If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender shredded chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh vegetables in a luscious, velvety broth that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking to cozy up after a long day or impress guests with a hearty, homemade soup, this recipe is simple enough to make any night a winner. With each spoonful, you’ll discover layers of comfort and richness that make this soup a true favorite in my kitchen—and it will be in yours too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients for cooking, laid out neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a clear glass measuring cup filled with orange-colored broth near the top center and another clear measuring cup with white milk to its right. Below and slightly left of the broth is a rectangular container full of uncooked yellow tortellini pasta, with curled shapes and smooth texture. Around the pasta, from top to bottom, there are small clear bowls containing black pepper, white vinegar, chopped fresh green parsley, and red pepper flakes. On the right side above the pasta, a small white scalloped bowl holds white flour, while a light green bowl contains two smooth pale pink raw chicken breasts. Below these, a small wooden tray holds salt and ground black pepper with tiny wooden spoons. On the left side below the pasta, a small white dish holds chopped pale yellow garlic, a round bowl contains fresh dark green spinach leaves, a small blue bowl has grated light yellow Parmesan cheese, and finally, an orange bowl holds sliced orange carrots. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this soup plays a starring role, from the aromatic onions and garlic to the tender chicken and creamy cheese tortellini. These simple but essential ingredients work together to create a soup that is rich in flavor, texture, and color.

1 Tablespoon olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing vegetables and building flavor.
1 yellow onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, savory punch to the soup’s aroma.
2 cups chopped carrots: Offers a natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Used to create a roux that thickens the soup beautifully.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses Italian herb goodness.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper: Adds just a hint of comforting heat.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
¼ teaspoon ground pepper: Provides a subtle, peppery background note.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein star of the soup.
6 cups chicken broth: The savory, flavorful base that brings everything together.
9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini pasta: Provides cheesy pockets of joy in every bite.
¾ cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture that makes this soup so indulgent.
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness and a touch of saltiness.
1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves: A pop of green freshness that balances the creaminess.
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A burst of color and light herbal flavor to finish.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onions start to soften and the kitchen smells heavenly. Next, toss in the chopped carrots and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes. This builds a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Make the Roux to Thicken

Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This step magically thickens the soup and ensures the broth has that perfect creamy consistency that makes this dish irresistible.

Step 3: Add Spices, Chicken, and Broth

Season the pot with Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and ground pepper. Add the whole chicken breasts and pour in the chicken broth, mixing everything well. This creates a savory liquid base infused with fragrant spices that begins the slow melding of flavors.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Chicken

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This simmering stage gives the chicken time to cook through and lets all those rich flavors come together perfectly.

Step 5: Shred Chicken and Add Tortellini

Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred or chop them into bite-size pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 to 7 minutes so the tortellini cook until tender and gooey.

Step 6: Stir in Cream, Cheese, and Spinach

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Then add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach leaves. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and vibrant with green flecks of spinach. This is the moment this soup turns wonderfully indulgent.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Serve

Take the pot off the heat and stir in the bright, fresh parsley. This adds a lovely burst of color and a subtle herbal note, making each bowl ready to ladle and enjoy.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy soup that has three main layers: a light cream-colored thick liquid base, chunks of orange carrot and white chicken pieces, and dark green spinach leaves mixed throughout. On top, there are pale yellow tortellini pasta pieces scattered evenly, reaching the soup’s surface. A toasted slice of golden brown bread rests on the right edge of the bowl, partially dipped in the soup. A spoon with a dark wooden handle is placed inside the bowl on the left side, holding some soup with a tortellini piece and a bit of green garnish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with small green herb leaves scattered around, and a white bowl with chopped green herbs is placed above on the left. A beige and white striped napkin lies near the lower right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your soup with a sprinkle of extra grated parmesan cheese or a few torn basil leaves for a fresh, fragrant touch. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also amp up the flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

This creamy soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a fresh mixed green salad with vinaigrette. These sides add crunch and contrast to the velvety soup, rounding out your meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for an eye-catching, comforting presentation—your guests will love dipping the crusty loaf into the creamy broth. Alternatively, ladle the soup into colorful, oversized mugs for a cozy, casual vibe that’s perfect for serving at family dinners or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cream chicken tortellini soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a tasty second meal.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup, but since it contains cream and tortellini, it’s best to freeze before adding the cream and pasta. Freeze the base soup and separately freeze cooked tortellini if desired. Reheat and combine before serving to maintain texture.

Reheating

Reheat soup gently over low heat, stirring often to prevent curdling. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much. Add fresh spinach when reheating so it stays bright and tender.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and still gives you tender, flavorful chicken for your soup. Just shred and add it during the last steps.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe?

For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Add more vegetables or beans for extra protein, and keep the cheese tortellini for that rich, cheesy goodness.

Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter soup, but keep in mind it won’t be quite as thick and creamy. To maintain some richness, stirring in a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt can help.

What type of tortellini works best?

Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini is perfect for this soup because it cooks quickly and melts into the creamy broth. You can experiment with spinach or mushroom tortellini for extra flavor.

How do I prevent the tortellini from overcooking when reheating leftovers?

The best way is to add freshly cooked tortellini to the reheated soup instead of reheating pasta that was cooked earlier. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, so this keeps the texture just right.

Final Thoughts

There is something so wonderfully comforting about this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe that it quickly becomes a go-to on busy nights or whenever you want to feel truly nourished. It’s easy to make, full of wholesome ingredients, and packed with cozy, comforting flavors that everyone will love. Give it a try and watch how it quickly earns a permanent spot at your family table!