There’s something magical about a pot of Chicken Tortellini Soup simmering on the stove. The smell alone could convince even the pickiest eater in my house (and yes, I’ve got three of those little food critics!) to come wandering into the kitchen. This hearty soup has juicy chicken, tender veggies, and pillowy tortellini—all wrapped up in a savory, herby broth that feels like a hug in a bowl.
If you’re looking for an easy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this recipe will be your new best friend.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Quick & easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-approved: Kids love the cheesy tortellini, and grown-ups love the herby broth.
- Flexible: Works on the stovetop or in the Crock Pot.
- Comforting: Warm, hearty, and satisfying—ideal for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
What Does Chicken Tortellini Soup Taste Like?
Think of classic chicken noodle soup, but with an Italian twist. The broth is savory with hints of basil, garlic, and sage. The tortellini add a cheesy surprise in every bite, while tender chicken and veggies bring that familiar homemade comfort. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Tortellini Soup
The beauty of Chicken Tortellini Soup is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly comforting. Below I’ve broken down each component so you’ll know not only what to grab at the store but also why it matters in the recipe.
Chicken
- Bone-in chicken breast (about 1 ¼ pounds): This is my top choice because the bones give the broth a richer, deeper flavor. You can swap in boneless breasts or even thighs if that’s what you have on hand. And if you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver—just add it in near the end.
Vegetables
- Onion, carrots, and celery: These three make up the “holy trinity” of soup bases, building a sweet and savory background. The diced onion adds a touch of sharpness, the carrots bring color and natural sweetness, and the celery adds depth.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings that irresistible aroma that lets everyone know something delicious is on the stove.
Broth & Flavor Boosters
- Chicken broth (6 cups): A good broth is the backbone of this soup. If you have homemade stock, use it! Otherwise, a quality low-sodium store-bought broth works perfectly.
- Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce: Don’t worry, this won’t make the soup spicy. These little additions act like secret flavor enhancers, making the broth taste more complex without overpowering it.
Seasonings
- Italian seasoning, dried basil, parsley, oregano, ground sage, and mustard powder: This blend creates a cozy, herby flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken and pasta. The mustard powder may sound unusual, but it quietly rounds out the broth.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but necessary—don’t skip the final taste test before serving!
Tortellini
- Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini (about 10 ounces): The star of the show! These little pasta pillows are what set Chicken Tortellini Soup apart from traditional chicken noodle soup. They cook quickly (just a few minutes) and add a satisfying richness. I love using refrigerated versions like Rana, but frozen tortellini will also work—just simmer a bit longer.
Optional Add-Ins
- Spinach, peas, corn, or green beans: Adding greens is a great way to bulk up the nutrition. Spinach wilts beautifully right at the end, and kids hardly notice it’s there.
- Parmesan rind: If you’ve got one stashed in the freezer, drop it into the simmering broth for next-level flavor. Just remove before serving.
👉 If you’re in the mood for another soul-warming bowl, try my Pumpkin Wild Rice Soup. Like this recipe, it’s hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup
Making Chicken Tortellini Soup might sound fancy, but trust me—it’s one of the simplest (and most rewarding) soups you’ll ever make. Here’s how to do it, broken down step by step so you can follow along without stress.
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken (Optional, but Highly Recommended)
- Start by seasoning your chicken breast with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot (around 4–5 quarts works best) over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until it develops a golden-brown crust. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through yet—it will finish in the broth later.
✨ Why this matters: Searing adds flavor to the pot (fond, as chefs call it), which makes your broth richer and more delicious.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
- Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before shredding with two forks.
- If the inside is still slightly pink, that’s okay—it will cook fully when simmering in the broth.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
- In the same pot, melt butter and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up those browned bits from searing (hello, flavor!).
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and your seasoning blend. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
✨ Tip: This step is where your kitchen starts to smell absolutely heavenly.
Step 4: Add Broth and Chicken
- Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and return your shredded chicken to the pot.
- Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Avoid a rolling boil, as it can make chicken tough.
- Cover partially and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Add the Tortellini
- Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook until tender. If using refrigerated pasta, this takes about 3 minutes; frozen may need 7–8 minutes.
- Give the soup a taste test here and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle hot Chicken Tortellini Soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired.
- A slice of crusty bread or a side salad makes this meal complete.
👉 If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Chicken Parm Soup, another family favorite that’s cheesy, hearty, and just as comforting.
Crock Pot Instructions for Chicken Tortellini Soup
If you’d rather set it and forget it, here’s how to make this soup in your slow cooker:
- Melt butter in the Crock Pot (yes, you can do this right in the insert if your model allows).
- Add onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and seasonings. Stir to coat.
- Place raw chicken breasts on top, then pour in chicken broth, Worcestershire, and hot sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to the soup.
- Add tortellini and cook for another 10–15 minutes until the pasta is plump and tender.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or Parmesan.
✨ Slow Cooker Tip: Using fresh chicken (not leftovers) is best here since cooking pre-cooked meat for hours can dry it out.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Don’t skip the sear: Browning chicken adds amazing depth to the broth.
- Keep it gentle: A rolling boil can toughen chicken. Low and slow is the secret.
- Storage hack: Store tortellini separately so it doesn’t soak up all your broth.
- Flavor boost: Toss in a Parmesan rind while simmering—discard before serving.
- Veggie swap: Stir in spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Storage for Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Fridge: Store up to 3 days. Keep tortellini separate if possible.
- Freezer: Best to freeze broth and chicken without tortellini. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just skip the searing step and add the shredded chicken directly.
What type of tortellini works best?
Refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini is my go-to, but spinach or chicken-filled work too.
Can I make it creamy?
Absolutely! Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or a splash of half-and-half at the end.
Conclusion
When life gets busy (or your family needs a little comfort food TLC), Chicken Tortellini Soup is the answer. It’s cozy, quick, and full of flavor that brings everyone to the table.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my Creamy Cajun Chicken Soup or this hearty Mushroom Potato Soup.
So grab a pot, toss in your tortellini, and let your kitchen fill with love.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Chicken Tortellini Soup – Quick & Cozy Family Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Tortellini Soup is easy to make on the stovetop or in the Crock Pot. It’s loaded with juicy chicken, vegetables, Italian seasonings, and tender tortellini for a cozy, hearty meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon mustard powder
¼ teaspoon ground sage
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 1/4 lb. bone-in chicken breast
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, diced
¾ cup diced carrots
2 ribs celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
10 oz. refrigerated tortellini (about 2 cups)
Instructions
1. Season each side of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a 4½-quart soup pot over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes, then shred with two forks.
4. Melt the butter in the same pot and use a spatula to scrape up the fond.
5. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.
6. Add garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasoning blend. Cook for 1 more minute.
7. Pour in chicken broth and return shredded chicken to the pot.
8. Bring to a gentle simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes.
9. Add tortellini and simmer until cooked through according to package instructions.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot!
Notes
Bone-in chicken adds great flavor, but boneless or rotisserie chicken also works. Add a Parmesan rind while simmering the broth for extra depth. Frozen peas or green beans can be added in the last 10 minutes. For added flavor and crunch, serve with Ranch Oyster Crackers. To store, keep tortellini separate to prevent over-absorption of broth. Soup freezes well—add cooked tortellini when ready to serve.
