Name: Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 large carrot, diced; 1 celery stalk, diced; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 3 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups low fat milk; 2 cups shredded chicken; 12 ounces three cheese tortellini; 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup is your new best friend. Packed with tender shredded chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a silky broth infused with the sweetness of tomatoes and freshness of spinach, this recipe effortlessly balances hearty comfort and vibrant flavors. Every spoonful delivers a luscious, creamy texture that’s just begging to be enjoyed on chilly evenings or whenever you need a touch of cozy goodness. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary and soul-satisfying.

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first joyful step to making this soup shine. Each item plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color in this recipe, making it a satisfying and balanced meal.

1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds a rich, silky base to sauté the veggies and bloom the flour.
1 medium onion, diced: Provides natural sweetness and depth when cooked down.
1 large carrot, diced: Brings a subtle earthiness and a pop of vibrant orange.
1 celery stalk, diced: Adds a mild crunch and aromatic freshness.
1 teaspoon garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with that warm, fragrant punch.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Perfect for thickening the broth into a luscious, creamy texture.
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes: Gives acidity and natural sweetness to balance the creaminess.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and adds richness.
3 1/2 cups chicken broth: Forms the savory, comforting base of the soup.
1 1/2 cups low-fat milk: Lightens the creaminess while keeping the soup velvety.
2 cups shredded chicken: Tender and protein-packed, making this soup hearty and filling.
12 ounces three cheese tortellini: Adds cheesy pockets of joy that soak up the broth beautifully.
1 cup spinach, roughly chopped: Brings freshness, color, and a nutritional boost.
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated for garnish: Adds a salty, nutty finish to every bowl.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrot, and celery. These three are the holy trinity that develop the soup’s savory foundation. Cook them until the onion turns translucent and the veggies soften slightly, about 5 minutes. This step releases their natural sweetness and creates a vibrant canvas for the soup’s flavors.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute—just enough to release its fragrant aroma without burning it. Then sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the vegetables and continue cooking for 2 minutes. This not only coats the veggies but also starts the process of thickening the soup into a creamy delight. Watch for the flour to lightly darken, which signals it’s toasted enough for flavor.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base

Now, add the tomato paste and canned diced tomatoes. Scrape the bottom of the pot to lift up any golden bits stuck to the pan; these add incredible depth. The tomato paste acts as a concentrated tomato flavor bomb, while the diced tomatoes offer juicy bursts and a mellow acidity that balances the richness.

Step 4: Pour in Broth, Milk, and Chicken

Pour the chicken broth and low-fat milk into the pot and stir everything to unite. Add shredded chicken at this stage too—it’s your protein powerhouse that will tenderly soak up all those lovely flavors. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and allow it to simmer for 15 minutes until the carrots are perfectly tender—soft but with just enough bite.

Step 5: Toss in Tortellini and Spinach

Time for the ultimate comfort ingredient: tortellini! Add the cheese-filled pasta and chopped spinach to the simmering soup. Let it cook for another 10 minutes or until the tortellini is tender and most float to the top. The spinach wilts down gently, adding a fresh pop of green and a subtle earthiness, while the tortellini delivers indulgent creaminess in every bite.

Step 6: Season and Garnish

Finish by seasoning the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and top each serving with plenty of grated Parmesan cheese. That final sprinkle brings a nutty, savory sparkle that keeps you reaching for more of this dreamy Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

Garnishes

While Parmesan is the classic topper, feel free to get creative with your garnishes. A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil can brighten the bowl visually and flavor-wise. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a swirl of chili oil adds a delightful kick. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the creaminess and add a subtle richness.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a meal on its own, but pairing it with some crusty garlic bread or cheesy focaccia is pure bliss. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness beautifully. For a heartier spread, roasted vegetables or a light antipasto platter make excellent companions, rounding out your meal with textures and flavors that complement the soup’s creamy soul.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic bowls to evoke cozy home vibes. For entertaining, try mini mason jars or small crocks for individual servings. Garnish with edible flowers like basil blossoms or a sprinkle of microgreens to impress guests visually. You might even layer it with a dollop of creamy ricotta or mascarpone on top, swirling it in gently for an elegant finish that elevates the Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup to restaurant-level beauty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The best news about this soup is it tastes just as good the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen overnight, making your second serving even more comforting.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option, but be careful with the tortellini as it can become a bit mushy. For best results, freeze the soup without the tortellini and spinach, adding them fresh when reheating. This way, the pasta remains perfectly tender and the greens stay vibrant.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Add fresh tortellini and spinach during reheating and cook until tender. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan to revive the soup’s original creamy magic.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and shred it before adding to the soup. Using cooked, shredded chicken (leftovers work great) will also save cooking time and infuse flavor.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with olive oil and the milk with your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk. Keep an eye on the consistency and adjust thickening as needed since dairy adds richness.

Can I use pre-packaged tortellini or homemade?

Both work wonderfully. Store-bought cheese tortellini is convenient, but if you have time, homemade tortellini adds an impressive homemade touch. Just add them to the soup and cook until tender, following timing guidelines.

How spicy is this soup, and can I make it spicier?

This recipe is mild and cozy in flavor, perfect for all palates. To add some heat, toss in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce when seasoning, adjusting to your taste preferences.

Can I substitute spinach with another green?

Definitely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula can replace spinach. Just add tougher greens a few minutes earlier to soften before tortellini goes in, ensuring a balanced texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a bowl of Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup that soothes your soul and satisfies your hunger like nothing else. It’s humble but luxurious, simple yet packed with layers of flavor that’ll keep you coming back for more. Cozy up with a steaming bowl yourself—you won’t regret taking the time to make this unforgettable comfort food at home. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and comforting Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup combining tender shredded chicken, cheesy tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a savory tomato broth, perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal any day.

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their flavors.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute to infuse the dish with aromatic garlic flavor.
Create Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously, cooking until the flour just begins to darken, about 2 minutes. This thickens the soup base.
Add Tomato Components: Mix in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any browned bits for enhanced flavor.
Pour Liquids and Chicken: Add chicken broth, low-fat milk, and shredded chicken. Bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until carrots are tender, blending flavors beautifully.
Add Pasta and Greens: Stir in the three cheese tortellini and chopped spinach. Simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and rise to the surface.
Season and Garnish: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese for a creamy and savory finish.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free tortellini.
Low-fat milk keeps the soup creamy but reduces calories; whole milk may be used for richer flavor.
Leftover shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken works well and saves cooking time.
Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
Reheat gently to avoid overcooking tortellini and maintain texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Simmering and Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American