🥄 Why This Recipe Works
This creamy chicken tortellini soup is a rich, comforting bowl of cheesy goodness with hearty vegetables and tender chicken—all done in just 45 minutes. It’s become my go-to recipe for chilly nights, dinner parties, and make-ahead meals.
✅ Key Benefits:
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 1 hour
- One-Pot Recipe – Less cleanup, more flavor
- Customizable – Great for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian variations
- Meal-Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day
- Crowd Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike
💡 What makes this soup special? A double cheese hit from tortellini and Parmesan, balanced herbs, and a velvety, restaurant-quality broth that doesn’t rely on heavy cream alone.
🧂 Ingredients (With Substitutions)
The Essentials:
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier texture)
- 18 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for garnish)
🔁 Fresh tortellini cooks in 3–4 minutes, frozen in 6–7. Adjust timing accordingly.
Aromatics & Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or butter)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Parmesan rind (optional but highly recommended for umami!)
🍲 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prep Ingredients (10 mins)
Chop onions, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic. Cube chicken into bite-size pieces. Measure remaining ingredients.
📌 Tip: “Mise en place” (everything in place) keeps cooking efficient and stress-free.
🧅 Step 2: Sauté Aromatics (5 mins)
In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
🍗 Step 3: Cook Chicken (6 mins)
Push veggies to one side. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until no longer pink, about 6 minutes.
👨🍳 Avoid overcrowding to ensure the chicken browns properly.
🍜 Step 4: Build the Broth (15 mins)
Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add Parmesan rind if using. Simmer uncovered on low for 15 minutes.
🧠 This infuses deep flavor into the soup base.
🧀 Step 5: Add Tortellini & Cream (7 mins)
Stir in tortellini and cook based on package directions. Lower heat and add cream + Parmesan. Stir gently until combined.
⚠️ Avoid boiling once cream is added to prevent curdling.
🌿 Step 6: Final Touches
Turn off heat. Let soup rest 2–3 minutes to thicken. Garnish with parsley and extra cheese. Serve warm with crusty bread.
🍽 Use shallow bowls to showcase the tortellini and creamy broth.
👩🍳 Expert Tips for Perfect Soup
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overcooking Tortellini – Add pasta at the very end or cook separately when prepping ahead.
- Curdled Cream – Temper cream with hot broth before adding.
- Oversalting – Parmesan adds saltiness, so season after it’s mixed in.
Flavor Boosters:
- Swap ½ cup of broth with cream cheese or mascarpone for richer texture
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice or zest before serving for brightness
- Try fresh basil or thyme in place of Italian seasoning
🔄 5 Delicious Variations
| Version | Key Additions |
|---|---|
| 🥬 Tuscan-Inspired | Spinach + sun-dried tomatoes + Pecorino cheese |
| 🌶 Spicy Arrabbiata | Tomato paste + chili flakes + fresh chili |
| 🍂 Autumn Harvest | Butternut squash + sage + pancetta |
| 💪 Lightened-Up | Half-and-half + zucchini + extra chicken |
| 🧀 Ultimate Cheese Lover | Mozzarella + triple cheese tortellini + Parmesan chips |
🥖 Serving Ideas & Pairings
Breads:
- Garlic bread
- Crusty baguette
- Cheesy breadsticks
Fresh Salads:
- Arugula with lemon vinaigrette
- Antipasto platter
- Caprese with balsamic drizzle
Beverages:
- Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
- Belgian wheat beer
- Sparkling lemonade or ginger beer
🥣 For an elegant twist, serve in a hollowed-out bread bowl and top with basil and cracked pepper.
🧊 Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
✅ Storage:
Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze (without tortellini) for up to 3 months.
🔥 Reheating:
Thaw if frozen. Reheat gently on the stove, adding broth if needed. Add cooked tortellini just before serving to avoid mushy pasta.
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
Values based on typical ingredients and serving size (makes 6 servings)
❓ FAQs
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free tortellini and confirm broth is gluten-free certified.
Can I use dried tortellini?
You can, but it takes longer to cook and may absorb extra broth. Add more liquid as needed.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Sauté veggies and chicken first, then add to slow cooker with broth. Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours. Add cream and tortellini in the last 30 minutes.
What veggies can I add?
Zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or kale work beautifully.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely—just omit the tortellini before freezing. Add fresh pasta when reheating for best texture.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting experience in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight staple or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers warmth, richness, and soul-satisfying flavor in under an hour.
✨ Pro Tip: Sprinkle with crispy pancetta or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving for a gourmet finish.
📌 Save for Later!
Planning meals for the week? Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest, share it with your foodie friends, or print it for your recipe binder!
