Name: Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ¼ teaspoon ground sage; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 1/4 lb bone-in chicken breast; 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)

If you’re hunting for that cozy, satisfying bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night, you’ve got to try this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a garden-fresh veggie medley—all simmered in a savory Italian-seasoned broth. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for comforting, hearty soup that’s surprisingly easy to pull together.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Comforting Flavors: The Italian herbs and tender chicken make each spoonful soul-satisfying.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry, speeding up prep time.
Versatile & Customizable: Whether stovetop or crockpot, with optional add-ins like spinach or cream.
Family Favorite: My kids actually ask for seconds, which is a big win in my book!

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, cheesy tortellini soup, hearty chicken pasta soup, Italian chicken soup, quick tortellini soup recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe comes together beautifully thanks to a blend of aromatic herbs, fresh veggies, and hearty components. Here’s the scoop on the must-haves and why they are key players in this dish.

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, cheesy tortellini soup, hearty chicken pasta soup, Italian chicken soup, quick tortellini soup recipe

Dried basil, parsley, oregano: These give the broth that signature Italian warmth and depth you’ll notice in every bite.
Mustard powder and ground sage: Little flavor boosters that add subtle complexity without overwhelming.
Bone-in chicken breast: It’s juicy and flavorful, plus using bone-in adds richness to the broth—don’t skip this!
Italian seasoning: A handy mix that enhances the herb profile, making the soup taste vibrant yet cozy.
Yellow onion, carrots, celery: Classic soup veggies that soften into sweet, savory goodness when cooked down.
Garlic: For that irresistible aromatic kick.
Chicken broth: Your soup’s base—go for a good-quality one or homemade for even better flavor.
Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce: Tiny splash of these amps up umami and adds a gentle heat I adore.
Refrigerated tortellini: The star pasta—cheese-filled, tender, and perfect for soaking up the broth.

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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 love that this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe feels like a foundation you can easily tweak based on what’s in your fridge or your cravings. Here’s how I like to make it my own, and feel free to do the same!

Adding fresh spinach: Toss in a handful just before serving; it wilts quickly and brightens up the bowl.
Swapping in cream: For a richer, creamier texture, stir in some half-and-half or heavy cream towards the end of cooking.
Using rotisserie chicken: If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully and saves hours.
Vegetarian twist: Skip the chicken broth and chicken altogether; add more veggies and use a good vegetable broth instead.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken for Flavor

Start by seasoning your bone-in chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of those dried herbs. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat—once sizzling, lay the chicken in and brown on both sides until golden. This step is all about building depth of flavor in your soup, so take your time. Don’t worry if you don’t cook it through now; it’ll finish cooking in the broth.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Aromatics

Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, toss in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Stir them around until the onions are translucent and the carrots start to soften—about 5-7 minutes. Toss in minced garlic and cook for just a minute more; garlic burns easily, so keep an eye on it.

Step 3: Build the Broth and Simmer

Add the dried herbs, mustard powder, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and chicken broth to the pot. Nestle the browned chicken breasts back in as well. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower heat and let it simmer uncovered until the chicken is cooked through—about 25 minutes. This slow cooking infuses the broth with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Remove Chicken and Add Tortellini

Take the chicken out and set aside to cool slightly. Add your refrigerated tortellini to the simmering soup and cook until tender according to the package instructions (usually around 3 to 5 minutes). This quick addition keeps the pasta perfectly al dente and avoids mushiness.

Step 5: Shred and Return Chicken

While the tortellini cooks, shred the chicken meat, discarding bones and skin. Stir the shredded chicken back into the pot. Give everything one last gentle warm through, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Your Chicken Tortellini Soup is now ready to enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Brown the Chicken First: Searing adds that caramelized flavor you can’t get by just boiling—it makes all the difference.
Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Add it last and keep a close eye so it stays tender, not mushy.
Use Bone-In Chicken: It takes longer but the broth is richer and more flavorful from the bones.
Season to Taste at the End: Herbs blend over time, but salt and pepper shine best when adjusted at the finish.

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, cheesy tortellini soup, hearty chicken pasta soup, Italian chicken soup, quick tortellini soup recipe

Garnishes

I like to top my bowls with a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley—it adds a burst of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes gives a nice touch of richness and heat.

Side Dishes

Crusty Italian bread or a garlic baguette is a perfect companion. The bread is fantastic for dunking into the broth. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette also pairs nicely, balancing the hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini pumpkin bowls for a gorgeous fall-themed presentation. You can also ladle it into rustic mugs for a cozy, casual vibe during a lunch gathering—everyone loves that extra bit of charm!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually let the soup cool completely before refrigerating to keep the tortellini from getting too mushy.

Freezing

I recommend freezing the soup without the tortellini, because pasta can get soggy when frozen and reheated. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture for up to 3 months, and add fresh tortellini when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you froze the soup without pasta, add fresh tortellini during reheating and cook until tender. This keeps the texture perfect every time.

FAQs

Can I use cooked chicken instead of bone-in raw chicken for this soup?

Absolutely! Using cooked chicken, like rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken, is a great time-saver. Just add the shredded cooked chicken towards the end of cooking so it heats through without drying out.
What type of tortellini is best for this soup?

I prefer cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini—they cook quickly and add a creamy richness. You can also use frozen, but cooking times may vary slightly. Avoid dried tortellini as it takes longer and can disrupt soup timing.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to make it hearty. Use cheese or plant-based tortellini to keep it filling.
How spicy is this chicken tortellini soup?

The hot sauce adds a gentle warmth, but it’s not spicy-hot unless you add extra. You can adjust or omit it based on your family’s preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe has been such a wonderful discovery for me—I love how it combines ease, flavor, and heartiness in one pot. Whether it’s a weekday, weekend, or a special occasion, it never disappoints. I’m excited for you to try it in your kitchen because I know it’ll bring that same cozy joy to your table that it does to mine. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become one of your family’s favorites too!