Easy & Flavorful Chicken Tortellini Soup: Your Ultimate Comfort Meal

Warm up with a bowl of this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Tortellini Soup, packed with savory flavors and ready in a flash!

If you enjoy comforting soups like this, you’ll also love our Sausage Tortellini Soup for another satisfying option.

There are days when nothing but a steaming bowl of homemade soup will do. It’s a universal craving, a culinary hug that warms you from the inside out. This **Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe** is exactly that – a perfect antidote to cold evenings, a comforting meal for a busy weeknight, or a delightful dish to share with loved ones. It’s designed to be effortlessly delicious, meaning you can whip up this rich, satisfying soup without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this **easy chicken tortellini soup** truly stand out is its adaptability. We all appreciate recipes that can be tweaked to suit our pantry, our mood, or simply what we have on hand. This soup embraces that philosophy, allowing for simple substitutions and additions without compromising on its incredible flavor. Plus, many of the core ingredients are staples, making it incredibly convenient to prepare this hearty dish at a moment’s notice.

Why This Chicken Tortellini Soup Will Become Your New Favorite

More than just a meal, this **homemade chicken tortellini soup** offers a delightful experience. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your regular rotation:

• Quick & Convenient: In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for wholesome meals can be a challenge. This recipe simplifies dinner with its minimal prep and cook time, proving that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something substantial yet easy.
• Unforgettable Flavor: Each spoonful is a symphony of flavors. The tender chicken, savory broth, cheesy tortellini, and medley of vegetables create a harmonious blend that is both rich and surprisingly fresh. The addition of red wine vinegar and cream at the end elevates the taste, adding brightness and a luxurious finish.
• Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You’ll likely have most of the ingredients for this **creamy chicken tortellini soup** already stocked in your kitchen. This eliminates last-minute grocery runs and makes spontaneous soup-making a breeze.
• Versatile & Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you want to add more vegetables, experiment with different types of tortellini, or adjust the creaminess, it’s incredibly forgiving and encourages personalization.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something undeniably soothing about a warm bowl of soup. This **hearty chicken tortellini soup** delivers that comforting embrace, making it the perfect choice for a chilly evening or whenever you need a little culinary warmth.

Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Tortellini Soup

Crafting the perfect **chicken tortellini soup** begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:

• Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing our aromatic vegetables. While extra-virgin olive oil lends a lovely flavor, any high-temperature cooking oil you prefer will work well.
• Onion, Bell Pepper, and Garlic: This classic trio forms the aromatic base of the soup, infusing it with depth and warmth. A red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness and color, but feel free to use green or yellow if that’s what you have. For more ideas on vegetable substitutions, check out our “Change it Up” section below.
• Chicken Broth: We recommend using low-sodium chicken broth. This allows you to control the overall saltiness of the soup, ensuring it’s perfectly seasoned to your taste. High-quality broth makes a significant difference in the final flavor profile.
• Beans: White beans are an excellent addition, contributing both texture and plant-based protein. Cannellini, navy, or great northern beans are all fantastic choices. Remember to drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to the pot.
• Tomatoes: Italian diced tomatoes are preferred for their rich, slightly seasoned flavor, which complements the overall profile of this **tortellini and chicken soup**. If you opt for regular diced tomatoes, you might want to enhance the flavor with a pinch of Italian seasoning or a bit more basil.
• Basil: Dried basil is a convenient choice, especially during winter months when fresh herbs might be scarce. If you have fresh basil on hand, it will add a vibrant, aromatic note – just be sure to stir it in towards the very end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor. For dried basil, follow the recipe instructions for earlier addition.
• Tortellini: Cheesy tortellini is, in our opinion, the best choice for this **easy chicken tortellini soup**, adding a delightful creaminess and chewiness. Frozen tortellini is incredibly convenient and cooks quickly. If using fresh tortellini, reduce the cooking time significantly, as it cooks much faster. Feel free to experiment with spinach or meat-filled tortellini for a different twist.
• Chicken: Our biggest time-saving hack for this recipe is to use pre-cooked, shredded, or cubed chicken. This makes the soup come together in record time, ideal for busy evenings. You can prepare chicken ahead of time or use leftover rotisserie chicken. Check out our guide on how to make shredded chicken for easy meal prep.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Don’t skip this ingredient! A splash of red wine vinegar acts as a fantastic flavor enhancer, brightening the soup and adding a subtle tang that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
• Cream: A touch of heavy whipping cream at the end adds a luxurious creaminess and smooth texture, transforming the broth into something truly indulgent. For a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, or it can be omitted entirely if you prefer a broth-based soup.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup

Making this **hearty chicken tortellini soup** is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal:

1. Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking them until they soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of cooking to prevent it from burning, releasing its fragrant aroma. Season lightly with salt at this stage.
2. Simmer the Broth Base: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the drained and rinsed white beans, Italian diced tomatoes, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Add Tortellini and Chicken: Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the frozen cheese tortellini and the pre-cooked shredded or cubed chicken. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and thoroughly heated through, which typically takes around 10 minutes for frozen tortellini.
4. Finish with Flavor Enhancers: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the red wine vinegar and allow it to warm through for another minute or two. This step brightens the entire soup. Finally, turn off the heat and stir in the heavy whipping cream, adding a luxurious creaminess to the broth.
5. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory flavor.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Chicken Tortellini Soup

Achieving the best results with your **chicken tortellini soup** is easy with a few helpful tips:

• Serve Immediately for Best Texture: Unlike some soups that improve with time, this **creamy chicken tortellini soup** is best enjoyed right after it’s made. The tortellini, being pasta, will continue to absorb the broth the longer it sits, potentially becoming overly soft and reducing the amount of liquid.
• Storing Leftovers: If you do have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, it’s highly probable that the pasta will have soaked up much of the broth. Be prepared to add an extra splash of chicken broth or even a little water to restore the soup’s desired consistency.
• Customize to Your Liking: This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Don’t hesitate to adjust ingredients based on your preferences or what you have available. If beans aren’t your favorite, feel free to omit them. The same goes for the tomatoes or bell pepper – make it truly your own!
• Enhance with Fresh Herbs: While dried basil works perfectly, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even more fresh basil (chopped) just before serving can add a burst of freshness and color.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Chicken Tortellini Soup

One of the joys of this **easy chicken tortellini soup** is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some ideas to “change it up”:

• Add More Vegetables: Increase the nutritional value and texture by incorporating more vegetables. Diced carrots, celery (added with the onion and bell pepper), peas, or even zucchini would be fantastic additions. For a boost of greens, stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale at the very end of cooking, allowing it to wilt in the residual heat.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a richer, more indulgent soup, you can increase the amount of heavy cream up to a full cup. For a lighter version, reduce the cream or substitute it with half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative for a non-dairy option. You could also stir in a spoonful of cream cheese for a thicker, tangier finish.
• Protein Alternatives: While chicken is classic, this soup is also fantastic with other proteins. Cooked Italian sausage (mild or spicy) would add a wonderful depth of flavor. Ground turkey, beef, or even vegetarian “chicken” strips could also be used. Adjust cooking times accordingly if using raw protein.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a subtle kick that complements the other flavors.
• Different Tortellini Fillings: While cheese tortellini is our top pick, don’t hesitate to try other fillings. Spinach tortellini will add a delicate earthy flavor and a vibrant green hue, while meat-filled tortellini can make the soup even heartier.
• Garnish Galore: Beyond Parmesan cheese, consider other toppings to enhance your soup. Crispy croutons, oyster crackers, a dollop of pesto, or a swirl of fresh chive oil can all add extra flavor and visual appeal.

More Comforting Soup Recipes to Explore

If you’re a fan of warm, hearty soups, be sure to check out these other delightful recipes:

• Minestrone with Gnocchi
• Cheddar Cheese Soup
• Homemade Bean and Bacon Soup
• Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
• Cheesy Vegetable Chowder
• Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

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Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, especially a cold night. It’s quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Recipe Details

• Author: Deborah Harroun
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yields: 8 servings
• Course: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1 (16 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed (cannellini, navy, or great northern)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Italian diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, added at the end)
• 1 (19 oz) package frozen cheese tortellini
• 2 cups cooked, shredded or cubed chicken
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• Parmesan cheese for serving, optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Season lightly with salt.
2. Stir in the chicken broth, drained and rinsed white beans, Italian diced tomatoes, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium. Add the frozen cheese tortellini and the cooked chicken. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the red wine vinegar and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy whipping cream until combined.
5. Taste the soup and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Recipe Notes:

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutrition information does not include optional Parmesan cheese. For best results, serve this soup immediately as pasta can continue to absorb broth over time. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add extra chicken broth when reheating.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/8 of recipe, Calories: 316 kcal (16%), Carbohydrates: 29g (10%), Protein: 24g (48%), Fat: 9g (14%), Saturated Fat: 3g (19%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 56mg (19%), Sodium: 477mg (21%), Fiber: 5g (21%), Sugar: 4g (4%)

Keywords: chicken tortellini soup, easy chicken soup, comfort food, homemade soup recipe, weeknight dinner, creamy tortellini soup, quick soup

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