Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

The Coziest Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe For Fall Dinners

Comforting bowls of creamy chicken tortellini soup often spark memories of cozy kitchen moments.

Warm aromas waft through home spaces, promising deliciousness ahead.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly in this hearty recipe.

Cheese-filled pasta swirls nestle among tender chicken pieces, creating delightful texture combinations.

Italian-inspired comfort emerges with each spoonful of this satisfying meal.

Subtle herbs and creamy broth make you want to curl up with a steaming bowl.

Savor every delectable bite and let this soup transport you to culinary bliss.

Why This Chicken Tortellini Soup Comforts

  • A soul-warming soup that delivers rich, creamy goodness with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.
  • Flexible recipe allows quick ingredient swaps like different protein options or vegetable additions to match personal preferences and pantry contents.
  • Perfect weeknight meal that comes together rapidly, offering delicious nutrition everyone from kids to adults will eagerly devour.
  • Minimal cleanup required with everything cooked in a single pot, making this recipe a stress-free cooking experience for busy home chefs.

Ingredients for Creamy Tortellini Soup

Main Ingredients:

Protein: .

  • Shredded Chicken: Tender meat that adds heartiness to the soup.
  • Cheese Tortellini: Pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful foundation for the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds rich, smooth texture.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots: Classic aromatic base for depth of flavor.
  • Frozen Peas: Sweet green pop of color and nutrition.
Seasonings:
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Blend of herbs and spices for classic taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat.
  • Garlic: Provides intense aromatic flavor.
Finishing Touches:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty finish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish for color and freshness.
Cooking Fats:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps sauté vegetables.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Soup Step by Step

How to Make Creamy Chicken Soup Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat butter in a large pot over medium temperature.

Add and sauté:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots

Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its fragrant oils.

Step 2: Build Flavorful Broth

Pour chicken broth into the pot.

Sprinkle in:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir ingredients thoroughly and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Introduce Protein

Lower heat and add shredded chicken.

Allow soup to simmer for 10 minutes, letting flavors meld and develop depth.

Step 4: Cook Pasta Pillows

Drop cheese tortellini into the simmering broth.

Cook fresh tortellini for 4-6 minutes or frozen tortellini for 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender and plump.

Step 5: Enrich and Soften

Reduce heat to low.

Slowly stream heavy cream into the soup, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy texture.

Fold in frozen peas and simmer for 2-3 additional minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Finesse

Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve piping hot in deep bowls.

Tips for Cozy, Creamy Soup Bowls

  • Caramelize onions and carrots slightly longer for deeper, richer taste by cooking them until edges turn golden brown.
  • Add tortellini towards the end of cooking to maintain perfect texture and prevent becoming mushy or falling apart.
  • Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for varied protein preferences.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy consistency.
  • Taste soup before adding Parmesan and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to create a personalized flavor profile.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Tortellini Soup

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing tortellini as they can become mushy.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming and reach 165°F internal temperature.
  • Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Check temperature to ensure even heating throughout.

Pairing Ideas for This Creamy Soup

  • Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine cuts through the soup's creamy richness, refreshing the palate with its citrusy notes and bright acidity.
  • Complement with Crusty Rosemary Focaccia: Herbed bread provides a perfect textural contrast, absorbing the soup's flavors while offering a delightful crunch and aromatic herb undertones.
  • Match with Arugula Salad: Peppery greens with a light lemon vinaigrette balance the soup's creaminess, adding a fresh, bright element that cleanses the palate between bites.
  • Serve with Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Cheesy, garlicky bread enhances the soup's Italian-inspired profile, providing a delicious dunking option that echoes the Parmesan in the recipe.

Variations to Try in Chicken Tortellini Soup

  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace cheese tortellini with gluten-free tortellini or swap with quinoa pasta shells. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute shredded chicken with plant-based protein like white beans or cubed tofu. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a complete vegetarian meal.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and maintain creamy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Omit Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of tortellini?

Yes, you can substitute cheese tortellini with chicken, spinach, or meat-filled tortellini based on your preference. Just ensure cooking times match the package instructions.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

While the soup can be frozen, the cream and tortellini might change texture upon reheating. For best results, freeze the broth and chicken separately, then add cream and tortellini when ready to serve.

  • Can I make this soup healthier?

Absolutely! Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini, and opt for reduced-sodium chicken broth to create a lighter version.

  • What if I don't have fresh chicken?

No problem. You can use rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or even leftover grilled or baked chicken. Just shred or chop it before adding to the soup.

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Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup invites comfort with its rich, velvety broth and tender pasta twirls. Packed with savory chicken and aromatic herbs, this soul-warming dish promises to embrace you with Mediterranean-inspired warmth and satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and carrots for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and slightly tender.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the pot and season with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate shredded chicken. Allow the soup to simmer for 10 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld together.
  5. Carefully add cheese tortellini to the simmering broth. Cook fresh tortellini for 4-6 minutes or frozen tortellini for 8-10 minutes until they are tender and floating.
  6. Lower the heat and slowly stream in heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent separation.
  7. Introduce frozen peas and continue simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are heated through.
  8. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the soup, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
  9. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for optimal flavor balance.
  10. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve piping hot in deep bowls.

Notes

  • Enhance vegetable flavor by sautéing them slowly, allowing natural sugars to caramelize and deepen the soup’s overall taste profile.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, replace traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or swap with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
  • Control soup thickness by adjusting cream quantity – less cream creates a lighter broth, while more cream develops a richer, more luxurious texture.
  • Prevent tortellini from becoming mushy by adding them toward the end of cooking and avoiding overcooking, which can break down their delicate pasta structure.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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