If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting, and supremely satisfying meal, this Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a bright, hearty soup packed with tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful chicken broth base that warms you from the inside out. The combination of fresh spinach, sweet carrots, and savory garlic makes this soup not only delicious but also a nutritious bowl of happy comfort. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests without fuss, this soup delivers on taste and simplicity with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you; these are simple, everyday items that come together beautifully to build layers of flavor and texture in the soup. Each element plays a key role, from aromatic onions to vibrant greens, creating a balanced and inviting bowl.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the veggies for a flavorful base.
- Small onion, diced: Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the broth with a warm, savory aroma.
- Carrots, sliced: Bring a natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Celery stalks, sliced: Adds crunch and a fresh, earthy note.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup, offering nourishing goodness and savory warmth.
- Canned diced tomatoes, undrained: Contributes tanginess and a lovely texture.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil for an Italian flair.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Cheese tortellini: The star pasta, tender and filled with creamy cheese for comfort in every bite.
- Fresh spinach or kale, chopped: Adds vibrant green color plus vitamins and minerals.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Offers a fresh herbal brightness when sprinkled on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts perfectly on serving to add a rich, salty finish.
How to Make Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until everything softens and releases its natural sweetness—about 5 to 7 minutes. This step creates an aromatic foundation that’s absolutely essential to the final flavor.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth along with the canned diced tomatoes, including their juices, which add brightness and a little tang. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let the soup bubble away for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing those flavors to marry beautifully and deepen.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini directly into the simmering pot. Cooking times vary slightly depending on whether your tortellini is fresh or frozen—usually around 5 to 7 minutes is perfect. Stir gently to prevent sticking and watch those little pasta pockets plump up as they soak in the delicious broth.
Step 4: Add the Greens and Finish
Finally, stir in your fresh spinach or chopped kale, letting the greens wilt gently for about 2 minutes. This step not only brightens the soup visually but adds valuable nutrients and a fresh taste. Give the soup a quick taste test and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
How to Serve Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe
Garnishes
When serving this soup, a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous shaving of Parmesan cheese on top make all the difference. The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous kick, while the Parmesan melts slightly into the warm broth, picking up its salty, nutty notes.
Side Dishes
Pair the soup with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop of the broth. A simple mixed green salad with a lemony vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, balancing the warm, creamy soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs. Garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Adding small bowls of Parmesan and fresh herbs at the table invites everyone to customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness of the broth and prevent the tortellini from becoming too soft.
Freezing
Freezing tortellini soup is possible but requires a little care. For best results, freeze the soup without the tortellini and add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating. This helps maintain the perfect pasta texture rather than a mushy one.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick after resting, add a touch of water or extra chicken broth to loosen it. Add fresh tortellini during reheating if you chose to freeze the broth separately.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Vegetable broth makes a great vegetarian-friendly base and will still keep the soup flavorful. Just be sure to use a good-quality broth to maintain richness.
Is it possible to make this soup ahead for a party?
Yes! You can prepare the soup base a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add the tortellini and greens right before serving to keep them fresh and perfectly cooked.
Can I substitute the cheese tortellini for another type of pasta?
Of course! While cheese tortellini adds a creamy, cheesy element, other filled pasta like ravioli or even small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work well too.
How do I keep the greens fresh and vibrant in the soup?
Add the greens toward the end of cooking and let them wilt just slightly. Cooking them too long can dull their color and flavor.
What can I add to make the soup more filling?
Consider tossing in some cooked shredded chicken, beans, or even a handful of cooked quinoa for extra protein and heartiness if you want to make this soup a more substantial meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bowl of homemade soup that comforts the soul, and this Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s simple but satisfying, nutritious but indulgent, and perfect for any time you crave a warm hug in a bowl. I encourage you to gather these ingredients, dive into the process, and enjoy every savory spoonful. It’s easily going to be a go-to for cozy days or anytime you want a meal that feels like home.
Print
Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make soup featuring tender cheese tortellini simmered in a flavorful chicken broth with fresh vegetables and Italian herbs. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth and add the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir in dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, typically about 5-7 minutes, until they are tender and cooked through.
- Add Leafy Greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and cook for about 2 minutes, until the greens are wilted but still vibrant.
- Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or use any other leafy greens you prefer.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit Parmesan or use a vegetarian cheese alternative.
- Frozen tortellini cooks quickly; be careful not to overcook it to maintain texture.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a fresh, bright flavor twist.
