Chicken Tortellini Soup

This chicken tortellini soup is a fast, comforting bowl that tastes like you spent the whole afternoon at the stove. Instead of classic noodles, it uses cheese filled tortellini that turn each spoonful into a mix of tender pasta, shredded chicken, and savory broth. The base starts with a simple sauté of onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, then gets seasoned with Italian herbs and a gentle touch of red pepper flakes so the heat stays soft and warm rather than spicy.

Using rotisserie chicken is the time saving trick that makes this a perfect busy night recipe. The meat is already cooked and flavorful, so it only needs a few minutes in hot broth to warm through. For tools, you will need a medium Dutch oven or soup pot, a cutting board, a knife, a ladle, and a wooden spoon. Because the tortellini cook directly in the broth, the soup gains extra body without needing cream. Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and plenty of parmesan, and serve with garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete, cozy meal in about half an hour.

1. Sauté the vegetablesIn a medium Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to soften, 5 to 7 minutes.Cut the carrot and celery pieces close in size so they soften at the same rate and keep a pleasant bite.Use a damp towel to wipe up any oil splatters around the burner while the vegetables cook.
2. Add aromatics and seasoningAdd the finely chopped garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.Keep the heat at medium so the garlic softens without browning, which can turn it bitter.Rinse the garlic press or knife right away so bits of garlic do not dry and stick to it.
3. Add the brothStir in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil over medium high heat.If you prefer a slightly richer broth, you can simmer the vegetables in the broth for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken and tortellini.If any broth spills as you pour, wipe it from the stovetop to prevent sticky spots.
4. Simmer the chicken and tortelliniAdd the shredded rotisserie chicken and the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken is warmed through and the tortellini are tender, 3 to 5 minutes.Check the tortellini a minute early so they stay plump and do not burst in the broth.Place the empty tortellini package and chicken container directly into the trash or recycling so they do not clutter the counter.
5. Finish and serveStir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with grated parmesan cheese on top.For a little extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice to each bowl just before serving.Let the pot cool slightly before washing, and soak it with warm soapy water to loosen any cooked on bits.

Olive Oil2 tbsp

- Oil & Vinegar

Yellow onion1 medium

- Produce

Carrots3 medium

- Produce

Celery3 stalk

- Produce

Garlic3 clove

- Produce

Kosher salt1 tsp

- Spices

Ground Black Pepper1/2 tsp

- Spices

Italian Seasoning1/2 tsp

- Spices

Red pepper flakes1/4 tsp

- Spices

shredded rotisserie chicken1/2 cup

- meat

refrigerated cheese tortellini1 package

- refrigerated

Fresh Parsley1/4 cup

- Produce

Parmesan Cheese0 count

- Dairy

Also try...

Frosted Brownies

Frosted Brownies
NEW

These easy frosted brownies are rich, chewy, and topped with a quick cocoa honey frosting made while the brownies bake. A simple one-pan dessert perfect for beginners, family treats, and classic chocolate lovers.

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff

Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff
NEW

This easy Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff is a creamy, comforting one-pot dinner made with tender beef, mushrooms, and egg noodles. Ready in about 40 minutes, it is perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup meals.

Grilled Pork Skewers

Grilled Pork Skewers
NEW

Sweet soda, soy, garlic, and vinegar create a flavorful marinade that produces tender pork with deep caramelization, making these skewers a quick and satisfying grilling option.

woman in blue shirt sitting beside woman in black shirt
a man standing in front of a laptop while cooking
bunch of vegetables