Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe – A Cozy Bowl of Comfor
I recently made this Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe, and let me tell you—it was like wrapping myself in a warm blanket on a rainy day. I didn’t expect something this simple to taste so rich and hearty.
Every bite had a balance of soft tortellini, flavorful chicken, and soothing broth. I’ve made many comfort meals, like a Chicken Stir Fry Recipe, but this one stole the show. Let me walk you through how to make it your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This soup comes together quickly, using easy-to-find ingredients that pack in great flavor and texture.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken works great for extra flavor and convenience.
- 8 oz cheese tortellini: Use fresh or refrigerated tortellini for the best texture—frozen ones may turn mushy.
- 1 carrot, sliced: Adds a sweet crunch and boosts nutrition.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: A classic aromatic that builds depth in your broth.
- 1 cup spinach leaves: Use fresh, not frozen, to avoid sogginess.
- 6 cups chicken broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control salt levels.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds bold, fragrant flavor to the base of the soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables—adds richness and depth.
Note: This recipe yields 4 generous servings, perfect for a small family dinner or meal prepping for the week.
Variations to Try for a Twist
Want to make it your own? Try these delicious variations while keeping it part of your favorite dinner recipes list:
- Dairy-Free: Use chicken or mushroom tortellini without cheese filling and skip the spinach or sub with kale.
- Low-Carb: Replace tortellini with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.
- Extra Protein: Add cannellini beans or a poached egg on top for added protein.
- Spice It Up: A dash of red chili flakes or cayenne will give it a nice kick.
- Creamy Version: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy soup version.
Cooking Time Breakdown
Here’s how fast you can have this soup on the table:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
No fancy gadgets here—just kitchen basics:
- Large soup pot – for sautéing and simmering the soup
- Wooden spoon – for stirring the veggies and broth
- Sharp knife – to slice carrots, celery, and garlic
- Cutting board – for prepping vegetables safely
- Ladle – to serve the soup easily into bowls
How to Make Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup?
Making this recipe is easier than you think. The steps are quick, simple, and require no fancy techniques.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add your sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Let them cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until they soften and release their wonderful aroma. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Add the Chicken Broth
Once the veggies have softened, pour in the chicken broth. Stir well and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. The broth will absorb the veggie flavors and start to develop a comforting, savory depth.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
Now, stir in the cheese tortellini. Let it cook directly in the simmering broth. It should only take about 6 to 8 minutes to become tender. Be careful not to overcook—tortellini can get mushy fast.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Spinach
When the tortellini is just about done, add your shredded chicken and fresh spinach leaves. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Remove the pot from heat and let the soup sit for a minute. Then ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this soup several times, here are my personal tips that always take it up a notch:
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and ease.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini—check it a minute early.
- Add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme make it extra aromatic.
- Use homemade chicken broth if you have time—it makes a big difference.
How to Serve Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup?
Presentation is everything when serving a comforting soup. Here’s how I like to make mine look and taste even better:
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color.
- Add a dash of grated parmesan on top just before serving.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side.
- Pour the soup into deep, wide bowls for a rustic look.
- Pair it with a light salad or grilled vegetables to round out the meal.
This dish even goes well alongside a bold pasta like Tomato Orzo with Chicken Sausage Recipe if you’re serving a large group.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approx.)
Here’s what you’re getting in every delicious bowl:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 12g
Note: These values may vary depending on the brand of tortellini or broth you use.
How to Store the Soup
Proper storage makes this a great meal prep option for busy weekdays.
- Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing with the tortellini, as they can become mushy. Freeze the soup base and add fresh tortellini when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens up too much.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is worth making over and over again:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, even on a busy day.
- Customizable: You can add or swap ingredients based on your preferences.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults both enjoy the creamy, comforting flavors.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results
Avoid these simple errors to make sure your soup turns out just right:
- Overcooking the tortellini: It becomes too soft and breaks apart.
- Using frozen spinach: It adds too much water and changes the texture.
- Boiling after adding chicken: It can make the chicken stringy and dry.
- Under-seasoning the broth: Always taste and adjust salt or herbs.
- Skipping the sauté step: That’s where the flavor really begins.
More Info for Better Experience
If you love one-pot meals like this, you’ll enjoy experimenting with soup variations and homemade broths. Try adding different seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn.
You can even blend half the broth with beans or roasted garlic for extra richness. Add a dash of cream or a swirl of pesto for a gourmet touch!

Quick Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add your sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Let them cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until they soften and release their wonderful aroma. This step builds a flavorful base for your soup.
- Once the veggies have softened, pour in the chicken broth. Stir well and bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. The broth will absorb the veggie flavors and start to develop a comforting, savory depth.
- Now, stir in the cheese tortellini. Let it cook directly in the simmering broth. It should only take about 6 to 8 minutes to become tender. Be careful not to overcook—tortellini can get mushy fast.
- When the tortellini is just about done, add your shredded chicken and fresh spinach leaves. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup sit for a minute. Then ladle it into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if desired.