Chicken Tortellini Soup with Spinach

This Chicken Tortellini Soup with Spinach is super easy to make on the stovetop or crockpot, deliciously comforting, and the perfect healthy dinner option for during the week. I’ll also give some make-ahead tips so you can have this soup on the table in less than 15 minutes.

Is there anything more comforting than a bowl of chicken noodle soup? I don’t think so?

Well, how about Chicken Tortellini Soup? This healthy soup includes a flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out, lean, juicy chicken to fill you up, and hearty cheese tortellini to provide a big comforting hug with every bite. Everything comfort food should be! I can’t forget about the spinach and squeeze of lemon for that fresh touch.

Next time you want to curl up with a hot bowl of soup, definitely make this chicken tortellini soup with spinach. See all of my healthy soup recipes.

More reasons you’ll love this recipe

• Super easy to make. This tortellini soup comes together quickly using simple ingredients and one pot. 
• Fast weeknight dinner. You can make it on the stovetop from scratch in under 30 minutes or in the slow cooker.
• Healthy and filling. This broth-based super is high in protein and loaded with wholesome ingredients to keep you satisfied.
• Cozy and delicious. Don’t let the simplicity of this soup recipe fool you; this chicken tortellini soup recipe is super flavorful and can make any chilly night better. 
• Customizable. You can bulk up this soup with more vegetables and change the flavor with different spices.

Ingredients

• Onion and garlic are the foundation of most delicious soup recipes, including this tortellini soup. I use white onion, but a yellow or Vidalia onion will work too, so use what you have on hand. Also, this recipe calls for two garlic cloves but feel free to measure garlic with your heart.
• Fresh Thyme is one of my favorite herbs to use in soup recipes. I prefer fresh Thyme, but a teaspoon of dried Thyme will also work. You can also use Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano or basil. 
• Chicken broth is the classic base for this soup, and I strongly encourage you to purchase a high-quality organic chicken broth for the best flavor. You can also use vegetable broth.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts cook in the soup, making this soup easier to prepare, but it also creates juicy chicken pieces. To keep this recipe clean and for the best flavor, I recommend organic chicken.
• Dry cheese tortellini is my favorite for this soup, but refrigerated or frozen tortellini will work too.
• Fresh baby spinach pairs well with the tortellini and chicken while also adding an extra punch of nutrition to the soup.
• Lemon juice gives the soup a bright flavor that blends well with the other ingredients.
• Grated parmesan gets sprinkled on all of my soup recipes; it’s how I grew up. I love the sharp cheesy bite it adds. Use fresh parmesan for the best flavor.

Cooking Tips

• If you have a gluten intolerance, use gluten-free tortellini or gluten-free pasta instead. I don’t recommend cooking either in broth; instead, cook separately and add to soup when preparing a bowl.
• Any tortellini variety will work in this soup recipe. For dry tortellini, you’ll find spinach and cheese and three cheese on the shelf. In the frozen or refrigerated section, you’ll see those flavors but also Italian sausage or ricotta tortellini too.
• Swap in other kale or greens for the baby spinach. If you have spinach or kale frozen, you can also use that in the soup. See my tutorial for freezing kale and other greens.
• Bulk up the vegetables. Carrots and celery are good classic options; broccoli or bell peppers are also good; keep in mind that using a heartier vegetable means you will need to cook them longer. Cook the vegetables in the broth for about 45 minutes or until softened, then add the tortellini.
• You can use leftover shredded chicken, chopped cooked chicken, or meat from a rotisserie chicken. 

Serving suggestions

One of the things I love about soup is it’s a meal within itself. However, if you’re looking for a side to serve with this tortellini soup, I recommend a crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to sop up the broth. 

My Favorite Soup Pot

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup with chicken

• On the stove top, In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant. Add garlic and Thyme and cook for 2 minutes longer.
• Pour in the broth and bring the soup to a boil. 
• Reduce to a simmer and carefully place the chicken breast with the broth.
• Cook the chicken breasts for about 10 – 15 minutes or until no longer pink on the inside. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and set them aside on a plate. 

• Keep the soup simmering and add the tortellini and cook for 7-8 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
• Carefully chop or shred the chicken breasts and add them into the soup pot along with the spinach and fresh lemon juice. Start with two tablespoons, give it a taste, and then add more if you prefer.
• Continue cooking until the soup is hot—season with salt and pepper.
• Serve hot with grated parmesan cheese.

Can I make chicken tortellini soup in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can.

• Start by mixing the garlic, onion, and Thyme into a bowl and microwave for 3-4 minutes. This step blooms the aromatics.
• Add the onion mixture to the slow cooker insert with the broth and chicken breasts. Set the slow cooker to cook on low for 4-6 hours.
• Remove the chicken and shred or chop.
• Place it back into the slow cooker with the tortellini and spinach set to high and let it cook for another 30 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
• Squirt in the lemon juice and taste for salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Storage tips

For the week.

• The soup base can be made ahead of time for the week. Store in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you plan to eat the soup, heat it on the stove and add the tortellini. Storing the tortellini in the broth will cause it to get mushy.
• You can also prepare the tortellini separately and store it separately in the fridge. On the night you’re going to eat, heat the soup, add the tortellini, and continue cooking until heated. 

Both ways will have dinner on the table in less than 15 minutes.

To freeze.

• I don’t recommend freezing the tortellini in the soup. Instead, freeze the soup base and add the tortellini when you heat the soup.

 

Other Healthy Chicken Soup Recipes

• Chicken enchilada soup
• Buffalo chicken soup
• Italian chicken soup
• Chicken tortilla soup

Did you make this recipe?

Have you tried this Chicken Tortellini Soup with Spinach? I can’t wait to see it! If so, I’d love for you to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. We all learn from each other’s experiences. Also, it would be awesome if you could share a picture on Instagram and tag it #organizeyourselfskinny.