If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that’s bursting with flavor and super satisfying, you’re going to love this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe. It’s one of those soups that wraps you up in Italian goodness with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich broth that’s seasoned just right. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I’m excited to share all my tips so you can nail it in your kitchen too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Italian Flavors: The blend of basil, oregano, sage, and Italian seasoning brings that comforting Italian vibe you crave.
Simple, Yet Hearty: It’s packed with veggies, chicken, and tortellini for a filling meal without hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Cooking Options: You can easily make it on the stove or in a crock pot, which is perfect for busy days.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup, and I bet yours will too!

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, Italian chicken tortellini soup, easy chicken tortellini soup, comforting tortellini soup, hearty chicken tortellini dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe plays a special role—from the Italian herbs that build that signature flavor to the fresh veggies that add texture and nutrition. When shopping, look for good-quality chicken broth and refrigerated tortellini to keep things easy and delicious.

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, Italian chicken tortellini soup, easy chicken tortellini soup, comforting tortellini soup, hearty chicken tortellini dish

Dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic note that’s classic in Italian dishes.
Dried parsley: Brings a fresh, mild herb flavor that brightens the soup.
Dried oregano: Gives a slightly bitter, warm flavor to deepen the broth.
Mustard powder: A subtle kick that enhances the overall savory taste.
Ground sage: Adds a piney, earthy dimension that’s perfect with chicken.
Black pepper: Balances the herbs with a gentle bite.
Bone-in chicken breast: Bone-in keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor to your broth; don’t skip it!
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Italian seasoning: A blend that conveniently packs a variety of herbs into one sprinkle.
Olive oil: For sautéing vegetables and adding richness.
Butter: Deepens flavor and makes the soup silky smooth.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and body to the base of the soup.
Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and color.
Celery: Offers freshness and crunch that balances the soup.
Garlic: Essential for that punch of warm, nutty aroma.
Chicken broth: The heart of the soup—opt for low sodium to control salt levels.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth that rounds out the flavors.
Hot sauce: Just a touch to brighten things up with gentle heat.
Refrigerated tortellini: The star of the show—choose cheese-filled for richness or meat-filled if you like it hearty.

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 Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to match your mood, diet, or what’s in the fridge. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and use cheese tortellini with sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken.
Greens Boost: Add fresh spinach or kale toward the end for extra nutrients and a lovely pop of color—my family always appreciates this touch!
Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or whole milk for a richer, silky soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Spicy Kick: Amp up the hot sauce or add red pepper flakes if you like it fiery; I discovered this trick when I wanted something with a little extra heat.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and cook until the onions are translucent and the veggies start to soften—about 5 to 7 minutes. This base builds the soulful flavor, so take your time here and don’t rush. Then add the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 2: Add the Chicken & Seasonings

Place the bone-in chicken breast into the pot along with the dried basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, sage, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the chicken and veggies get nice and coated with those herbs and spices. I always taste the broth at this stage to adjust salt and pepper, as it makes all the difference.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth & Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 25 minutes. This slow simmer cooks the chicken through while letting all those flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken breast and set it aside to cool just a bit. Shred the meat using two forks, discarding the bones and skin. Then return the shredded chicken back to the pot—it’s these tender bites that everyone loves!

Step 5: Cook the Tortellini

Add the refrigerated tortellini straight into the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. Fresh tortellini cooks super fast, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking—it should be tender but still hold its shape nicely.

Step 6: Final Taste & Serve

Give the soup a final taste test. This is your chance to add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if you want to amp up the flavor. I like to let the soup sit for a few minutes off the heat to let the tortellini soak up some broth goodness. Then it’s ready to ladle into bowls and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Use Bone-in Chicken: It keeps the meat juicy and adds extra flavor to your broth—don’t skip it, trust me!
Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Fresh tortellini cooks quickly; watch closely so it stays tender but not mushy.
Adjust Seasonings Last: Herbs and hot sauce can be adjusted after tasting the finished soup, so add a little at a time.
Simmer, Don’t Boil After Adding Tortellini: Keeps the pasta from falling apart and maintains clarity of the broth.

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, Italian chicken tortellini soup, easy chicken tortellini soup, comforting tortellini soup, hearty chicken tortellini dish

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves—it adds a fresh, cheesy pop that takes the soup over the top. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten those rich flavors. If you like a little heat, some crushed red pepper flakes on top are fantastic!

Side Dishes

Warm, crusty bread or garlic breadsticks are my go-to sides with this soup—they’re perfect for dunking and soaking up every last bit of broth. A simple mixed green salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a crisp, refreshing contrast that balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like to serve this soup in charming rustic bowls garnished with fresh herbs and a small Parmesan crisp on the side. You can even offer an array of mix-ins like fresh baby spinach, extra cheese, or chili flakes on the table so guests can customize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Chicken Tortellini Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. One tip I learned is to keep the tortellini separate if you plan to store it longer, to avoid sogginess—then add it back in when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this soup can be a bit tricky because tortellini can become mushy. I recommend freezing the broth and shredded chicken separately without the tortellini. When you’re ready to eat, thaw and cook fresh tortellini before combining everything.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove to avoid breaking down the tortellini. If the soup is too thick after chilling, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps the texture just right and the flavors bright.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe?

Yes! If using frozen chicken breast, thaw it first for even cooking. You can also cook the chicken separately and add shredded pieces to the soup if preferred.
What kind of tortellini works best in this soup?

Fresh refrigerated cheese or meat tortellini works great because it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors. Avoid dried tortellini since it takes longer to cook and might change the soup’s texture.
Can I make this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Start by sautéing the vegetables and seasonings, then add everything but the tortellini to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding tortellini in the last 30 minutes.
How spicy is this soup? Can I leave out the hot sauce?

The hot sauce adds just a subtle kick—you can easily omit it if you prefer a milder soup. Feel free to add it gradually to suit your heat tolerance.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is one of those go-to dishes that brings warmth and comfort no matter the season. I love how adaptable it is, how quickly it comes together, and the way it fills my kitchen with inviting aromas. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive soup to cozy up with, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and your family will thank you too!