Imagine a bowl of pure comfort, warm and inviting, filled with tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and vibrant greens. This Creamy Italian Chicken Tortellini Soup is exactly that. It’s the perfect dish to bring a smile to your face on a chilly evening, or to impress your friends with a simple yet elegant meal. It’s incredibly satisfying without being heavy, making it a wonderful choice for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion.
This soup is a delightful blend of classic Italian flavors, brought together in a rich, creamy sauce. The star of the show is the cheese tortellini, which becomes wonderfully tender in the broth, along with succulent pieces of shredded chicken. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and healthy goodness. It’s a dish that feels both rustic and sophisticated, bringing a touch of Italian charm right into your kitchen.

Did you know that tortellini, the small, ring-shaped pasta, is said to be inspired by Venus’s navel? Legend has it that an innkeeper in the town of Castelfranco Emilia was so taken by the goddess’s beauty that he tried to recreate it in pasta form. Whether you believe the tale or not, one thing is for sure: tortellini makes everything taste a little more magical!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to your liking
- Black pepper, to your liking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Simple Steps to Deliciousness:
- Get started: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s soft and a little see-through. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its lovely aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Brown the chicken: Add the diced chicken breast to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all sides of the chicken are nicely browned. This helps lock in the flavor.
- Simmer and season: Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld.
- Add the tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package directions. Usually, this is about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini, or until they float to the top.
- Creamy finish: Pour in the heavy cream and add the fresh spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, which will only take about 2 minutes. Avoid overcooking at this stage, as you want the spinach to stay vibrant.
- Taste and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Give it a final stir. Serve this delicious soup hot, piping from the pot!
Serving Your Masterpiece
This Creamy Italian Chicken Tortellini Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Imagine tearing off a piece of warm, crusty bread and scooping up that rich, creamy broth – pure bliss!
For an extra touch of Italian flair, garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves. The bright green basil adds a wonderful freshness that complements the creamy soup perfectly.
Creamy Italian Chicken Tortellini Soup
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy4-6
servings15
minutes30
minutes450-550
kcalIngredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
9 oz cheese tortellini
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 onion, diced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add chicken and cook until browned.
- Pour in broth and Italian seasoning; boil, then simmer 10-15 mins.
- Add tortellini and cook per package.
- Stir in cream and spinach; simmer 2 mins until spinach wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper; serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini.
- Add other vegetables like peas or carrots if desired.
- For a lighter soup, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the soup will be less rich.
- Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan.
