Name: Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ¼ teaspoon ground sage; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 1/4 lb. bone-in chicken breast; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 yellow onion, diced; ¾ cup diced carrots; 2 ribs celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons hot sauce; 10 oz. refrigerated cheese tortellini (about 2 cups)

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If you’re craving something that wraps comfort, flavor, and a little Italian magic all in one bowl, this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming in a richly seasoned broth, brightened with fresh vegetables and cozy little pillows of tortellini pasta. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day and is surprisingly simple to make. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen rotation—perfect for weeknights or when you want to impress without the fuss.

Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the fragrant herbs to the fresh veggies and creamy pasta, these components come together beautifully to create a balanced, hearty soup.

Dried basil and parsley: These herbs boost the soup with a gentle, aromatic freshness that’s essential to Italian-inspired dishes.
Dried oregano and mustard powder: Add a subtle earthiness and a touch of warmth, complementing the chicken perfectly.
Ground sage and pepper: These bring a hint of savory depth and a little kick that keeps the broth interesting.
Bone-in chicken breast (1 1/4 lb.): Using bone-in adds extra richness to the broth, and the meat shreds tenderly after cooking.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that are key for enhancing every flavor in the pot.
Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A classic blend that ties together the herbs and elevates the entire soup.
Olive oil and butter: These fats help to sauté the vegetables and build a luscious base for the soup.
Yellow onion, diced: Adds natural sweetness and a slight crunch once softened.
Diced carrots and celery: The holy trinity of soup veggies, bringing texture, color, and fresh flavor.
Minced garlic (3 cloves): Garlic never fails to deepen the umami and aroma in any savory dish.
Chicken broth (6 cups): The heart of the soup, rich and comforting, making every spoonful feel like a warm embrace.
Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce (1 teaspoon each): These add complex, slightly tangy layers and a mild kick to keep things lively.
Refrigerated tortellini (10 oz.): Tender little pasta pockets stuffed with cheese that soak up the broth perfectly—look for quality brands for the best texture.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Build Flavor

Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heating olive oil in a soup pot over medium-high heat, add the chicken and cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until it develops a beautiful golden brown crust. This step is optional but highly recommended because it creates fond—the flavorful browned bits left on the pot—that enrich the soup’s broth. Once seared, remove the chicken and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before shredding with forks. If the chicken isn’t fully cooked inside, no worries—it will finish cooking gently in the soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables and Aromatics

In the same pot, melt butter and use a spatula to scrape up any fond. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then stir in the minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and the pre-mixed dried seasonings. Let this sauté for another minute to release all those enticing aromas that set the stage for the broth.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Turn the heat down so the soup is just barely bubbling—no rolling boils here, or the chicken might toughen. Cover partially and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the chicken to finish cooking.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Finish Cooking

Finally, stir in the refrigerated tortellini. Cook according to package instructions—usually about 3 minutes—until the pasta is tender and plump. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed. Now you have a bowl full of comforting goodness, ready to be ladled out and enjoyed.

How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top bring vibrant color and an extra layer of freshness to the soup. A generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory finish that melts delightfully into the warm broth.

Side Dishes

A crusty baguette or warm garlic bread pairs perfectly to sop up every last drop of the soup. For a lighter touch, a simple side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic ceramic bowls for a cozy, homey feel. For something special, try hollowed-out mini bread bowls to create an edible cup that’s fun and adds a delicious carb element. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or chili oil right before serving adds a gourmet touch that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The flavors often taste even better the next day as they continue to meld.

Freezing

Because tortellini can change texture when frozen, it’s best to store leftover soup without the pasta and add fresh tortellini when reheating. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in sealed containers for up to 3 months, ensuring you have a quick and easy meal ready on busy days.

Reheating

Gently warm the soup on the stove over medium-low heat to prevent the chicken from drying out. When heated through, add freshly cooked tortellini, stirring until heated. This method keeps the soup tasting fresh and the pasta perfectly tender.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw for this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add cooked, shredded chicken directly into the soup broth. Just reduce the simmering time accordingly since the chicken only needs to heat through.

What type of tortellini works best in this soup?

Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini works beautifully because it cooks quickly and remains tender. Avoid dried tortellini unless you want to cook it separately and add at serving.

Is it okay to skip searing the chicken?

Yes, searing the chicken is optional. It adds extra flavor and color but skipping it won’t ruin the soup. You’ll still end up with a delicious, comforting meal.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Definitely! You can increase the amount of hot sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes to kick up the heat according to your taste.

How thick is this soup? Is it more broth-based or creamy?

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is broth-based, light, and filled with fresh ingredients and tender chicken. It’s perfect if you want something comforting but not heavy or creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace in every spoonful. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve to loved ones. Once you try it, you’ll see how the simple ingredients and care in preparation come together to create something truly memorable. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and fall in love with this cozy, flavorful soup just like I have.

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Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

Author: Sarah
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup combines tender shredded chicken, refrigerated cheese tortellini, and a flavorful medley of vegetables and seasonings in a rich chicken broth. With a perfect balance of herbs, garlic, and a subtle kick from hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, this soup is a comforting and satisfying dinner option that’s simple to make and sure to please the whole family.

Instructions

Sear the Chicken: Season both sides of the bone-in chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a 4 ½-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
Rest and Shred the Chicken: Let the seared chicken rest for 10 minutes to retain juices. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If the chicken isn’t fully cooked inside, it will finish cooking later in the soup.
Prepare the Seasonings: Combine dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, mustard powder, ground sage, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, melt the butter and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Add Garlic and Flavors: Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and the prepared seasoning blend. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release the flavors.
Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, avoiding a full boil to keep the chicken tender. Cover partially and simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
Cook the Tortellini: Add refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, approximately 3 minutes for Rana tortellini, until tender and heated through.
Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed, adding up to ½ teaspoon salt if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

Searing the chicken is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor and color in the broth.
You may use cooked or raw chicken directly, but searing adds depth to the soup.
Adjust hot sauce quantity to your spice preference.
Use fresh vegetables for best taste, but frozen can be substituted.
Rana refrigerated tortellini typically cooks in about 3 minutes; check your package for exact timing.

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