use refrigerated tortellini for fastest cooking, or frozen tortellini, adding a few extra minutes to the simmer time. For the chicken, rotisserie chicken is ideal for speed, but pre-cooked chicken breasts, thighs, or even leftover turkey work perfectly. Boost the nutrition and color with vegetable additions like fresh spinach, kale, corn, or peas; just stir them in during the last few minutes. Choose a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor, or opt for vegetable broth if you prefer. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to make the soup as mild or spicy as you like.

Equipment

You don’t need many special tools to create this delightful Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe. A few basic kitchen items will get the job done efficiently.

• Large Dutch oven or pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the entire soup in one vessel.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: For preparing the fresh vegetables.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
• Stirring spoon: For combining ingredients throughout the cooking process.

Instructions

Creating this cozy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps for a truly comforting meal.

1. Sauté the aromatics: In a medium Dutch oven or a large, heavy-bottomed pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the chopped yellow onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook these aromatic vegetables, stirring frequently, for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them to soften slightly but not brown, becoming fragrant and tender-crisp.
2. Add the seasonings: Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the finely chopped garlic, kosher salt, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly. This short cook time allows the spices to bloom in the hot oil, intensifying their flavors and making the entire soup more aromatic.
3. Pour in broth and bring to boil: Carefully pour the chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables and spices. Increase the heat to high and bring the broth to a rolling boil. This step is crucial for ensuring everything cooks evenly and quickly once the remaining ingredients are added.
4. Stir in chicken and tortellini: Once the broth is boiling rapidly, reduce the heat slightly to maintain a strong simmer. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and the package of refrigerated cheese tortellini to the pot. Stir gently to ensure the tortellini is submerged in the broth. This ensures it cooks evenly. This quick Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe comes together fast.
5. Simmer until tender: Continue to simmer the soup for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly warmed through and the tortellini is tender to the bite. Taste a piece of tortellini to check for doneness; it should be soft but still have a slight chew. Avoid overcooking the tortellini, as it can become mushy.
   

   To ensure your tortellini retains its ideal texture, learn more about preventing mushy pasta when cooking in soups and other dishes.

   
   
6. Finish with fresh parsley: Once the tortellini is perfectly cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green parsley adds a burst of fresh flavor and color, brightening the entire dish just before serving.
7. Serve with Parmesan: Ladle the hot chicken tortellini soup into individual bowls. Garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory, cheesy goodness. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, homemade meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Making the best Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe involves a few smart tricks. To achieve rich flavor faster, sauté your aromatics until deeply fragrant, and use a good quality chicken broth. Prevent mushy tortellini by adding it towards the end and cooking just until tender-crisp, typically 3-5 minutes for refrigerated types. Always taste and adjust seasoning, like salt and pepper, before serving, as broth brands vary in sodium. Ensure vegetables are tender-crisp by not overcooking them in the initial sauté.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the tortellini: This is the most common mistake. Add tortellini last and simmer only until tender.
• Not layering flavors: Sautéing aromatics and blooming spices are key steps for building a deep, rich base.
  

  The blend of herbs in Italian seasoning not only adds delicious flavor but also offers various health benefits to your meal.

  
  
• Forgetting fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness and elevates the final taste significantly.
• Adding tortellini too early: Introduce tortellini only after the broth comes to a boil to control cooking time precisely.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is versatile, whether you’re serving it immediately or planning for leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your warm bowl of soup with a slice of crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping. A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette also makes an excellent fresh counterpoint to the rich soup. Don’t forget to garnish each serving generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory flavor.

Storage

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini might absorb more broth over time, so you might need to add a splash more broth when reheating.

Make Ahead

You can prep the vegetables (chop onion, carrots, celery, garlic) a day in advance to save time. If you plan to make a large batch ahead, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it to individual servings when reheating to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Freezing

For best results, it’s generally recommended to freeze the soup base and tortellini separately. Freeze the cooled broth and vegetable mixture in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Cook the tortellini fresh when reheating. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop. Add freshly cooked tortellini during the last few minutes of reheating.

Variations

• Add different vegetables: Experiment with zucchini, bell peppers, green beans, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or a splash of milk during the last minute of cooking for a richer, velvety texture.
• Introduce different proteins: Swap the chicken for Italian sausage (browned first), ground turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Experiment with different tortellini fillings: Try spinach and ricotta, mushroom, or meat-filled tortellini for a different twist on this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe.

Nutrition Information

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe offers a hearty and satisfying meal. While exact values can vary based on specific brands and portion sizes, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving. A serving size is typically one large bowl of soup. To lighten the recipe, you can use reduced-sodium chicken broth, lean chicken breast, and add more vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen tortellini directly?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini without thawing. Just add it to the simmering broth as directed, and allow a few extra minutes of cooking time, typically 5-7 minutes, until tender.

How to thicken chicken tortellini soup?

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is typically broth-based, but you can thicken it slightly. Whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold broth, then stir the slurry into the simmering soup during the last few minutes of cooking.

What broth is best for this recipe?

A good quality chicken broth or bone broth will yield the richest flavor. Choose low-sodium options to control the saltiness to your taste.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add chickpeas or cannellini beans for protein, or use plant-based tortellini if desired.

What other pasta can I use?

If you don’t have tortellini, small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or small shells work well. Adjust cooking times according to package directions, typically adding them before the chicken.

Conclusion

This 30-minute Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is a true gem for busy weeknights and chilly evenings. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and wonderfully satisfying for the whole family. Sweet Emily’s mission is all about making baking simple, and this quick soup embodies that perfectly. Don’t wait to try this delicious and beginner-friendly recipe – you’ll be amazed at how much flavor you can create in so little time! Enjoy every heartwarming spoonful.

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Hearty 30-Minute Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

This comforting and easy-to-make chicken tortellini soup is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Packed with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh vegetables, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 6 bowls

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Knife
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion chopped
• 3 medium carrots peeled and sliced
• 3 stalks celery sliced
• 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 3 qt. chicken broth
• 3 1/2 c. shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini 20-oz.
• 1/4 c. fresh parsley chopped
• grated parmesan cheese to serve

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat, then add onion, carrot, and celery; cook for 5-7 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and seasonings, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil; then add chicken and tortellini, simmering for 3-5 minutes until heated through and tender. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with parmesan cheese.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to your preference. This soup is perfect for a comforting and speedy weeknight dinner.

Carlos Hernandez

A 40-year-old chef from Mexico City, has dedicated his life to perfecting the art of Mexican cuisine. Raised in a family with a deep passion for cooking, Carlos drew inspiration from the traditional recipes passed down by his grandmother. After studying culinary arts and gaining experience in top Mexican restaurants, he pursued his dream of opening his own restaurant, Sabor de Tradición. Here, he combines authentic Mexican flavors with modern culinary techniques. Carlos is renowned for his creativity and unwavering commitment to honoring his heritage while also pushing the boundaries of Mexican cuisine