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 black pepper; 1 ¼ 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; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 10 oz. refrigerated tortellini (about 2 cups)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl, the Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is here to make your day. This soup is a delightful symphony of tender shredded chicken, pillowy tortellini, and a fragrant, herb-packed broth that’s as wholesome as it is flavorful. Every spoonful brings together the heartiness of classic chicken soup with an Italian-inspired twist that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual night in. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to soups.

Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular. Each component is chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring every bowl feels nourishing and vibrant.

Dried basil and parsley (1 teaspoon each): These herbs add a subtle sweetness and a pop of green that brighten the soup’s flavor.
Dried oregano and mustard powder (½ teaspoon each): The oregano brings earthiness while mustard powder adds a gentle, spicy warmth.
Ground sage and black pepper (¼ teaspoon each): Sage enhances the savory depth; pepper gives just the right amount of bite.
Bone-in chicken breast (1 ¼ lb.): The star protein, perfect for shredding and infusing the broth with rich chicken flavor.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors beautifully.
Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A blend of herbs that ties the soup’s flavor together with classic Italian warmth.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for searing chicken and sautéing veggies, it adds a silky richness.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Helps build a luscious base for the soup’s veggies and seasonings.
Yellow onion (1, diced): Provides sweetness and savory richness when sautéed.
Carrots (¾ cup, diced): Adds a pop of color and natural sweetness for balance.
Celery (2 ribs, diced): Brings a subtle crunch and classic soup aroma.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the broth with its warm, fragrant punch.
Chicken broth (6 cups): The liquid gold that carries all the flavors together.
Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a zesty, umami boost that makes the broth irresistible.
Hot sauce (1 teaspoon): Just the right hint of heat to elevate the flavor without overpowering it.
Refrigerated tortellini (10 oz., about 2 cups): The tender, cheese-filled pasta that transforms this soup into a hearty meal.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning each side of your chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step isn’t mandatory, but it’s worth it. Searing adds depth by creating fond on the pot’s bottom, which flavors the broth. After cooking, set the chicken aside to rest for 10 minutes, then shred it with two forks. If it’s not fully cooked through yet, don’t worry—it will finish cooking in the soup.

Step 2: Prepare the Flavor Base

Next, melt butter in the same pot, scraping the bottom with a silicone spatula to lift up all the flavorful browned bits left from the chicken. Toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery, and cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and release their aroma. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and the blend of dried herbs and spices. Stir everything for another minute to let those flavors bloom.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Bring everything to a gentle bubble but avoid a hard boil, which can toughen the chicken. Let it simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Finish

Finally, stir in the refrigerated tortellini and simmer according to the package instructions—typically about 3 minutes for fresh refrigerated tortellini like Rana. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. Then ladle it into bowls and get ready to dig into a bowl of pure comfort!

How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil can instantly elevate the soup. A drizzle of good olive oil or a few red pepper flakes can add extra character if you like a bit of heat or richness on top.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. A crisp, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the savory warmth of the soup perfectly, making for a complete and satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in individual rustic bowls with mini focaccia on the side. You can also ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a playful, edible presentation that’s sure to impress guests and kids alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and textures. Just remember that the tortellini might soak up some broth over time, so you can add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

Because tortellini can change texture when frozen and thawed, it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh tortellini to combine just before serving.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick after sitting, add a little chicken broth or water to restore its perfect, silky consistency.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw?

Absolutely! Using cooked chicken can speed up the process—just add your shredded or diced cooked chicken right into the simmering broth during the final steps. The flavor will still be fantastic.

What type of tortellini works best?

Refrigerated tortellini filled with cheese or meat are the easiest to use and cook quickly in the soup. Avoid frozen until you’re sure about cooking times, as they can vary.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based protein. Use cheese tortellini that doesn’t contain animal rennet.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can be great additions. Add them during the simmering step so they soften nicely without losing their texture.

How spicy is the hot sauce in this recipe?

The teaspoon of hot sauce adds a gentle kick without overpowering the soup. You can always reduce or omit it if you prefer milder flavors or increase it for a bolder spice.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is a true kitchen champion—easy to make, packed with flavor, and wonderfully comforting. It’s the kind of soup that turns any day around, nourishing both body and soul. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection. Your taste buds will thank you!

Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and flavorful Chicken Tortellini Soup featuring tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini simmered in a savory broth enriched with Italian herbs and spices. This comforting soup is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner.

Instructions

Sear the Chicken: Season each side of the 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 browned. Remove and set aside. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, then shred it using two forks. Note: raw or cooked chicken can be added directly to the soup, but searing adds flavor and texture.
Prepare Seasonings: Combine dried basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, sage, and black pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, melt butter and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from searing the chicken. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and the seasoning blend. Cook for an additional 1 minute to release the aromas.
Simmer Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—avoid boiling to keep the chicken tender. Partially cover the pot and let simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
Cook Tortellini and Finish Soup: Add refrigerated tortellini to the pot and simmer until cooked through, approximately 3 minutes (refer to package instructions). Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed, adding up to ½ teaspoon of salt if desired.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately for a warm, satisfying meal.

Notes

Searing the chicken is optional but enhances flavor through browning and fond development.
You can use boneless chicken breast if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
Use freshly minced garlic for best flavor.
Adjust hot sauce quantity to suit your spice preference.
Rana refrigerated tortellini or similar brands cook quickly, typically within 3 minutes.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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