Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, steaming bowl that’s both nourishing and unbelievably easy to throw together, look no further than this Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth! This one-pot wonder combines tender cheese tortellini, juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, and the savory heartiness of quality chicken broth. The result? A rich, soul-satisfying meal that’s ready in under half an hour—perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you need a little culinary comfort fast. With flavors that strike a perfect balance between zesty Italian-style seasoning and the soothing depth of homemade soup, it’s a recipe you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth matters, so you’ll only need a handful of simple but impactful ingredients. Each one adds something special: from the aromatic vegetables to plump tortellini, everything plays its part in delivering big flavor with minimal effort.
- Olive Oil: Adds a luscious base flavor and helps sauté the onions and garlic perfectly.
- Diced Onion: Brings sweetness and depth to the broth—don’t skip finely dicing for the best texture!
- Minced Garlic: Infuses the soup with irresistible savory notes and aroma.
- Chicken Broth: The backbone and heart of this soup, providing robust, comforting flavor.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes (with juice): Brings brightness, tang, and body to the soup.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: The star of the show, giving you pillowy bites of cheesy goodness in every spoonful.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Adds color and extra nutrition, with a tender texture that blends right in.
- Dried Italian Seasoning: Delivers classic herbal notes without any measuring fuss—so easy!
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat if you’re feeling bold.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for perfecting the flavors to your unique taste.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese and Fresh Basil (optional): The perfect finishers, adding salty, nutty richness and fresh herbal flair.
How to Make Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large sturdy pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the diced onion and let it cook for about four minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns fragrant. Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds—just long enough to release those delicious aromas without letting it brown.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Base
Pour your chicken broth into the pot, followed by the can of diced tomatoes with all their juice. Give everything a good stir, and crank up the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil. This is what lays the rich, savory base that makes Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth so comforting.
Step 3: Add the Tortellini
Once your broth and tomatoes are gently bubbling, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about five to seven minutes, stirring once or twice. The tortellini will float to the top when they’re perfectly tender and ready to enjoy.
Step 4: Season and Wilt the Greens
Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning and, if you’d like a mild heat, the red pepper flakes. Add the fresh baby spinach and stir, letting it cook just until it wilts, about one to two minutes. Give the soup a taste and add salt and pepper until the flavors pop just the way you like.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Ladle your piping hot Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth into bowls. For a truly restaurant-worthy touch, finish each serving with a generous pinch of grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. Trust me—these final touches make all the difference!
How to Serve Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth
Garnishes
A simple shower of grated Parmesan gives this soup irresistible salty richness, while a handful of torn fresh basil adds elegance and fresh flavor. You can also swirl in a little drizzle of olive oil for a glossy finish, or top with cracked black pepper for a little extra bite.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth alongside some crusty garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad takes this meal straight to “restaurant-at-home” territory. Even a simple green salad with vinaigrette or a plate of roasted veggies makes it a more filling, well-rounded dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your family or dinner guests, serve the soup in mini mugs or small bowls as a cozy first course at a larger meal. Or, ladle it over a handful of extra spinach in the bowls for an extra fresh pop. A family-style pot in the center of the table with lots of topping options encourages everyone to make it their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers in the refrigerator. The soup keeps well for up to three days, but note the tortellini will gradually absorb a bit of broth and soften over time.
Freezing
If you’re hoping to freeze this soup, it’s best to prepare the broth, veggies, and seasonings in advance and freeze that base. Store cooked tortellini separately or plan to add them fresh when reheating, since they can become mushy after freezing and thawing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags for best results, and the soup base will keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a bit of water or extra broth. Microwaving individual servings also works well for quick lunches or late-night cravings.
FAQs
Can I add cooked chicken to the soup?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftovers from a roast work wonderfully here. Simply stir in the chicken towards the end of cooking, just before serving, to heat it through without drying it out.
Is this soup vegetarian?
You can easily make Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth vegetarian by swapping chicken broth for a flavorful vegetable broth and using cheese tortellini made without animal rennet. The flavor remains wonderfully robust and satisfying!
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini are a great substitute. Just add them straight to the simmering broth, adjusting the cooking time as directed on the package. They may require a minute or two longer to become perfectly tender.
What can I use instead of spinach?
Feel free to swap in other leafy greens like kale, chard, or even baby arugula. Just remember that heartier greens like kale need a few extra minutes to become tender and meld with the soup’s flavors.
How do I make this soup creamy?
For a luscious, creamy version of Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth, stir in about 1/4 cup of heavy cream just before serving, or use half-and-half for a slightly lighter finish. The result is deeply comforting and oh-so dreamy!
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to make this Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth—whether it’s your first soup from scratch or you’re just looking for a dependable, quick comfort food meal. Every spoonful promises big flavor with minimal fuss, and once you try it, I’m sure you’ll want to keep it in your dinner rotation all year long!
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Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make tortellini soup with chicken broth that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This Italian-inspired soup is loaded with cheese tortellini, spinach, and flavorful seasonings.
Ingredients
Main Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook Tortellini: Add tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually about 5–7 minutes, until tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and baby spinach. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- You can add cooked shredded chicken for extra protein or swap spinach for kale.
- For a creamier version, stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
