There’s something about a bowl of warm, velvety soup that just hits differently on a cool evening. This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe blends tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh greens in a comforting broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s both nourishing and delightfully easy, making it a staple I return to again and again.

A white bowl filled with a clear broth soup that has several layers and colors. At the bottom, there are bright orange carrot chunks and green leafy spinach spread throughout. Floating on top are pale yellow folded tortellini pieces, some garnished with small green herb leaves and red pepper flakes. There are light brown shredded pieces of chicken evenly placed around the bowl along with sliced mushrooms. Two thin yellow lemon slices rest on the right side of the soup, adding a fresh look. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with scattered herbs and lemon wedges around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this soup because it's so comforting, yet brightened by fresh herbs and lemon juice, which keeps it from feeling heavy. Plus, it comes together reliably every time, making it perfect for lazy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

One-pot ease: You cook everything in a single pot, saving time and cleanup.
Bright and cozy: The lemon juice adds a fresh zing that balances the creamy tortellini perfectly.
Hearty and healthy: Packed with vegetables, lean chicken, and spinach, it’s filling without being heavy.
Kid-friendly and versatile: You can easily tweak the spice level or swap ingredients to suit your family’s taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines wholesome, fresh ingredients that create a beautiful, balanced flavor profile—earthy mushrooms, sweet carrots, and herbs bring depth, while lemon juice adds brightness. Using pre-cooked chicken and store-bought tortellini keeps things practical without sacrificing taste.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a medium yellow onion halved and chopped, two bright orange carrots diced, two stalks of crisp green celery diced, a small white bowl filled with fresh sliced brown cremini mushrooms, four whole uncracked brown eggs, four cloves of fresh garlic with papery skins, a small white bowl with fresh green snipped thyme leaves, a small white bowl of finely chopped fresh rosemary, a small white bowl with mixed Italian dried herbs, a small white bowl containing red pepper flakes, a portion of fresh plump cheese tortellini pasta arranged neatly, a mound of shredded cooked chicken breast with light golden edges, a handful of vibrant fresh baby spinach leaves, two whole bright yellow lemons, cut in halves showing juicy interiors, a small bunch of fresh green parsley leaves, all 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 m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing — it develops rich flavor without overpowering the veggies.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and aromatics that build the soup’s flavor foundation.
Carrots: Provide a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
Celery: Brings a mild, savory crunch that complements the other veggies.
Cremini mushrooms: Add earthy depth and a satisfying bite.
Garlic powder & onion powder: These seasonings boost flavor without extra chopping or fuss.
Fresh garlic: For that punch of pungent, aromatic delight that makes the soup crave-worthy.
Chicken stock: The heart of the soup — using a good quality stock really shines through.
Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley): Brighten the soup and add complex layers of flavor.
Italian seasoning & red pepper flakes: For that signature savory Italian flare with a subtle kick if you like heat.
Cheese tortellini: Provides comforting creaminess and satisfying noodles without extra work.
Cooked shredded chicken: Lean protein that’s quick to add and melds perfectly with the creamy broth.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a nutritional boost without wilted greens taking over.
Lemon juice: This little trick wakes up the whole pot, balancing richness with zing.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this soup depending on what I have on hand or how spicy I want it. Feel free to make it your own by switching up the herbs, adding a dash of cream for extra richness, or swapping the tortellini for another pasta shape.

Variation: Sometimes I like adding roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor. It surprises and delights everyone I've served it to!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a ladle scooping clear broth soup filled with several layers of ingredients: the top layer has a folded, pale yellow tortellini pasta with a sprig of fresh green thyme, surrounded by bright orange carrot slices. Below and around the pasta, there are dark green leafy vegetables, light brown sliced mushrooms, and pieces of shredded light brown meat. All the ingredients are sitting in a clear golden broth inside a white pot, placed on a white marbled surface. The colors are warm and natural, showing a fresh, homemade look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies Until Golden

Start heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, celery, and sliced mushrooms. Season with garlic and onion powders, salt, and pepper. Stir often—this takes about 6 to 7 minutes until veggies are soft and golden. This slow cooking really brings out their natural sweetness, setting a flavorful stage for the soup.

Step 2: Add Fresh Herbs and Garlic for Aroma

Once the veggies look perfect, stir in minced garlic along with thyme and rosemary. Toss in Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes for just a hint of heat. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until your kitchen smells irresistible—this step infuses the broth with warm, inviting notes.

Step 3: Pour in Chicken Stock and Simmer

Now pour in your chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits on the pot’s bottom—that’s liquid gold for flavor! Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes. This melds all those beautiful flavors and starts to create the comforting broth.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Tortellini

Stir in cooked, shredded chicken and your tortellini. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or follow your tortellini package instructions—just keep an eye on the pasta so it’s tender but not mushy. This is where the soup really starts to feel like a meal.

Step 5: Brighten with Spinach and Lemon

Finally, toss in fresh baby spinach and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Stir gently until the spinach wilts—just a minute or two. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lemon juice or salt if you want a bit more pop.

Step 6: Serve with Fresh Herbs

Ladle your soup into bowls and top with chopped parsley and a thyme sprig for that extra touch of freshness. Trust me, it makes all the difference in presentation and taste!

Top Tip

I’ve found that small tweaks can make a big impact on this soup. Here are some of the best tips I’ve picked up along the way to ensure your Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe turns out fantastic every time.

Don’t overcook the tortellini: Keep a close eye on the pasta to avoid it getting mushy, especially if you plan to reheat leftovers later.
Fresh herbs make a difference: The thyme and parsley really elevate the flavor, so don’t skip them—even frozen dried herbs won’t produce the same vibrant taste.
Lemon juice last: Adding lemon juice at the end preserves its brightness instead of cooking it off, giving the soup that fresh zing.
Save time with pre-cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftovers work perfectly here and keep the soup quick.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Tortellini - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish my bowls with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a little cracked black pepper. Sometimes, I’ll throw on a few toasted pine nuts or a little grated Parmesan for an extra layer of indulgence. It takes the soup from everyday cozy to subtly gourmet.

Side Dishes

A warm, crusty baguette or some garlic bread are perfect for dipping and rounding out the meal. On lighter nights, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully and keeps the meal balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

I like to serve this soup in rustic bread bowls for a special occasion—it adds flair and keeps the soup warm longer. For family gatherings, ladling it into pretty soup mugs with a sprig of herb makes it extra inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually leave out the tortellini if I plan to store it—then add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating to keep the texture just right.

Freezing

This soup freezes well but I recommend freezing it without the tortellini. When ready to eat, thaw gently and cook fresh tortellini separately to add in at the end, so it stays tender and delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Add fresh spinach and cooked tortellini in the last few minutes to keep things vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Yes! To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken stock with vegetable stock and skip the chicken. You might add extra mushrooms or beans for protein and depth.

What type of tortellini works best?

Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini works best because it cooks quickly and melts beautifully into the soup. Frozen works well too, just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Absolutely! You can chop your vegetables and shred the chicken the day before. The soup itself can be made ahead and refrigerated, but add the tortellini fresh when reheating to preserve the texture.

How do I adjust the spice level?

To make the soup milder, simply omit the red pepper flakes. If you like it spicy, add more flakes or a dash of hot sauce to taste when serving.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to dinners when I want something hearty, comforting, but not too heavy. It’s straightforward enough to make any night of the week, yet still feels special with its bright lemon touch and fresh herbs. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s like a warm, tasty hug from the inside out!