If you’re craving a hearty, warm, and utterly comforting meal, then this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. I absolutely love how this soup brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a medley of Italian herbs that just make your kitchen smell divine. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or prepping lunch for the week, this soup is quick, flavorful, and downright satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Comfort Food: This soup hits all the right notes with tender chicken and cheesy tortellini that warm your soul on chilly days.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have these pantry staples and fresh veggies ready to go for a quick meal.
Flexible Cooking Methods: Stove top or Crock Pot, you decide—both ways come out delicious.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup, and I bet yours will too!

A large green pot filled with chicken tortellini soup sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth nearby. The soup has clear yellow broth with visible herbs floating on top, shredded pieces of chicken, and orange carrot slices scattered through the soup. The tortellini pasta are plump and off-white, floating evenly across the surface, showing soft texture with some edges slightly curled. In the background, out of focus, there is a stack of white sandwich bread slices and some green parsley. The setup is bright with natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Tortellini Soup, easy chicken tortellini soup, one-pot tortellini soup, comforting Italian soup, hearty chicken tortellini recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create a balanced, flavorful soup with Italian-inspired goodness. If you’re shopping, fresh veggies and good-quality chicken broth will make a big difference here.

Flat lay of a bone-in chicken breast with clean skin and bone exposed, a small white ceramic bowl of dried basil, a small white ceramic bowl of dried parsley, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl of mustard powder, a small white ceramic bowl of ground sage, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of Italian seasoning, a small bunch of fresh yellow onion whole bulb, a small white ceramic bowl of diced carrots, two fresh celery ribs with vibrant green leaves, three whole garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy butter, a small white ceramic bowl of Worcestershire sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red hot sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of clear chicken broth, and a small pile of fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini pasta arranged symmetrically in a clean white ceramic bowl, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Chicken Tortellini Soup, easy chicken tortellini soup, one-pot tortellini soup, comforting Italian soup, hearty chicken tortellini recipe

Dried Basil: Adds a sweet, slightly peppery aroma that’s classic in Italian cooking.
Dried Parsley: Brings a mild, fresh earthiness that lifts the soup’s flavors.
Dried Oregano: Perfect for that slightly bitter, pungent touch to balance richness.
Mustard Powder: A surprising little kick that deepens the flavor.
Ground Sage: Adds a warm, savory herbal note without overpowering.
Black Pepper: Essential for a gentle heat and flavor enhancement.
Bone-in Chicken Breast: I love using bone-in for extra flavor and moisture, but boneless works too.
Salt and Pepper: To season to your taste and bring everything together.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs to intensify that classic Italian soup vibe.
Olive Oil: The base for sautéing that brings fruity richness.
Butter: Adds a silky depth and helps soften those veggies.
Yellow Onion: Sweet and mellow once cooked, it’s the aromatic base.
Carrots: For sweetness and color, diced small so they cook evenly.
Celery: I dice these finely for that classic soup crunch and flavor boost.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is non-negotiable for that punch of flavor.
Chicken Broth: Using a good-quality broth really makes a huge difference.
Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a subtle umami spark that’s an unexpected delight.
Hot Sauce: Gives just a little heat – adjust according to your spice preference.
Refrigerated Tortellini: The star of the soup! Cheese-filled tortellini bring both texture and flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to add your own spin to this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe and make it your own comfort classic.

Greens Addition: I often stir in a couple handfuls of fresh spinach or kale at the end—it adds a lovely pop of color and nutrients.
Creamy Twist: Sometimes I swirl in a splash of cream near the end for a richer, velvety texture that my kids adore.
Spicy Upgrade: Adding more hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes turns this into a brand-new experience if you like some heat.
Protein Swap: Using shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully if you’re short on time.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted and shimmering. Toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery. I stir these gently until the onion is translucent, about 4-5 minutes. This softens the veggies and brings out their natural sweetness, which is key for a rich soup base.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken and Add Spices

Season your bone-in chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then nestle them into the pot with your softened veggies. Sprinkle in the dried herbs, mustard powder, sage, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the veggies and chicken in these fragrant spices before adding broth.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This slow simmer is what infuses all those flavors together.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Tortellini

Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred the meat with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and bring it back to a gentle boil. Add the refrigerated tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes) until tender. Watch closely here—you want your tortellini perfectly cooked, not mushy.

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give your soup a taste and adjust salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your liking. This step is where you make it truly yours. Serve hot and enjoy every comforting, flavorful spoonful.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Use Bone-in Chicken: It adds incredible depth of flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy while cooking.
Don’t Overcook Tortellini: I learned the hard way that overcooked tortellini gets mushy fast—keep an eye during those last few minutes.
Balance the Heat: Start with less hot sauce; you can always add more later to suit your taste.
Shred Chicken Right Away: Removing and shredding the chicken before adding tortellini prevents the pasta from soaking up too much chicken flavor, keeping everything balanced.

How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with clear broth soup containing several layers. The top layer has round tortellini with a soft, yellow pasta texture floating on the surface. Underneath, chunks of shredded cooked chicken in white and light brown tones are visible, mixed with small orange carrot pieces and green parsley leaves scattered throughout. A silver spoon rests on the right edge of the bowl, partially inside the soup. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some fresh parsley leaves in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Tortellini Soup, easy chicken tortellini soup, one-pot tortellini soup, comforting Italian soup, hearty chicken tortellini recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley because it adds brightness and a touch of salty richness. A few chili flakes can kick it up a notch if you like more heat. Plus, a drizzle of good olive oil at the end always feels fancy!

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or garlic knots are my go-to sides with this soup—they’re perfect for soaking up every last drop. A simple leafy green salad can keep the meal light if you want to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special family dinner, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—it’s a total crowd-pleaser and looks super cute on the table. You could also ladle it into colorful mugs for casual lunches with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the tortellini can soak up soup liquid and get a bit soft over time, I usually keep the tortellini separate if I know I won’t eat it right away.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is a little tricky because of the tortellini. I recommend freezing the soup base (chicken, broth, and veggies) separately, then adding freshly cooked tortellini when you reheat. This way, your soup stays fresh and delicious.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, gently warm the soup on the stove over medium-low heat. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Add freshly cooked tortellini at this stage for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of bone-in chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken makes this chicken tortellini soup recipe a huge time saver. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it after the broth is simmered. This shortcut still delivers great flavor with less hands-on cooking time.
What kind of tortellini works best for this soup?

Refrigerated cheese-filled tortellini are my favorite for this soup because they stay tender and add richness. You can also use spinach or meat-filled tortellini for a twist, just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Start by sautéing the veggies and spices on the stove, then add everything except the tortellini to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Add tortellini in the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?

Skip the butter and use olive oil or a dairy-free margarine instead. Also, choose dairy-free tortellini or substitute with a pasta of your choice. The soup will still be delicious without the dairy.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s simple, comforting, and so versatile. It feels like a big warm hug in a bowl after a long day, and I love how easy it is to tweak it to suit your cravings. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might just find it becoming a go-to in your meal rotation like it did in mine!