Oh my goodness, there’s just something so wonderfully cozy about a big bowl of soup, isn’t there? Especially when the weather gets a little chilly, or heck, even when it’s sunny and you just need a hug in a bowl! My life is usually a whirlwind of chasing after kids, trying to get dinner on the table, and, let’s be honest, sometimes just staring blankly into the fridge hoping a meal magically appears. That’s why I’ve spent *ages* in my kitchen, testing and tweaking, trying to perfect those super-fast, super-satisfying weeknight wonders. And let me tell you, this Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe? It’s a total game-changer!
I swear, I’ve made about a million different versions of easy chicken soup, but this one, with its tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant spinach, totally won my heart. It’s quick enough for even the craziest weeknight, packed with flavor that feels like it simmered all day, and just so darn comforting. Trust me, if you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dinner that everyone will love, this Chicken Tortellini Soup is IT!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Soup
I know, I know, another soup recipe, right? But seriously, this isn’t just *any* soup. This is the kind of soup that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard without actually having to cast any complicated spells! You’re going to absolutely adore this Chicken Tortellini Soup because:
- It’s unbelievably quick: We’re talking less than 40 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for those “what’s for dinner?!” panic moments.
- Flavor explosion: Rich broth, savory chicken, sweet tomatoes, and fresh herbs all come together in a delicious symphony.
- Super satisfying: The cheesy tortellini makes it hearty enough to be a complete meal all on its own. No side dishes required (unless you want some crusty bread, of course!).
- Versatile & customizable: You can totally tweak this one to your family’s tastes. Swap out the protein, add more veggies – it’s super flexible!
The Perfect Weeknight Chicken Tortellini Soup
Listen, as a busy home cook, I live for recipes that deliver big on flavor without demanding hours of my precious time. This Chicken Tortellini Soup is my absolute go-to for those crazy evenings. Minimal chopping, quick simmering – it’s designed for busy schedules. You’ll whip it up so fast, you’ll have extra time to actually relax a bit before the dinner rush is over. It’s truly a lifesaver!
Essential Equipment for Your Chicken Tortellini Soup
Okay, so you’re ready to dive into making this amazing Chicken Tortellini Soup, right? Good news! You don’t need a fancy kitchen full of gadgets. This recipe is super straightforward, and you probably have everything you need already. We’re keeping it simple, folks, because who needs extra dishes when you’re trying to get dinner on the table?
What You’ll Need for the Best Chicken Tortellini Soup
For this soup, you’ll really only need one main thing: a good, sturdy large pot. That’s it! Maybe a cutting board and a knife for a little chopping, but the pot is the star.
Ingredients for This Delicious Chicken Tortellini Soup
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic really starts to come together for our amazing Chicken Tortellini Soup. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses super simple stuff you probably already have, or can easily grab at the store. I’m all about keeping things straightforward but still packed with flavor, and these ingredients totally deliver on that promise. You’ll want:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just a little bit to get our onions going.
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion: This is our flavor base, gotta have it!
- 2 cloves minced garlic: Because what’s a good soup without garlic?
- 6 cups chicken broth: The heart of our soup. Use good quality if you can!
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Don’t drain them! We want all that lovely tomato juice.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: A classic herb that just sings in this soup.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Basil’s best friend, adding another layer of goodness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just a touch to round out the flavors.
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded or diced: This is perfect for using up leftovers, or grab a rotisserie chicken to save time!
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star of the show! I love the cheese-filled ones, but you could totally try others.
- 5 ounces fresh spinach: It wilts down to almost nothing, but adds a lovely freshness and color.
Crafting Your Chicken Tortellini Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, now for the fun part – actually making this incredibly delicious Chicken Tortellini Soup! Don’t you just love when a recipe looks fancy but is secretly super easy? That’s exactly what we’re doing here. I’m going to walk you through each step, just like I would if we were cooking side-by-side in my kitchen. No need to stress, we’ll get through this together, and you’ll have a fantastic bowl of soup in no time! I’ve broken it down into simple, manageable chunks so you can confidently create something amazing. Pay attention to the timing, it really helps everything come together perfectly.
Preparing Your Chicken Tortellini Soup Base
First things first, grab your big pot and let’s get that flavor base going! Drizzle in that 1 tablespoon of olive oil and set it over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering a bit (that’s how you know it’s ready!), toss in your chopped yellow onion. Stir it around and let it cook until it’s really softened, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it translucent and sweet, not browned. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just 1 more minute until it smells amazing. Seriously, don’t let it burn!
Adding Chicken and Tortellini to Your Soup
Next up, pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth, that whole can of diced tomatoes (undrained!), the dried basil, dried oregano, and the black pepper. Give it a good stir and bring that whole glorious mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling happily, add your cooked chicken and the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Reduce the heat right away and let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the tortellini to be cooked through and tender, but not mushy, so keep an eye on it!
Finishing Touches for the Perfect Chicken Tortellini Soup
Almost there! The very last step is to stir in that beautiful, fresh spinach. Just let it cook until it’s wilted down, which usually takes only about 2 to 3 minutes. It’ll look like a mountain at first, but it shrinks quickly! Give it one final taste and adjust any seasonings if you think it needs a little more salt or pepper. Then, ladle it into bowls and serve it hot. My favorite part is adding a little sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top – yum!
Tips for the Best Chicken Tortellini Soup
Okay, you’ve got the basic recipe down, but I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve to make your Chicken Tortellini Soup go from “good” to “OH MY GOSH, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!” First, don’t skimp on the broth quality. A really good chicken broth makes all the difference, so if you can, grab a low-sodium, high-quality one. Second, taste as you go! Seriously, before you add the tortellini, taste the broth and adjust the seasonings. Maybe it needs a pinch more salt, or a little garlic powder? Your tastebuds are your best guide!
Also, when you’re adding the tortellini, make sure your soup isn’t at a rolling boil. A gentle simmer is perfect to cook them through without them falling apart or getting too mushy. Nobody likes mushy tortellini! And finally, don’t be afraid to let it sit for a few minutes after you’ve added the spinach. It lets all those flavors really meld together. Trust me on this one!
Chicken Tortellini Soup Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this Chicken Tortellini Soup is how adaptable it is! If you’re not a chicken fan, try cooked Italian sausage or even some cannellini beans for a vegetarian twist. You could swap out the cheese tortellini for spinach and ricotta ravioli, or even some small pasta like ditalini if you’re out of tortellini. Want more veggies? Toss in some diced carrots or celery with the onions, or some chopped kale with the spinach!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Tortellini Soup
I get a lot of questions about this Chicken Tortellini Soup, which I totally love! It means you’re just as excited about it as I am. So, I’ve gathered some of the most common things people ask me about this easy tortellini soup recipe. Hopefully, these answers will help you make the best batch ever and keep it delicious for days!
Can I Make Chicken Tortellini Soup Ahead of Time?
You totally can! This Chicken Tortellini Soup is great for meal prep. Just leave out the tortellini and spinach until you’re ready to reheat and serve. Cook them fresh, add them to your hot soup, and you’ll have a perfect bowl every time!
What Kind of Tortellini is Best for Chicken Tortellini Soup?
For this easy tortellini soup, I usually go for refrigerated cheese tortellini. It cooks up quickly and tastes so fresh! But honestly, any kind of refrigerated tortellini works great – spinach and ricotta, even meat-filled if that’s what you prefer!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Tortellini Soup?
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let the Chicken Tortellini Soup cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Your Chicken Tortellini Soup
Just a quick heads-up on the nutrition for this yummy Chicken Tortellini Soup! While I’m no dietitian, I’ve put together an estimate for you. Each serving is roughly 350 calories, with about 15g of fat, 28g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. Remember, these are just estimates and can vary based on your exact ingredients!
Share Your Chicken Tortellini Soup Experience
So, you’ve made it! You’ve officially created a delicious bowl of this amazing Chicken Tortellini Soup. I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how it turned out for you! Did you make any fun substitutions? What was your favorite part? Please, please, please leave a comment down below and let me know your thoughts. And if you snap a picture, tag me on social media! I can’t wait to see your creations!
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes undrained
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 pound cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 5 oz fresh spinach
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the cooked chicken and tortellini to the pot. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until tortellini is cooked through.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
If you loved this recipe, you’ll want to explore more of our easy dinner favorites! Check out our collection of easy casserole recipes for more one-pan wonders, browse these easy chicken breast recipes that transform plain chicken into something amazing, or try our crockpot chicken soup recipes for ultimate comfort food. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can find it again later, and follow us on Pinterest for hundreds more delicious recipes and meal ideas!