When the days get colder or you’re craving something cozy, chicken tortellini soup with spinach is the perfect answer. Combining tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach in a savory broth, this soup is both hearty and healthy. It’s quick to prepare, customizable, and ideal for weeknight dinners or relaxing weekend meals.
Not only is this soup versatile, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a flavorful yet balanced choice. If you want to enhance your cooking skills, check out these best herbs for soups and stews to elevate your flavors. For dessert, pair your soup with a Pumpkin Banana Loaf to end your meal on a sweet note.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Tortellini Soup with Spinach
- Easy to Make: Ready in under an hour with simple steps perfect for beginners.
- Nutritious and Balanced: High in protein, fiber, and vitamins from chicken, spinach, and vegetables.
- Customizable: Adjust ingredients, seasonings, or add a creamy twist for extra richness.
- Family-Friendly: A comforting dish loved by kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh, frozen, or dried).
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works well).
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option).
- 2 cups fresh spinach (loosely packed).
- 1 medium onion, diced.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1 bay leaf.
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (for a creamy texture).
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish).
- 1 can diced tomatoes (for a tangy twist).
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Herbs
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
3. Add Chicken and Tortellini
- Stir in shredded chicken and tortellini.
- Let it simmer for 7–10 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender. Adjust the cooking time for frozen or dried tortellini.
4. Add Spinach
- Add fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Stir until the spinach is wilted but still vibrant in color.
5. Adjust and Serve
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and paired with crusty bread or a salad.
Recipe Variations
1. Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Add ½ cup heavy cream or milk for a velvety texture.
- Blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender for extra creaminess.
2. Tomato-Based Twist
- Stir in 1 can of diced tomatoes or 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for a tangy, rich flavor.
- This variation pairs wonderfully with fresh basil.
3. Vegetarian Option
- Replace chicken with white beans or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter soup.
4. Spicy Kick
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Garnish with sliced jalapeños for an extra spicy punch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Soup
- Choose Fresh Tortellini: For the best texture, use fresh tortellini. If using frozen or dried, adjust the cooking time.
- Don’t Overcook Spinach: Add spinach at the end of cooking to preserve its bright green color and nutrients.
- Enhance the Flavor: Sauté the aromatics in butter instead of olive oil for a richer taste.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup without tortellini to prevent sogginess. Add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth if needed to adjust consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Simply increase the cooking time slightly until the tortellini is tender.
How Can I Make the Soup Thicker?
- Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
- Blend a portion of the soup for a naturally thicker texture.
Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients except tortellini and spinach in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, then add tortellini and spinach in the last 30 minutes.
Is This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Skip the cream and Parmesan for a dairy-free version. Use plant-based milk if you want a creamy texture.
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Serving Suggestions
- With Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the flavorful broth.
- As Part of a Meal: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette for a light and balanced meal.
- For Dessert: Complement your meal with a sweet treat like Pumpkin Banana Loaf.
Conclusion
Chicken tortellini soup with spinach is a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to make and endlessly versatile. Whether you prefer it creamy, tomato-based, or in a light broth, this soup is sure to satisfy. Serve it alongside crusty bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Try this recipe today, and let its comforting flavors bring warmth to your table!
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Chicken Tortellini Soup with Spinach
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Discover how to make chicken tortellini soup with spinach. This comforting, customizable recipe is quick, healthy, and perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh, frozen, or dried).
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works well).
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth).
- 2 cups fresh spinach (loosely packed).
- 1 medium onion, diced.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
- 1 bay leaf.
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk (for a creamy texture).
- 1 can diced tomatoes (for a tangy twist).
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish).
- Crushed red pepper flakes (for heat).
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Broth and Herbs
- Pour in chicken broth.
- Add thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Add Chicken and Tortellini
- Stir in shredded chicken and tortellini.
- Simmer for 7–10 minutes, or until tortellini is tender.
- Incorporate Spinach
- Add fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Stir until the spinach wilts but remains vibrant in color.
- Adjust and Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: chicken tortellini soup, spinach tortellini soup, cheesy chicken soup, healthy soup recipes, quick dinner recipes, Italian soup ideas, comfort food recipes, easy soup recipes