I absolutely love this Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup Recipe because it’s the perfect comfort food that feels fancy without any fuss. The creamy broth, tender tortellini, and that garlicky, herby kick make it one of my go-to dinners when I want something warm, filling, and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or stretch a meal for the whole family.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how all the flavors melded together effortlessly, delivering that rich, Tuscan-inspired taste I crave. You’ll find that this soup works beautifully for weeknight dinners but also shines when you’re entertaining — it’s like serving a bowl of cozy magic everyone will rave about.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich & Creamy Texture: The heavy cream and parmesan blend perfectly to create a silky, indulgent soup you’ll crave again and again.
  • Hearty & Filling: With cheese tortellini and shredded chicken, this soup makes a satisfying meal that keeps you content without needing extras.
  • Easy & Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes and packed with flavor, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
  • Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: You can tweak the veggies or proteins to suit your family’s taste – everyone goes crazy for this one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully to build layers of flavor and give you that creamy, comforting experience. When shopping, I recommend fresh spinach and good-quality tortellini – trust me, it makes a world of difference.

  • Cooked shredded chicken: Ideal for adding protein and heartiness; leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders here.
  • Unsalted butter: Helps sauté the onions and garlic without adding too much salt.
  • White onion: Adds a subtle sweetness when cooked until translucent.
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives this soup its signature rich aroma and depth.
  • Chicken broth: The soup’s base – choose low sodium to control seasoning.
  • Diced tomatoes (canned): Gives bright acidity that balances the creaminess.
  • White beans (canned, drained, and rinsed): Adds fiber and texture, plus gentle flavor that complements tortellini.
  • Heavy cream: The key to that luxurious, creamy mouthfeel.
  • Grated parmesan cheese: Brings saltiness and a nutty undertone that enhances the broth.
  • Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend to transport you to Tuscany.
  • Salt: To bring out all the flavors to their best.
  • Black pepper: For a subtle, spicy kick.
  • Cheese tortellini (refrigerated): This soft pasta is stuffed with cheese, providing a melty surprise in every bite.
  • Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness to finish the soup.
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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 how flexible this Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup Recipe is. You can easily switch up ingredients depending on what you have or your dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own!

  • Vegetarian version: Leave out the chicken and add extra white beans or mushrooms for texture and protein; it’s just as delicious!
  • Dairy-free option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and omit parmesan — this gives a subtle twist but keeps creaminess intact.
  • Spicy kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing garlic if you like a little heat (trust me, it livens things up wonderfully).
  • Seasonal greens: Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different nutrient profile and heartier texture.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor

Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in your diced white onion and cook it low and slow until it’s translucent and tender — about 4 to 5 minutes. This step softens the onion’s bite and brings out its sweetness, which is the foundation of the flavor here. Then, add your minced garlic and stir it around for just 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn it, or it’ll get bitter.

Step 2: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in your chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the drained white beans. Then stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine all those delicious flavors. Bring the pot up to a gentle simmer, which helps all the ingredients meld while you prep the rest.

Step 3: Stir in Chicken, Tortellini, and Spinach

Once your soup is simmering, add the cooked shredded chicken, refrigerated tortellini, and fresh spinach. Keep the heat on medium-low and let everything cook together for about 10 minutes. This allows the tortellini to cook through (they’re quick!) and the spinach to wilt beautifully, bringing freshness to this creamy dish. Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if you need it — this little step always makes a big difference.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup Recipe

  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: I often use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor effortlessly.
  • Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Adding tortellini last and simmering just 10 minutes keeps it tender without getting mushy.
  • Fresh Spinach at the End: Adding spinach right at the end preserves its bright color and a slight crunch that contrasts nicely with creamy broth.
  • Season Gradually: I always season during cooking and taste at the end to avoid over-salting, especially with parmesan and broth already adding salt.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a thick soup showing three distinct layers: at the bottom, a light creamy orange broth with bits of meat and small white beans; in the middle, yellow tortellini pasta with soft folds and slight shine, mixed with dark green leafy vegetables scattered around; on top, fresh bright green basil leaves placed in the center as garnish. The bowl sits on a wooden board on a white marbled surface with more green basil leaves around. A grey cloth napkin is partially draped nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 6.1

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a little freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil – it brightens the dish and adds just the right fresh note. A drizzle of good olive oil over the top can also make it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. Sometimes I’ll add a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a little peppery crunch that balances the soup’s richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, try serving the soup in small mugs or mini soup crocks for an intimate, rustic feel. I’ve even served it in hollowed-out sourdough bowls for that wow factor—plus, it’s one less dish to wash!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the soup even more comforting the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

I usually freeze this soup without the tortellini, since it can get mushy when frozen and reheated. Freeze the creamy broth and chicken mixture in portions, then add fresh tortellini when reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking the cream or overcooking the pasta. Stir frequently until just warmed through, and if needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen tortellini for this soup?

    Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works well and may just need a minute or two more cooking, so keep an eye on it and test for doneness before serving.

  2. Is this soup gluten-free?

    The traditional cheese tortellini contains gluten, but you can use gluten-free tortellini brands to make this Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup Recipe gluten-free friendly.

  3. How do I make this soup vegetarian?

    Simply omit the shredded chicken and consider adding extra beans or mushrooms for protein and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian.

  4. Can I prepare this soup in advance?

    You can prepare the soup base a day ahead and refrigerate it, then add tortellini and spinach fresh when reheating so they maintain their texture and freshness.

  5. How thick is the final soup consistency?

    The soup is comfortably creamy but still spoonable, with the broth gently thickened by cream, cheese, and beans — perfect for a cozy meal that’s not too heavy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it’s comforting, delicious, and simple enough to whip up any night you want a warm hug in a bowl. I love sharing it with friends and family because everyone feels cared for after a serving of this soup. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how easy it is to make and how effortlessly it fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your heart with joy.

Print
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Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 138 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, shredded chicken, fresh spinach, and a flavorful blend of garlic, tomatoes, and white beans simmered in a creamy broth with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small white onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 10 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced white onion and cook until translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, the diced tomatoes with their juice, and the drained white beans. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Combine Chicken, Tortellini, and Spinach: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken, 10 ounces of refrigerated cheese tortellini, and 2 cups fresh spinach. Continue to simmer the soup for about 10 minutes, allowing the tortellini to cook through and the soup to thicken slightly.
  4. Final Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Originally posted October 16, 2016
  • Updated September 18, 2024
  • Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 344
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 909mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 87mg

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