This Creamy Tortellini Soup recipe is so easy make, yet tastes exceptionally delicious!! Packed with chicken, tomatoes, spinach and tortellini, it’s a cozy, tasty twist on classic tomato soup! Made in one pot and ready in 30 minutes or less, it is perfect for busy weeknight dinners!
Serve this flavorful soup with cheesy garlic bread for a fast dinner, or pair it alongside roasted vegetables or a garden fresh salad for more balanced meal! Continue to read on for helpful tips and easy tricks for preparing the perfect chicken tortellini soup! And, don’t miss the step by step photos and recipe video at the bottom of the post!
Update: This post was originally published in January 2017. I took new photos and updated the post below to include more information about tortellini tomato soup. Plus, I’ve included a step-by-step video to show you how easy this soup with tortellini and spinach is to make!
Hi friends! How’s the week treating you!? I’m not going to lie, my week has been long. When I’m feeling tired and frazzled, I always crave food that is cozy and comforting – something (anything) that will make me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. And, today’s dish totally fits that bill!
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Also known as tomato tortellini soup kicked up a few million notches!
This creamy tomato based soup is loaded with succulent, shredded chicken; plump, cheesy tortellini and wilted, fresh baby spinach. All that delicious jazz gets finished off with a squeeze of acidic lemon to brighten up all the flavors, a generous sprinkling of freshly grated parmesan and a healthy scattering of herbaceous fresh herbs.
But, this soup isn’t just exceptionally delicious, it’s also ridiculously easy to prepare and made with simple ingredients! Plus, it is made entirely in one pot and ready (from prep to finish) in just 30 minutes! Can I get a high five to easy weeknight eats!?
What’s tortellini?
Tortellini, pronounced tore-tuh-LEE-nee, is a small, circular, hat-like shaped stuffed pasta. Sometimes referred to as ‘navel shaped’ or ‘belly button’, tortellini are originally from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Traditionally, tortellini were stuffed with a mixture of meat (such as pork), cheese and egg; however, nowadays, tortellini can be made with a variety of fillings, such as three cheese or spinach and ricotta.
Tortellini, from the root word ‘tortello‘, literally means “stuffed cake”.
What is tortellini soup?
Tortellini soup is a quick, easy and comforting Italian soup that features cheesy tortellini pasta along with various vegetables, such as tomatoes, fresh spinach, onions or carrots. Tortellini soup can be vegetarian, or it can include a protein, such as chicken, turkey or sausage.
What ingredients do I need?
This easy tomato soup with tortellini recipe only requires 9 ingredients, plus a few pantry seasonings to create a soup that is robust in flavor and guaranteed to soothe your soul!
(Scroll down for the detailed measurements in the printable recipe at the bottom of the page.)
- Oil: You will need two tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the vegetables. You can substitute unsalted butter, vegetable oil, sunflower oil or avocado oil if desired!
- Onion: One medium yellow onion adds flavor to the base of the soup. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can use a sweet white onion instead.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt and ground black pepper all add robust flavor. I like to use homemade Italian seasoning for the best taste; however, you can use store-bought if needed.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a delicate, yet distinctive, punchy taste. Feel free to tinker with the amount of garlic!
- Tomato Paste: Two tablespoons of thick tomato paste gives the soup a bit of body while adding highly concentrated, almost meaty flavor to the soup.
- Tomatoes: One can of whole peeled tomatoes gives this soup that classic earthy, rich tomato flavor. For the best taste, I highly recommend you use a can of certified San Marzano variety tomatoes. Cento is a great brand I trust.
- Broth: Reduced sodium or unsalted chicken broth provides the classic base for this soup. You can substitute veggie broth if preferred.
- Tortellini: You can use any flavor of tortellini you love – just make sure you select a shelf-stable dried tortellini!
- Chicken: You need two cups (about 10 ounces) of cooked chicken. Use whatever is easiest – rotisserie, leftover, or cooked and packaged chicken.
- Cream: Heavy cream gives the soup a velvety, decadent mouthfeel; however, you can omit it if desired!
What type of tortellini should I use?
This recipe calls for shelf-stable dried tortellini, which can be found in the pasta aisle of most major grocery stores. Nevertheless, you can use frozen or refrigerated tortellini if needed; however, you will need to adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions. Alternatively, dried ravioli can be used as well – just make sure you adjust the cooking time!
As for flavors of tortellini, feel free to use your favorite! Or, get creative and use a combination of two! Three cheese, spinach and ricotta, or even sweet Italian sausage ravioli are a few delicious options!
How to serve this soup?
This easy chicken tortellini soup is light, yet hearty enough to be served as a stand-alone main meal; however, it can also be served as a starter or an accompaniment to an entree.
What goes well with tortellini soup?
Tortellini soup is a delicious, satisfying meal you can serve on its own, or you can pair it with cheesy bread and a garden fresh salad for a more well-rounded meal!
- Bread: I’m a firm believer that you shouldn’t serve soup without some sort of crusty, artisan bread, toasty breadsticks or cheesy garlic bread!
- Salad: A simple spinach salad, Caesar salad, Italian salad or simple green salad are all wonderful compliments to this soup!
- Panini or Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A crispy, warm sandwich pairs fantastically with this tomato-based soup!
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables would be a wonderfully delicious side option for this soup!
How to make chicken tortellini soup?
This creamy soup is incredibly simple to prepare and can be ready in 30 minutes or less! It only requires one pot and 9 ingredients, plus a few pantry staples!
(Don’t forget to scroll down for the detailed measurements in the complete printable recipe at the bottom of the page.)
- Sauté vegetables: Heat oil in a large sauce pot. Add the onion, Italian seasoning and pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until onions are soft and translucent. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes: Add the tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes. For a chunkier soup: Ue the back of a wooden spoon or potato masher to slightly break up tomatoes. For a silky soup: Use an immersion blender, or transfer the soup in batches to a stand blender, and puree soup. If using a stand blender, return soup to pot.
- Add the broth and tortellini: Stir the broth and bring to a boil. Add the tortellini and reduce heat to a rapid simmer. Cook until tortellini is almost al dente, about 6-7 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken, spinach and cream: Stir in the chicken. Then, stir in the spinach and cream. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Ladle soup into serving bowls. Garnish as desired and enjoy!
Tortellini soup recipe step by step photos:
How long will tortellini tomato soup last?
Leftover chicken tortellini soup makes a wonderful heat-and-eat lunch for busy work weeks! Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Pro-tip: If you are planning on eating leftovers, make sure you don’t overcook the tortellini when preparing the recipe or they will fall apart once reheated.
How to reheat leftovers?
You can reheat leftover tortellini soup a couple different ways!
- Stovetop: Transfer leftover portion of soup to a medium saucepan or large pot. The tortellini will soak up a good amount of liquid during storage, so you will need to add a bit of broth (to taste) to the pot. Reheat the soup over low heat until warm throughout.
- Microwave: Add the leftover soup to a microwave-safe container and stir in a bit of broth (to taste). Place a microwave-safe lid on top of the container, leaving the lid slightly cracked at the side (forming a vent). Reheat, stirring every 60 seconds, until the soup is warm throughout.
Can you freeze tortellini soup?
This chicken tortellini tomato soup freezes well as long as you follow a few precautions and don’t add the tortellini, spinach or cream until ready to eat!
To Freeze: Prepare the soup according to recipe instructions. Stop cooking the soup before adding tortellini. Instead, stir in the chicken and remove the soup from the heat. Allow the soup to cool completely. Transfer the soup to a freezer bag or airtight container. Squeeze out all air, seal tightly, and freeze. The soup will keep well for 2-3 months in the freezer.
To Prepare: To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. Add the soup to a large pot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add the tortellini and cook 2-3 minutes shy of al dente. Stir in the spinach and cream. Continue to simmer until the tortellini are al dente. Serve as directed and enjoy!
How many calories are in this soup?
The exact number of calories and carbohydrates in tortellini soup will depend upon the precise measurement and brand of ingredients used. This recipe serves eight and has approximately 271 calories and 21 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Put down that can of tomato soup and give it a homemade, classy upgrade with this Easy Tomato Chicken Tortellini Soup.
Until next week friends, cheers – to soup for the soul.
XOXO
Cheyanne
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Looking for more easy Italian soup recipes?
If you love this creamy tortellini soup, try one of these delicious recipes next!
- Italian Sausage Soup (A reader favorite!)
- Beer Cheese Soup (Decadently delicious!)
- Easy Sweet Potato Soup (Ultra-creamy and luscious!)
- Black Bean Soup (This Tex-Mex style soup is SO hearty and SO easy!)
- Chickpea Soup Recipe (Similar to classic Minestrone!)
The best Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe and Step-by-Step Video 👇
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Equipment
- Large Sauce Pot
Ingredients
- 2 TBS Olive Oil (or Unsalted Butter)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion – peeled and small dice (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
- ½ -1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes - to taste
- 3-4 Cloves Garlic – minced, to taste
- 2 TBS Tomato Paste
- 1 (28 ounce) Can Whole Peeled Tomatoes (SEE NOTES)
- 7-8 Cups Reduced Sodium Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth) (SEE NOTES)
- 1 (12 ounce) package Dry Cheese Tortellini
- 2 Cups Cooked Chicken – chopped or shredded (about 10 ounces)
- 5 ounces Fresh Baby Spinach - de-stemmed
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream (OPTIONAL - SEE NOTES)
- Kosher Salt and Pepper - to taste
Optional Garnish: Fresh Parsley (or Basil), Grated Parmesan, Lemon Wedges
Instructions
- Saute vegetables: Heat oil in a large sauce pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion, Italian seasoning and pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds- 1 minute. Add in the tomato paste and stir until onions are well coated and the paste is caramelized, about 2 minutes.
- Add tomatoes and simmer: Add in the tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 3-4 minutes. Use the back of a wooden spoon to slightly break apart the tomatoes as they cook. For a chunkier soup: Continue to use the back of a wooden spoon or potato masher to break up tomatoes to desired size. For a silky soup: Turn the heat off under the pot. Use an immersion blender, or transfer the soup in batches to a stand blender, and puree soup. If using a stand blender, return soup to the pot.
- Add broth and tortellini: Turn the heat under pot to high and stir in the broth. Bring to a boil. Add the tortellini and reduce heat to a rapid simmer. Cook until tortellini is almost al dente, about 6-7 minutes.
- Add chicken and spinach: Stir in the chicken. Then, sir in the spinach and cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes or the spinach is slightly wilted and the tortellini is cooked. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
- To serve: Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with parsley, basil parmesan and a squeeze of lemon. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Tortellini: Make sure you use DRY tortellini - it can be found in the pasta aisle of major grocery stores. You can use your favorite flavor variety! I used three cheese tortellini, but you can play around until you find your favorite!
- Tomatoes: This recipe requires a can of whole, peeled tomatoes and I highly recommend San Marzano Tomatoes. They are the best!
- Broth amount: For a creamy soup - use 7 cups of broth and follow instructions adding the cream. If you don't want a creamy soup - omit the heavy cream from the recipe and use 8 cups of broth.
- Soup texture: There are two different textures you can go for with this soup – silky tomato base or chunky tomato base.
- For a silky tomato base – use an immersion blender, or transfer the soup in batches to a blender, and puree the soup before adding the tortellini.
- For a chunky tomato base – finely chop the can of tomatoes before adding them to the soup and skip pureeing all together. Or, you can crush the tomatoes by hand before adding them to the soup, then use a potato masher to break up the tomatoes while they are cooking.
- For a happy medium of silky and slightly chunky - Puree half of the soup. Alternatively, you can use canned crushed tomatoes, or use your hands to crush whole peeled tomatoes before adding them to the soup.
- To thin the soup: The tortellini will soak up a lot of the soup liquid as it sits. You can add more cream or broth to thin the soup.
Nutrition
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So.. we can’t use frozen tortellini?
Asking for a friend
Hi Karlie,
Great question! I address this in the article, but I’ll paste it here for your convenience. Please let me know if you have any other questions as I’m always happy to help (both you and your friend.) 😉
What type of tortellini should I use?
This recipe calls for shelf-stable dried tortellini, which can be found in the pasta aisle of most major grocery stores. Nevertheless, you can use frozen or refrigerated tortellini if needed; however, you will need to adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions. Alternatively, dried ravioli can be used as well – just make sure you adjust the cooking time.
As for flavors of tortellini, feel free to use your favorite! Or, get creative and use a combination of two! Three cheese, spinach and ricotta, or even sweet Italian sausage ravioli are a few delicious options!
Looking forward to making your beautiful recipes!
I just want to comment on ALL the positivity and thumbs up reviews .
That makes my heart happy . You see so much bashing if something in a recipe is not like so and so does it ,etc . And soooo many unkind people who have nothing better to do than make others feel bad so they can “ feel smarter or “look” good . {WRONG}
So .. Kudos to kindness !!
And off to make this soup on a chilly Northeast Memorial Weekend! 49F outside my window . Brrrrr! Prob be 92 on Mon
Thanks for the recipe and thanks to people who give encouragement and very positive…uplifting , kind words to help cheer u!!
Bc It does matter !!And it is contagious!
Excellent and easy! Made this with homemade chicken broth from the oven roasted chicken I made last night. Followed instructions and it was perfect. I did add a dollop of ricotta cheese on the soup in the bowl in place of the cream which I opted not to use in the original recipe. Perfect! Easy weeknight dinner without a lot of ingredients.
Hi Eddie,
I’m so thrilled you enjoyed the recipe! I love that you added a dollop of ricotta – that sounds delicious! Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know how everything went over! Cheers! 🙂
I made an account to leave this review. I made this yesterday and brought some for a coworker for lunch. We both agree this is the best soup ever. It’s easy, fast, and inexpensive to make. I can’t say enough good things about the recipe. Even better on the second day. It tastes so decadent and for it to be healthy as well?? Amazing. I got 8 servings prepped out of this. I did use half and half and San Marzano Tomato purée. Thank you!
I love super hearty soups like this in the winter – that make a meal. Your video has me wanting to make this immediately!
Tortellini are my go-to on those lazy days when I don’t feel like cooking. I love how easy you’ve made it to throw it into a soup!! I’m totally going to make this along with a fresh loaf of sourdough. PS – great video!!
I love me some spinach! Spinach with Pasta is also my jam. I can not believe this creamy dish will not destroy my diet. You are a recipe whisper. I have no problem cooking with soup, my Mom made some of the best casseroles with mushroom soup as the base. Hav a great week my friend.
LOVE the video Chey! It makes me want to make this soup ASAP! I love hearty soups like this during the winter months. Perfect warm up! Hope your week is fab!
OH NO! I’m so sorry you had a bad week! Even if it was last year. I hope your week this year was far better! This soup is EVERYTHING right now. It’s super gray outside (yes in Phoenix–ugh) so all I want is a bowl of soup and, of course, some crusty bread because bread and soup make everything better. Have a great week, Chey!
Made this soup today! In love with it! AWESOME!!
Hi Penny,
I’m thrilled you loved it!! Thank you so much for coming back and letting me know how it went over!! Cheers to a wonderful holiday!
High five to easy eats indeed! – And super tasty ones like this soup! We’ve been enjoying our fair share of it even though it hasn’t been all that cold here – but, even when it’s 68 (like it’s gonna be today here in Northern GA) I NEED soup 🙂
Whatever you are going through, I hope it passes super soon and leaves you and boy unscathed. Sending you big hugs, sweet friend.
You are so authentic, it makes me smile. I am sending you great energy that your days will get better and you will land on your feet (with your boy) and like a cat. Thanks for brining this bowl of joy. I wish I could send you a big fat bacon cookie (what I am testing these days), but you will have to settle for a virtual hug.
Bad weeks suck! But I do agree that homemade soup makes everything better. And pasta so I’m really loving that you put the two together. Add in some healthy spinach and lean protein and call it dinner! Hoping things turn around positive for you very soon (like today) 😉 xoxo
Chey! Whatever it is, my love and thoughts are with you…in the meantime, this soup looks like it could make anything just a little bit better. xoxo!
Yum! What a filling and warming soup!
Hang in there! Things always get better! This soup looks like it’s packed full of goodness to help you get over the hurdles. Stay Strong! 🙂
Oh no, Cheyanne! *big hug* I’m sorry you’re going through crazy things. Can we do anything? Or just listen? We’re here for ya.
I hope you have a better weekend than this week. By now you must be feeling better after eating a bowl of this amazing soup you presented us!! Warm greetings from the Caribbean! hugs
Wishing you a much better week next week. I’m sure you handled it all with grace girl! This soup looks super yum and I can’t wait to mix it up on a cold night!
I love me some tortellini; there’s something about cheese wrapped in dough that makes my little heart sing. I’m so sorry to hear you are having a bad week. That sucks! It’s always better to take the high road, but it’s easier said than done. Stay strong Ms. Lady! I believe in you.
I know you’ve been having some struggles this week, but I am 100% confident that things are going to get better. You cats are totally going to land on your feet. And when you do, you will have this delicious tortellini soup to celebrate with! Hugs, friend! XOXO
Hiya Chey!! My week always gets SO much better when I get to chat with my bestie! 🙂 Aw, Chey… if I’d been a better bestie, I woulda known that you had a rough week. Gonna text you soon!! Please hug and thank Boy nice and big for me. He gets all the point for taking good care of you (and especially for tackling–and perhaps sending out some big ol’ punches–stuff with you). Here’s to a MUCH better weekend and a kickass week next week. Meanwhile, you have this spectacularly comforting and gorgeous soup to pat yourself on the back with. Big hugs! xoxoxo
Hang in there Chey! I have times like that too and isn’t it always better with your best friend by your side. For Dave and I it’s always been us against the world and we survive it all together! Plus, with a soup like this you can’t go wrong. You got me thinking of tortellini now and I am hitting the store later today so methinks soup is dinner tonight… although the pork shoulder in my slow cooker might have to come first. 😉
Yummy yum yum – I am in love with this soup! It has everything in it that a Winter soup should be. Can’t wait to chow down!
I’m sorry you’re having a rough week, Cheyanne! They unfortunately happen and I hope you find your way out of it soon. This soup looks like a great way to relax and unwind, maybe with a big glass of red? Cheers to things getting better stat!
Well, on one hand, I don’t like challenges which are stressful. I’m not that optimistic person as you are so even a possibility to have some downs makes me nervours and stressed. On the other hand, those little downs make us appreciate and enjoy all the ups. It’s like a puzzle – there is no happiness like a whole thing, but all many little happy moments/parts which make us happy. Besides, when you’ve got a beloved person you can rely on, everything is much better in the life, right?:) And you’re right 100% that some comfort food makes better a harsh week. This one looks fantastic. I’ve never had soup with tortellini, but I already in love with the idea:)
WHOA! This looks epic and delicious! My husband has been really into soups recently, and I usually do not venture too far from hamburger or bean based soups. This looks like something I need to try! – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Sorry you’ve been having such a bad week, Cheyanne. There are some weeks that I just can’t wait for them to end. Just put it all behind you, keep your head up and move on. Love, love this soup – easy, tasty and full of goodness. Just delicious, dear! Hope next week’s a winner for you! xo
Sorry your week has been less than perfect Cheyanne 🙁 But I’m with you on the comfort food. It somehow makes everything seem a little better. And your kicked up version of tomato soup sounds AWESOME! Love soups anytime. Hope you get into a relaxing kind of weekend!
Hey beautiful – sorry to hear your week has been crappy. The weekend’s coming, girl. And you need it! PJ’s and lounging and all. Hope you get lots of recup time. Love the soup you made here. Delish. Those red pepper flakes give just a little bite! Just what I need too, a bowl of comfort food. Cheers friend, to sunshine on your back and lots of good things to come!!!
You know my love for a bowl of tomato soup. This recipe kicks it up a notch. Definitely on my list to make. Weather here in orlando only in the low 60’s all weekend. This soup will warm body, soul and heart.
So sorry you’ve been having a bad week Chey. I’ll keep everything crossed that it gets better.
I love this hearty soup, and can see why it comforts you. Nothing better than a warm bowl of soup to take away the blues. And perhaps a nice big cocktail! Hugs!
Soup has a way of curing most ills…but with Boy by your side and your dedication to taking the high road I know you’ll always prevail! This soup looks divine, my friend! Enjoy a couple bowls – you’ve earned them! Cheers for a better weekend! XO
Hoping your week gets much better, Cheyanne 🙂 I turn to soup, too and I’m loving this one. Great flavours and perfect for a dinner soup. I’ll be trying this!
Hope your week gets better, Cheyanne! I love that you have such a positive attitude. And yesss to landing on your feet like cats, and with your hubby by your side. That makes everything just a little bit easier. Now onto this soup…ummmm yes please! You know how much I LOOOVE soup, so this version is calling my name. I’ve never added spinach to tomato soup before, so I’m loving this idea. I wish I had a big bowl of this right now. Looks amazing, friend! Pinned, of course! Wishing you warm thoughts and a wonderful weekend!
Sorry to hear that you have been having a less than fantastic week. That sucks big time. But I’m sure you’ll get through it and, like you said, you have Boy on your side and you can’t do any better than that, right? Turn that frown upside down and gobble up some of this scrumptious soup. Tomato is a classic and you’ve really amped it up here with the cheesy pasta and spinach. Cheers to a better weekend and even better ween next week! xo
Sorry to hear that you have been having a less than fantastic week. That sucks big time. But I’m sure you’ll get through it and, like you said, you have Boy on your side and you can’t do any better than that, right? Turn that frown upside down and gobble up some of this scrumptious soup. Tomato is a classic and you’ve really amped it up here with the cheesy pasta and spinach. Cheers to a better weekend and even better ween next week! xo
Aw girl, I’m sorry it hasn’t been a very good week. I know you’ll be just fine – you’re one tough cookie – but I also think everyone else needs to back off and be nice! You deserve respect + kindness! Hoping you get a relaxing weekend in your PJs to make up for it 😉
And hoping it includes some warm and yummy comfort food like this soup! I love that tomato soup gets kicked up a couple of notches with the tortellini and chicken and spinach – some of my favorites! This looks super cozy and I will definitely be making the full recipe so I can have some on hand in the freezer. Yum!!
This looks like a perfectly warming and comforting soup for the dinner, Chey. Definitely an upscale tomato soup with lots of goodness!
This certainly looks like the right dish for a hectic and stressful week! It is so nice to have a few easy recipes that can be made in no time and this is just another wonderful easy recipe you have shared this January! I hope you are going to have a relaxing weekend – treat yourself to something nice!