• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Recipes
  • Spring
  • About

Craving Some Creativity logo

menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • DIY Home Projects
  • Home Tour
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Free Email Series
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Soups

    Published: Feb 27, 2023 by Rachel

    Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure.
    13 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup is a cozy and lightly creamy bowl of delicious. Packed with bright veggies, shredded chicken and pillows of cheese tortellini- there’s comfort in every bite. A simple supper solution lightened up!

    Overhead of chicken tortellini soup with spinach, carrots, and red peppers in two bowls with spoons on the side.
    Contents show
    1 Why You Will Love this Recipe
    2 Ingredients and Notes
    3 Visual Soup Recipe Guide
    4 Slow Cooker Method
    5 Recipe Tips for Success
    6 Storage
    7 FAQ
    8 More Delicious Soup Recipes
    9 Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

    Is there anything better on a cold gray day than a warm bowl of healthier comfort food? From Broccoli Cheddar Soup to Classic French Onion, there’s so many flavor choices! This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe is no exception.

    Why You Will Love this Recipe

    A sumptuous soup broth with a touch of cream that cradles bright veggies, tender chicken, and pillows of tortellini in this easy recipe!

    It’s a great way to use leftover chicken – or you can pan sear fresh chicken breasts just before adding. 3-5 minutes per side over medium heat on the stove top and a little butter makes for a golden-brown crust.

    It’s filling while adding flavor with vegetables, not fat and calories. The tortellini is also the best part which you can use any kind you like including prosciutto or three cheese.

    Ingredients and Notes

    For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of this post. There are also some substitution notes if needed here.

    Overhead of ingredients to make cheese tortellini soup with chicken.

    Veggies: I like a bright mix of veggies like carrots, peppers, celery, and spinach. However, you could adjust it to anything you like.

    Tortellini: Because there is already spinach in this soup, I usually go with a 3-cheese, but sausage tortellini or even lobster is delicious. You can use frozen, dried, or fresh cheese tortellini. Fresh is usually found in the deli section or next to the fresh cheeses.

    Seasonings: A pantry friendly mix of oregano, basil, and garlic is a good base. You can substitute store bought Italian seasoning as well. Consider adding red pepper flakes or mustard seed for a slightly different flavor.

    Broth: Storebought or homemade is fine. I use a low sodium variety and then, if needed, add salt at the very end during tasting.

    Visual Soup Recipe Guide

    Note: Many of my soup recipes take full advantage of pre-cooked chicken breast. If you need to cook chicken breasts, season with salt/pepper, basil, and oregano. Sear it in 2 tablespoons olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side over medium heat. Let rest for 10 minutes, then shred and set aside until ready to add to the soup.

    This soup is quite straightforward when cooked on the stovetop. It takes about 30 minutes if the chicken is pre-cooked.

    Crispen the veggies. Add the oil and diced onions, carrots and celery and sauté for 5 minutes. The red peppers need less cooking so add them in last and cook for about 5 more minutes. Add the garlic and seasonings and cook for 1 minute. (photo 1)

    Stir in the chicken broth. Bring to a good simmer, a full boil is not necessary. (photo 2)

    Add the shredded chicken and tortellini. Cook the tortellini according to the length on the package directions. (photo 3)

    Finish off the soup. Remove from heat and add the spinach to cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the cream if desired. The cream is optional if you want to save a bit of calories but there is only a touch here for all this soup. (photo 4)

    Slow Cooker Method

    Note: I recommend using fresh (not leftover or frozen) chicken as pre-cooked chicken is prone to being dry and chewy if cooked for several hours. Or you can add it after cooking.

    • Add the oil, onions, carrots, celery, red pepper, and garlic and toss to coat. Sauté for 5 minutes in the crockpot or on the stove.
    • Add the seasonings, uncooked chicken (if using, and chicken broth.
    • Cook on low for 6 hours. (I recommend low heat to keep the chicken juicy and tender. Cooking it over higher heat makes it tougher. If necessary, it can be cooked for 4 hours on high.)
    • Remove the chicken and use 2 forks or a stand mixer to shred. Add it back to the soup along with the tortellini.
    • Add the tortellini and cook until expanded and cooked through. Serve!

    Recipe Tips for Success

    • The amount of spinach that equals one cup can vary a great deal from one cook to the next. I loosely pack my cups, but this is easy to adjust as necessary if you add a little at a time rather than all of it at once.
    • Try this recipe with other tortellini flavors – Prosciutto and cheese is one of my family’s favorites and adds a bit of a smokey bacon like flavor to the soup. Delish!
    • I like a healthy amount of spinach in my soup. If you are not a spinach lover, then cut it back to 2 cups of baby spinach.
    • You can use cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even cooked Italian Sausage.
    • Large dice the vegetables, so you get a mix of flavors in every spoonful.
    • I like to use roasted rotisserie chicken for this recipe, but you can substitute baked chicken breasts, poached chicken, grilled chicken, or even pan-fried chicken in this recipe.
    Overhead of a bowl of Chicken tortellini soup recipe in a bowl with herbs in small bowls around it.

    Just look at the hearty chunks of shredded chicken, colorful vegetables, and glorious cheese-filled tortellini. It’s a satisfying meal to look forward to!

    Storage

    • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Note that the tortellini will continue to absorb some of the broth during storage. I like to remove the tortellini from the soup and store it separately. You can also boil it on the side and add it directly to serving bowls.
    • This soup does freeze well if you do not add the cream or tortellini until ready to serve. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Then reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.

    FAQ

    What goes well with tortellini soup?

    I love it all on its own as the star with a big slice of crusty bread. Garlic Bread works too! For more of a complete meal, try pairing it with a side salad that has Homemade Ranch Dressing or this White Balsamic Dressing.

    What can I add to boring chicken soup?

    Like this recipe for cheese tortellini brightens any boring chicken soup, there are also other ideas to try including delicious Parmesan Chicken Meatball Soup, Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, and Chicken Kale Soup with cannellini beans.

    How do you keep tortellini from getting mushy in soup?

    I like to remove the tortellini from the soup and store it separately. You can also boil it on the side and add it directly to serving bowls.

    Should I rinse tortellini after cooking?

    The key is to cook the tortellini until just the right texture. There is no need to rinse it because that just cools the pasta down too much for serving and removes the starch on the outside that allows the creamy broth or sauce to stick to it.

    How do you know when tortellini is cooked?

    Tortellini should be warmed throughout, and the pasta should be just enough to bite through without feeling chewy. For tortellini soup, it’s better to err on the barely undercooked side as the pasta can continue to absorb the broth while sitting.

    Cookbook cover of Chicken and Rice casserole. The cookbook is titled Weeknight Supper Solutions

    Not Sure
    What's For Dinner?

    Signup for recipe updates and get a free cookbook of Easy Weeknight Supper Solutions!

    More Delicious Soup Recipes

    • Two bowls of chicken soup with carrots, white beans, and kale in the soup and sliced bread in the background.
      Chicken Kale Soup
    • Creamy broccoli cheddar soup in a white crock bowl on yellow towel and wooden cutting board next to crusty sliced baguette.
      Broccoli Cheddar Soup
    • 2 bowls of Chicken Meatball Soup with vegetables, carrots, and kale in a broth.
      Chicken Meatball Soup
    • A bowel of creamy Seafood Chowder soup with shrimp and mussels. Wooden spoon and toasty bread on the side.
      Seafood Chowder

    PS. If you make this recipe, leave a COMMENT AND A STAR RATING in the comments section at the bottom and be sure to take a photo and tag it #cravingcreative on Instagram! I appreciate you for taking the time to read about me and my family recipes. 

    Overhead of a bowl of Chicken tortellini soup recipe in a bowl with herbs in small bowls around it.

    Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

    Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup is packed with bright veggies, shredded chicken and pillows of cheese tortellini- there's comfort and flavor in every bite while being under 400 calories per bowl.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 6 bowls
    Calories: 310kcal
    Author: Rachel
    Cost: $15

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • 1 cup Yellow Onion diced
    • ½ cup Celery Sliced
    • 3 Carrots Peeled and sliced
    • 1 Red Bell Pepper Seeded and chopped
    • 2 cloves Garlic minced
    • ½ teaspoon Oregano dried
    • 1 teaspoon Basil dried
    • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper Fresh ground
    • 6 cups Low Sodium Chicken Stock
    • 2 ½ cups Cooked chicken shredded or diced
    • 15 ounces Cheese Tortellini about 4 cups depending on the size of your tortellini
    • 4 cups Baby Spinach fresh, stems removed
    • ⅓ cup Heavy Cream
    • Parmesan Cheese shredded for garnish if you like

    Instructions

    • Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and carrots cooking about 5 minutes. Add the bell peppers. Continue cooking until the onions and peppers are soft.
    • Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, basil, oregano, and black pepper, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
    • Add the chicken broth and bring it to a good simmer. Add the cheese tortellini and chicken. Cook until the carrots are tender, and the tortellini are cooked through. About 5 minutes or what the package of tortellini says.
    • Add the baby spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes or until wilted. Remove from the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Notes

    Storage
    • Store in an airtight container or bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days. However, the tortellini will continue to absorb some of the broth during storage. I like to remove the tortellini from the soup and store it separately. You can also boil it on the side and add it directly to serving bowls.
    • This soup does freeze well if you do not add the cream or tortellini until ready to serve. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Then reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2cups | Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 24.3g | Fat: 9.2g | Saturated Fat: 2.1g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 300mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @CravingCreative or tag #CravingSomeCreativity!
    « DIY Time Zone Wall Clock Display
    Gorgeous Black Painted Furniture Ideas »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Headshot of Rachel Beach, the author of Craving Some Creativity.

    Hi, I'm Rachel!

    Creativity makes me energized and fearless. My husband and I have been renovating homes for over a decade and love to share our passion for all things home. Follow along for remodeling tutorials, recipes, and entertaining ideas sure to inspire!

    More about me →


    Popular Projects

    • Midnight blue vanity with brass handles in a grey and white bathroom.
      How to Paint a Bathroom Cabinet the Easy Way
    • Man holding up baseboards for a corner.
      How To Caulk Baseboards like a Pro
    • Behr Midnight blue painted cabinets in a classic old world kitchen with modern white accents and backsplash. Wicker chairs, copper light fixtures, and wood floors add warmth.
      The Best Blue and Navy Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors
    • Organized linen closet with white towels and grey bins on wire shelves.
      How To Beautifully Organize Your Linen Closet
    • White painted kitchen cabinets with stainless drawer pulls.
      How To Paint Cabinets with a Sprayer
    • Completed oak painted stair railing with black handrail and white balusters.
      How to Paint Stair Railings that Last

    Featured On

    Collection of Expert Features including Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, Apartment Therapy, Angie's List, This Old House Magazine, The Huffington Post, Delish, Wayfair, and Real Simple Magazine.

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Restaurant style Mexican white Cheese Dip with pico de gallo topping in wooden bowl on dish cloth with chips.
      Mexican White Cheese Dip {Queso Blanco}
    • Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Sausage makes an easy italian meal for the whole family!
      The BEST Sausage Stuffed Shells
    • Strawberry Poppyseed salad on a platter with blueberries, mandarin oranges, pecans, red onions, and grilled chicken.
      Strawberry Poppyseed Salad (Panera Copycat)
    • Closeup of blueberry muffins on a table.
      Ultimate Lemon Blueberry Muffins
    • Shrimp etouffee in a bowl on a table.
      Shrimp Etouffee {My Louisiana Family Recipe}
    • Two glasses of blackberry sangria with straws on a wood background.
      Blackberry Sangria – Amazing Summer Cocktail Recipe

    Sweet Spring Recipes

    • Stack of lemon bars on parchment paper with top lemon shortbread having a bite removed.
      Lemon Bars
    • Slice of homemade carrot cake on a plate with walnuts sprinkled on top
      Carrot Cake with Pineapple
    • Top down view of Southern Punch Bowl Cake in a trifle bowl.
      Southern Punch Bowl Cake (Potluck Dessert)
    • Key lime pie on blue plate with a slice cut out to show texture.
      Key Lime Pie
    • Strawberries on top of cheesecake layer and rice krispies crust.
      Cheesecake Rice Krispies Bars
    • Banana Chocolate chip muffins in a muffin tin with one muffin broken open to show texture.
      Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Favorites

    • Blog
    • Shop
    • Our Home

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Craving Some Creativity