Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe

If you’re in search of a soul-warming bowl that hits all the right notes—brothy, cheesy, and loaded with comfort—this Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth is exactly what you need. Packed with pillowy cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a base of savory chicken broth, this quick-cooking classic tastes like hours in the kitchen, yet comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special, delivers comfort in every spoonful, and easily becomes a family favorite year-round.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth couldn’t be simpler, and every ingredient truly shines. Each one was carefully chosen to bring depth, color, and that irresistible mix of cozy and fresh flavors.

• Olive oil: A touch of olive oil starts the party and brings rich, Mediterranean flavor to the base of your soup.
• Onion (diced): Aromatic onion gently sautéed creates a sweet and savory backbone—don’t skip it!
• Garlic (minced): Two cloves add punchy, aromatic depth that lifts the entire pot.
• Chicken broth: The starring ingredient, chicken broth infuses savory warmth and rounds out every bite.
• Diced tomatoes (with juices): For a pop of color and gentle acidity, canned tomatoes—with their delicious juices—are a must.
• Italian seasoning: This blend brings in all those beloved herbal notes; earthy, fragrant, and perfectly balanced.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch wakes up the flavor and adds a gentle kick—adjust to your taste!
• Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Store-bought, fresh tortellini streamline the recipe and deliver cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Wilts down tender and brings a boost of color and nutrition to the bowl.
• Salt and black pepper: Taste as you go, and season at the end—you’re the boss of the pot!
• Grated Parmesan and chopped basil: Pure magic for finishing: nutty, salty, and absolutely irresistible.

How to Make Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Begin by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally to prevent browning. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds, releasing all that crave-worthy aroma—a little moment that makes your whole kitchen smell like an Italian trattoria.

Step 2: Build Your Brothy Base

Pour in the chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, juices included. Stir in the Italian seasoning and, if you love a little heat, toss in those red pepper flakes now. Crank the heat up until you see a gentle boil—this helps all those flavors meld together and gives your soup its signature base for Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into your gently boiling soup. Give it a stir so nothing sticks together, and cook for 5–7 minutes (or per package instructions) until the tortellini are plump and tender. Remember, these cook fast; you want them soft and cheesy but never mushy.

Step 4: Add Spinach and Season

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the roughly chopped spinach. In less than a minute, the spinach will wilt beautifully right into the soup, adding both bright color and a light, fresh flavor. Give your masterpiece a taste and adjust with salt and black pepper until it’s just right for you.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls while it’s piping hot. Top each serving with a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped basil. The finishing touches turn this Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth into a next-level comfort meal that wins over everyone at the table, every time.

How to Serve Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth

Garnishes

For the perfect bowl, generous shavings of Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped basil are your best friends. A light drizzle of good olive oil or even a scattering of freshly cracked black pepper adds a final flourish. If you like a little zing, a squeeze of lemon over each bowl right before serving is surprisingly delightful.

Side Dishes

Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth is hearty on its own, but a warm basket of crusty bread or garlic knots for dunking makes it extra special. A simple mixed green salad or roasted veggies on the side keep things balanced and satisfy that craving for something crisp alongside your steamy bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into an Italian bistro experience by serving your soup in big, wide bowls with a swirl of pesto for a vibrant pop. Offer a “toppings bar” at the table: croutons, extra cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs, so everyone can customize their own bowl of Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth just how they love it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth will keep brilliantly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The broth may thicken slightly as it sits, so just add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to its signature silky texture before reheating.

Freezing

This soup is best with fresh-cooked tortellini, but you can freeze it if needed. For best results, freeze the broth and veggie mixture separately, then add fresh tortellini when ready to serve. If you freeze it all together, the tortellini may soften a bit more upon reheating, but the flavors will still be comforting and delicious.

Reheating

Reheat your Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the tortellini have absorbed a lot of broth, just top up with extra chicken broth as needed. Microwave reheating also works well for single servings; just cover and heat in 45-second bursts, stirring between rounds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini work almost as well—just add a couple of minutes to the cooking time and keep an eye out for perfect tenderness. Use the package instructions as your guide.

How can I make Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth vegetarian?

It’s simple! Just swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and make sure your tortellini are cheese-filled (no meat). The soup remains every bit as flavorful and cozy.

What proteins can I add to bulk up the soup?

Shredded cooked chicken, cooked Italian sausage, or a can of drained white beans all blend seamlessly into this soup. Stir them in just before serving for a hearty, protein-packed bowl.

Will the tortellini get too soft if I store leftovers?

After sitting in the broth for a day or two, the tortellini definitely soften. To keep them at peak texture, you can cook the tortellini separately and add them to individual bowls just before serving if planning for leftovers.

Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Of course! Baby kale or Swiss chard both wilt beautifully and add color and nutrients. Just chop them small and add an extra minute or two for hearty greens to soften.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fast, heartwarming, and full of classic Italian flavors, Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth is a must-try. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine—grab a big spoon and enjoy every satisfying, cheesy, soul-soothing bite!

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