Description
Chicken Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, flavorful broth. It combines rustic simplicity with layered flavors, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or anytime you need a warm, nourishing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Pasta
- 9 to 12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Broth & Liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
Cheese & Dairy
- Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, for garnish
Oils & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh or dried thyme or parsley, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until they are softened and fragrant, creating the flavorful foundation of your soup.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, about 20 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the broth and mix well to combine.
- Add Tortellini and Greens: Stir in the cheese tortellini and fresh spinach or kale. Allow the tortellini to cook until tender according to the package instructions, usually just a few minutes.
- Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and your favorite herbs such as thyme or parsley. Simmer for an additional few minutes to let the flavors meld perfectly.
Notes
- For the richest flavor, use homemade chicken broth if available.
- Add tortellini last and cook just until tender to avoid mushy texture.
- Shred chicken while warm for easier shredding and fluffier pieces.
- Stir in fresh parsley or basil at the end for brightness and aroma.
- Add a splash of cream or milk if you prefer a creamier broth; otherwise, keep it light with just the stock.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: chicken tortellini soup, comfort food, easy dinner, hearty soup, cheesy tortellini, weeknight meal