Chicken Tortellini Soup

Chicken Tortellini Soup has become my favorite way to use up leftover chicken or create a quick weeknight dinner from scratch. This isn’t your basic chicken noodle soup. The Italian seasonings and cheese-filled tortellini take it to another level.

I remember the first time I made this soup on a busy Wednesday evening. I had bone-in chicken breasts in the fridge and a package of tortellini that needed using. The aroma of garlic, basil, and Italian herbs filling my kitchen reminded me why homemade soup beats canned every single time. This chicken tortellini soup delivers that slow-simmered taste in under an hour, and the combination of tender chicken with pillowy tortellini creates the ultimate comfort food experience.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Tortellini Soup

I always use bone-in chicken breast for this recipe because it adds so much more flavor to the broth than boneless cuts. Pro tip: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works beautifully and cuts your cooking time in half.

• 1 1/4 pound bone-in chicken breast
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3/4 cup diced carrots
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground sage
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 10 ounces refrigerated tortellini

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Chicken Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Season the chicken breast on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown on both surfaces. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point. Remove chicken from pot and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes while you continue with the soup. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute. After resting, shred or cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bones.

Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. These bits add incredible flavor to your chicken tortellini soup.

Step 4: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the melted butter. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. You’ll notice the vegetables pick up the brown color from the chicken fond.

Step 5: Add minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, dried basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, ground sage, and pepper. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point.

Step 6: Pour in chicken broth and add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cover partially and simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Add refrigerated tortellini to the pot. Simmer uncovered for about 3 minutes until the tortellini floats to the top and becomes tender. Don’t overcook the tortellini or it will get mushy.

Step 8: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The soup should have a well-balanced savory flavor with hints of Italian herbs.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Tortellini Soup

This soup works beautifully as a complete meal, but adding a side makes it even better.

Crusty French Bread: Warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth and adds satisfying texture contrast to the soft tortellini.

Simple Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the soup and adds fresh, crisp vegetables to your meal.

Garlic Knots: Soft, buttery garlic knots complement the Italian flavors in the soup and provide an indulgent side that everyone loves.

Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers add extra nutrition and pair naturally with the Italian herb profile.

More Comforting Tortellini Soup Recipes

This chicken tortellini soup is a family favorite, and there are delicious variations worth trying. The Sausage Tortellini Soup swaps chicken for savory Italian sausage, creating a richer, more robust flavor profile that satisfies heartier appetites. For a seasonal option, the Butternut Squash Sausage Tortellini Soup combines sausage with creamy butternut squash for an autumn-perfect meal.

Want to elevate the flavors? Try the Chicken Pesto Tortellini Soup which incorporates aromatic basil pesto for an Italian-inspired twist. For something completely different when chicken soup cravings hit, the Ginger Garlic Chicken Noodle Soup delivers Asian-inspired warmth with healing ginger and garlic.

How to Store Chicken Tortellini Soup

Store chicken tortellini soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the tortellini will continue to absorb broth as it sits, making the soup thicker.

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out if needed. The soup can also be reheated in the microwave in 1-minute intervals.

Pro tip: For meal prep, store the cooked tortellini separately from the soup base. Add the tortellini when you’re ready to eat for the best texture. The soup base freezes well for up to 3 months. If freezing, prepare the tortellini fresh when serving.

Chicken Tortellini Soup Questions Answered

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