Cozy Chicken Tortellini Soup

This bright cozy chicken tortellini soup comes together in 30 to 45 minutes and is filled with veggies cheese tortellini spinach shredded chicken and a splash of fresh lemon It’s a simple one pot meal perfect for chilly nights meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner You can make it on the stovetop in a slow cooker or in the Instant Pot

I first made this soup on a cold winter evening when we needed something comforting but not heavy Now it’s a regular request in our house especially when we want a cozy dinner fast

Ingredients

• Olive oil: provides a rich base and helps soften the vegetables use extra virgin for best flavor
• Medium onion chopped: adds sweetness and depth look for firm onions without soft spots
• Carrots diced: bring natural sweetness and vibrant color choose firm and bright carrots
• Celery diced: adds aromatic notes and crunch select crisp stalks
• Cremini mushrooms sliced: give an earthy flavor pick firm smooth caps
• Garlic powder and onion powder: enhance savory taste choose fresh sealed containers
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: season and balance flavors use kosher salt for control
• Fresh garlic minced: adds pungency and aroma select firm bulbs without sprouting
• Chicken stock or broth: is the soup’s base opting for low sodium lets you control saltiness
• Fresh thyme leaves: contribute woodsy herbal notes pick bright green sprigs
• Fresh rosemary finely chopped: offers a piney flavor strip leaves from woody stems
• Italian seasoning: blends complementary herbs opt for fresh or quality dried mix
• Red pepper flakes optional: add heat adjust to taste
• Cheese tortellini refrigerated or frozen: provides comforting stuffed pasta freshness matters most
• Cooked shredded chicken: adds heartiness go for rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken
• Fresh baby spinach packed: brightens soup with mild earthiness pick crisp leaves
• Lemons juiced: add acidity and brightness choose firm lemons heavy for their size
• Fresh parsley chopped for garnish: adds fresh herbaceous flavor

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables:

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat Add chopped onion diced carrots celery and sliced mushrooms Season with garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper Cook stirring often for about six to seven minutes until the vegetables soften and begin to turn golden This step builds a flavorful base

Add Herbs and Garlic:

Stir in minced garlic thyme and rosemary Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using Cook for another one to two minutes until the mixture is fragrant This helps release the essential oils from the herbs for deeper flavor

Simmer the Broth:

Pour in the chicken stock Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for five minutes allowing flavors to meld

Cook Chicken and Tortellini:

Add shredded chicken and tortellini Let it simmer gently for eight to ten minutes or according to tortellini package instructions until the pasta is tender but not mushy

Add Spinach and Lemon:

Stir in fresh baby spinach and juice of half a lemon Cook for another minute or two until the spinach wilts The lemon adds a fresh bright note that elevates the soup

Adjust Seasoning and Serve:

Remove from heat Taste and add more lemon juice salt or pepper as needed Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and a sprig of fresh thyme for a pretty presentation

The fresh lemon juice is my favorite touch It adds brightness and balances the richness of the cheese tortellini The first time I served this was during a snowy evening and it instantly brought warmth and comfort to the table making it a family classic since

Storage Tips

Cool the soup completely before transferring to airtight containers Keep refrigerated for up to three days Reheat gently on the stove adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much Freeze in portions for up to three months Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Use spinach or kale according to your preference kale adds more texture spinach wilts quickly Swap chicken stock with vegetable broth for vegetarian or vegan versions Use store bought cooked rotisserie chicken to save time or cook your own chicken and shred it

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping Pair with a crisp green salad for a light balanced meal Top with Parmesan cheese for extra richness

This soup is a perfect balance of comforting richness and fresh brightness making it an easy choice for any night Whether for family dinners or quick meal prep it never disappoints

FAQs about Recipes

→ What type of tortellini works best?

Cheese-filled refrigerated or frozen tortellini cooks evenly and adds a creamy texture that complements the broth perfectly.

→ Can I use other greens instead of spinach?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard can be substituted; add them toward the end to preserve their texture.

→ How do I prevent the tortellini from overcooking?

Add tortellini toward the final cooking minutes and simmer gently to keep it tender without becoming mushy.

→ Is the lemon juice necessary?

Lemon juice brightens the broth, balancing savory and fresh notes for a more vibrant flavor profile.

→ Can this be made in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine ingredients except tortellini and spinach, cook on low for 4 hours, then add tortellini and spinach for the final 20 minutes.

→ What herbs complement this dish?

Thyme, rosemary, and Italian seasoning enhance the dish’s aromatic and earthy flavors beautifully.