Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup is the perfect blend of comfort, richness, and ease. With tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, vegetables, and a velvety cream broth, this soup delivers restaurant-quality flavor in a simple, home-cooked dish. It’s cozy enough for cold evenings yet light enough to enjoy year-round.
This creamy chicken tortellini soup is especially popular because it feels indulgent without being complicated. Everything comes together in one pot, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family meals, or make-ahead lunches.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
This soup earns a permanent spot in your rotation because it’s:
- Rich and creamy without heavy techniques
- Hearty and filling thanks to tortellini and chicken
- Quick to prepare (ready in about 30 minutes)
- One-pot friendly with minimal cleanup
- Highly customizable with vegetables and seasonings
It’s comfort food that feels both familiar and elevated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie, grilled, or poached)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 1 package (18–20 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
Liquids & Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk (optional, for lighter texture)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat
- Add onion, carrots, and celery
- Cook 5–7 minutes until softened
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant
This step builds the flavor foundation of the soup.
2. Build the Broth
- Pour in chicken broth
- Add Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper
- Bring to a gentle simmer
Let the flavors meld for 5 minutes.
3. Cook the Tortellini
- Add tortellini directly to the pot
- Simmer according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes)
- Stir gently to prevent sticking
Tortellini cook quickly—avoid overcooking.
4. Add Chicken and Cream
- Stir in cooked chicken
- Reduce heat to low
- Add heavy cream and milk (if using)
Simmer gently—do not boil.
5. Finish with Greens
- Add spinach
- Cook 2–3 minutes until wilted
- Taste and adjust salt and seasoning
Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Use rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience
- Keep heat low after adding cream to prevent curdling
- Add tortellini near the end so they stay tender
- Use fresh tortellini for the best texture
Variations to Try
- Garlic Parmesan Version
- Add grated Parmesan cheese at the end
- Tuscan-Style Soup
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and extra Italian herbs
- Lighter Version
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Spicy Twist
- Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
What to Serve with Chicken Tortellini Soup
This creamy chicken soup pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty bread or garlic knots
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Storage
- Refrigerate in airtight containers
- Keeps 3–4 days
Reheating
- Reheat gently over low heat
- Add broth or milk if thickened
Freezing
- Not recommended due to cream and pasta texture
- Best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated
Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them
- Soup too thick? Add warm broth or milk
- Tortellini too soft? Added too early—reduce cook time next time
- Cream separated? Heat was too high
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes—add directly to the soup and cook a few extra minutes.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best within 1–2 days for optimal texture.
Can I use uncooked chicken?
Yes—simmer diced chicken in the broth before adding tortellini.
Is creamy chicken tortellini soup filling?
Absolutely. It’s a complete meal in one bowl.
Printable Recipe Card (Quick Copy)
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
- Sauté vegetables
- Simmer broth and seasoning
- Cook tortellini
- Add chicken and cream
- Finish with spinach
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort-meets-convenience recipe. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy enough for any night of the week—yet special enough to serve guests.
Once you try it, this cozy soup is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. 🥣