If you’re craving a comforting, indulgent bowl of deliciousness, you are going to adore this Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup with Chicken Recipe. It’s that perfect mix of cozy creamy broth, tender chunks of chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach that instantly hits the spot. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, bursting with vibrant flavors and textures that come together effortlessly for a satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients—each one is essential in building layers of flavor, richness, and color that make this soup truly special. From fresh veggies that add brightness to the creamy broth that envelopes every bite, you’ll find these staples easily in your pantry or local market.
- Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that creates the perfect base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and depth, mellowing perfectly as it cooks down.
- Carrots: Bring a bit of natural sweetness and vibrant orange color to brighten the soup.
- Celery: Adds a little crunch and earthy undertone for balance.
- Garlic: Offers a punch of savory aroma that builds flavor complexity.
- Cremini mushrooms: Boost the umami factor and add a meaty texture.
- Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to give the soup its creamy, luscious body.
- Chicken broth or stock: Forms the flavorful, savory liquid base essential for comforting depth.
- Water: Keeps the broth light and balances the richness.
- Cooked chicken: Adds protein and tender bites that make the soup hearty.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend that lifts and complements every ingredient.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star pasta that soaks up the broth with cheesy goodness inside.
- Heavy/whipping cream: For that indulgent, velvety texture that makes this soup irresistible.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a subtle freshness to finish.
- Salt & pepper: Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables
Start by warming olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add your chopped onions, carrots, and celery with the lid slightly open. Let them cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re soft and fragrant. This builds the flavorful foundation for the soup, layering in sweetness and texture right at the start.
Step 2: Add Mushrooms and Garlic
Next up, toss in the sliced cremini mushrooms and minced garlic. Cook uncovered for a few more minutes while stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release their earthy juices, and the garlic will infuse the soup with its vibrant aroma, giving the broth even more depth as you move forward.
Step 3: Stir in the Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and give everything a good stir. Cooking it for about a minute helps eliminate any raw flour taste while it starts to thicken the broth once the liquids are added. This step is key to achieving that perfect creamy texture you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Add Liquids, Chicken, and Seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add your cooked chicken along with the Italian seasoning. This is where all the flavors start marrying together. The broth brings the warmth, the chicken adds heartiness, and Italian seasoning lifts the whole mix with fragrant herbs that tie it all in.
Step 5: Boil and Add Tortellini
Turn up the heat to high to bring the soup to a boil. Once bubbling, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. This pasta cooks quickly and becomes wonderfully tender while soaking up the rich broth, adding an irresistible cheesy burst in each bite.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
Lower the heat to medium or a gentle simmer. Cook the soup for five minutes so the tortellini can finish cooking through, and the flavors can meld together smoothly. This final simmer is when everything softens into comforting harmony.
Step 7: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Finally, stir in the heavy cream and fresh baby spinach. Let the soup heat through just until the spinach wilts and the cream is hot, which will make your soup luxuriously creamy and packed with fresh, vibrant green goodness. Season to taste with salt and pepper and you’re ready to serve a soul-warming bowl of magic.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few torn basil leaves on top for an extra layer of flavor. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or some cracked black pepper can elevate the presentation and taste dramatically. These finishing touches add brightness and a touch of elegance to your bowl.
Side Dishes
Since this soup is hearty on its own, light side dishes work beautifully. Try serving it with a warm crusty baguette, garlic bread, or simple buttered toast to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also pairs nicely, balancing the creamy richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or even hollowed-out bell peppers for a festive look. You can also top with a handful of toasted pine nuts or crumbled crispy bacon to add an unexpected texture contrast that will delight your guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and creamy texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, a gentle reheat will bring it back to its comforting glory without losing any of its charm.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup with Chicken Recipe, but because of the cream and tortellini, the texture might shift slightly. To freeze, cool the soup completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Use within 2 months for best taste. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge to help maintain the creaminess and pasta integrity.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning and to keep the cream from separating. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving at high heat, as that can cause the cream to curdle and alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
While fresh spinach adds a lovely brightness and texture, you can use frozen spinach in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it near the end of cooking to avoid excess water thinning the soup.
Is it okay to substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half to cut down on fat, but the soup will be less rich and creamy. Add it gently and avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables or plant-based proteins, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version of this soup.
What type of tortellini works best?
Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini is perfect here because it cooks quickly and adds creaminess inside each pasta pocket. You can experiment with meat or spinach-filled versions for different flavor profiles.
Can I prepare the soup entirely ahead of time?
You can prepare the base soup without adding the tortellini, cream, and spinach, then refrigerate it. Add these fresh ingredients when reheating to keep the pasta from overcooking and the spinach bright and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup with Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner for any day you want a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal with minimal fuss. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you make it, this recipe will become one of those beloved go-to dishes you keep coming back to when you crave something nourishing and utterly delicious.
