Chicken Tortellini Soup

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This Chicken Tortellini Soup will make over your weeknights. This hearty soup combines tender rotisserie chicken, pillowy tortellini and plenty of veggies for a comforting meal that’s quick, healthy and satisfying. We love the convenience of baby spinach and frozen peas, but any chopped green or another legume like no-salt-added white beans or shelled edamame would work well in place of the frozen peas if you prefer.

a recipe photo of Chicken Tortellini Soup
Photo:

Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

Active Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
6

Swimming with rich and comforting flavors, this Chicken Tortellini Soup will thrill you with how easily it comes together. The soup starts with a classic mirepoix—onions, carrots, celery—which sets the stage for flavor and pulls antioxidants and fiber into this dish. It is a well-rounded meal, complete with carbohydrates for energy from the tortellini and protein from the chicken, which can help support muscle growth and repair. Read on for our expert tips, including how to get the most flavor out of your herbs and spices. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • We heat the spices with the aromatics in Step 1. This slow heating process is the key to unlocking an abundance of flavor.
  • You can save time on prep by using matchstick carrots and frozen chopped onions.
  • Cheese tortellini adds saltiness and heartiness, but you can use pasta with other fillings, such as pesto or vegetables, instead.

Nutrition Notes

  • Rotisserie chicken is a convenient way to get more protein into this dish. Adding protein to your meals can increase satiety, making you more satisfied after eating. 
  • Tortellini is a delicious source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy for your day-to-day and extra physical activity.  
  • Onions, carrots and celery are the classic mirepoix, brimming with antioxidants that can help to lower inflammation in the body.
  • Peas are making waves as a source of sustainable plant-based protein, and adding peas is an easy way to increase the total protein—a win for your health!
the ingredients to make the Chicken Tortellini Soup

Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 3 small carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

  • 1 large celery stalk, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh tarragon, divided

  • teaspoons salt-free garlic-and-herb seasoning

  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

  • teaspoon salt

  • 5 cups unsalted chicken broth

  • 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

  • 2 cups packed finely chopped baby spinach

  • 1 cup frozen green peas

  • 1 cup heavy cream

Directions

  1. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon tarragon, 1½ teaspoons garlic-and-herb seasoning, ¼ teaspoon pepper and ⅛ teaspoon salt; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

    a step to make the Chicken Tortellini Soup

    Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

  2. Stir in 5 cups broth; cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 (9-ounce) package tortellini. Cover and cook, undisturbed, until al dente, about 5 minutes.

    a step to make the Chicken Tortellini Soup

    Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

  3. Increase heat to medium. Stir in 2 cups chicken, 2 cups spinach, 1 cup peas and 1 cup cream; cook, uncovered and stirring often, until the spinach is wilted and the peas are bright green, 2 to 3 minutes.

    a step to make the Chicken Tortellini Soup

    Photographer: Greg DuPree, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

  4. Ladle the soup into 6 bowls and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon tarragon.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I prepare Chicken Tortellini Soup ahead of time?

    You can prepare Step 1 up to 4 days in advance. This is the mirepoix, the underlying bundle of flavor that makes this soup shine.

  • What's the best way to store leftovers and reheat them?

    You can store the components in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze them for later. We suggest storing the tortellini separately and adding it to the broth as it heats. This way, the pasta won't become mushy sitting in the broth. You can reheat the soup in a covered, microwave-safe container for about a minute in the microwave or slowly reheat it on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

  • What should I serve with Chicken Tortellini Soup?

    Serving some bread with this soup can help you enjoy every last bit of flavor at the bottom of your bowl. Sure, you can go with a slice of sourdough bread, but how about focaccia, garlic knots, ciabatta rolls, naan or breadsticks? You can also serve this soup with your favorite crostini or bruschetta. Additionally, adding a refreshing green salad can help balance the soup’s heartiness.

EatingWell.com, October 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

435 Calories
23g Fat
31g Carbs
25g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size about 1½ cups
Calories 435
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 31g 11%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 25g 51%
Total Fat 23g 30%
Saturated Fat 14g 68%
Cholesterol 117mg 39%
Vitamin A 603µg
Vitamin C 10mg 11%
Vitamin D 1µg
Vitamin E 1mg 9%
Folate 80µg
Vitamin K 67µg
Sodium 354mg 15%
Calcium 147mg 11%
Iron 2mg 14%
Magnesium 52mg 12%
Potassium 450mg 10%
Zinc 1mg 13%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Sarah Pflugradt, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS
Sarah Pflugradt

Sarah Pflugradt is a registered dietitian who holds a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her extensive background in dietetics has made her a sought-after expert in family and youth sports nutrition.

and
Linda Frahm

Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications, such as Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country magazines, and has edited cookbooks for Dovetail Press and The Taste Curators.

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