If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and just downright delicious, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this soup brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach in a luscious, creamy broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something impressive to share with family, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have this ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for the cheesy tortellini and creamy broth combo.
- Flexible Ingredients: You can easily swap herbs and add extras to suit your taste and pantry.
- Rich and Comforting: The blend of cream, cheese, and fresh spinach creates a soup that truly feels like a treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the aromatic vegetables to the fresh spinach and melty cheese, these ingredients come together beautifully. When shopping, look for fresh veggies and good-quality chicken broth to elevate this soup.

- Butter: Use real butter for that rich, silky base when sautéing your veggies.
- Diced celery, onion, and carrots: Classic soup aromatics that add sweetness and depth.
- Chicken broth: The heart of the soup’s flavor, homemade or low-sodium store-bought works great.
- Flour: For thickening the soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Thyme and oregano: These herbs add that warm, earthy note – fresh thyme is especially wonderful here if you’re lucky to have it.
- Turmeric (optional): This adds a subtle golden color and gentle warmth – I love the way it brightens the soup!
- Salt and black pepper: Keep your seasoning balanced.
- Cooked shredded or diced chicken: Leftovers are perfect here, or rotisserie chicken saves time.
- Frozen cheese tortellini: The star ingredient—you get melty pockets of cheesy goodness in every spoonful.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds color, freshness, and a bit of a nutritional boost.
- Heavy cream: This transforms the broth into a luscious, velvety soup you’ll crave.
- Grated cheddar cheese (optional): For extra richness and a slight tang if you want to kick it up a notch.
Variations
I love to mix things up sometimes, and this soup is great for personalization. Whether you’re looking to lighten it up or add bold flavors, there’s a way to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment—you might discover your new favorite twist!
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit chicken; add mushrooms or white beans for protein.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and skip the cheddar cheese or use a vegan alternative.
- Herb Swap: Use Italian seasoning instead of thyme and oregano if that’s what’s in your pantry—works beautifully with this soup.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by melting butter over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. I find that a heavy-bottomed pot helps prevent sticking and burns. Toss in your diced celery, onions, and carrots, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to smell heavenly—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want the veggies tender but not browned, which keeps the soup bright and fresh-tasting.
Step 2: Make It Creamy
Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir it around to coat everything evenly. This step will help thicken the soup once you add the broth, so be sure to cook it for a minute or two to eliminate any raw flour taste. Patience here really pays off—no one wants flour lumps!
Step 3: Build the Broth
Now, add your seasonings: thyme, oregano, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked chicken and pour in the chicken broth along with the cup of water. Turn the heat to high until the soup comes to a boil, then let it boil gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step melds flavors and warms everything through nicely.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Add your frozen cheese tortellini straight from the bag. The soup will stop boiling when you add the cold pasta—just be patient and bring it back up to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to medium-high and let it cook for about 2 more minutes, or until the tortellini are tender but still hold their shape. Overcooking will make them mushy, so keep an eye on them.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cream
Turn the heat to low and gently stir in your fresh baby spinach and heavy cream. The spinach will wilt instantly, adding freshness and color, while the cream enriches the broth. At this point, if you’re going for maximum indulgence, throw in some shredded cheddar to melt through – just delicious.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: When I’m short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken works like a charm and adds extra flavor.
- Don’t Skip Sautéing Veggies: It takes a few extra minutes but gives the soup a depth of flavor you just can’t get otherwise.
- Gentle Boil for Tortellini: Keep the heat moderate so the pasta cooks perfectly without getting mushy.
- Fresh Spinach Last: Add spinach at the end to keep its vibrant color and delicate texture—trust me on this one!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe

Garnishes
I like topping mine with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or extra cheddar cheese if I’m feeling cheesy that day. A few fresh basil leaves or a little cracked black pepper on top add a nice finishing touch too. You could even drizzle a bit of chili oil for a subtle kick if you love spice!
Side Dishes
Crusty bread or garlic toast are my go-to sides—they’re perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. Sometimes I’ll serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I’ve ladled the soup into individual hollowed-out bread bowls—instant wow factor and a fun way to impress guests. You can also garnish with edible flowers or microgreens if you’re feeling fancy. It’s such a crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. I’ve found that the flavors actually improve overnight as everything melds together beautifully. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, which is great because sometimes I like to make a double batch. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for 2 to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture of the tortellini softens slightly after freezing, but it’s still delicious.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water helps loosen it up if it’s too thick. You can also reheat single servings in the microwave—just heat in 1-minute increments and stir between to keep it creamy and smooth.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini cooks faster, so add it towards the last minute or two of cooking to avoid overcooking and making it mushy. Keep a close eye on it as it’ll only take a couple of minutes to become tender.
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Can I make this soup without cream?
Yes, you can skip the heavy cream for a lighter soup—just remember the texture will be less rich and velvety. Adding a bit more cheese or blending part of the cooked vegetables into the broth can help maintain some creaminess.
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Is turmeric necessary in this recipe?
Turmeric is optional. I love it because it adds a beautiful golden hue and subtle earthy flavor, but if you don’t have it or don’t like the taste, you can safely leave it out without impacting the overall soup.
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How do I prevent the tortellini from sticking together?
Stir the soup gently but frequently once you add the tortellini to keep them from clumping. Using a larger pot gives them plenty of room to cook evenly. If you’re cooking a large batch, consider adding tortellini in batches.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe, I was blown away by how comforting and satisfying it felt—like all the best parts of home cooking in one bowl. It’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something quick but still special. I really hope you enjoy making and sharing this soup as much as I do; it’s one of those recipes that warms your soul and fills your belly with pure happiness. Give it a try—you deserve that cozy bowl of goodness.
Print
Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Spinach Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty recipe that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup is easy to prepare and boasts a lovely creamy texture with hints of thyme, oregano, and optional turmeric for color and flavor.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
Broth and Seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken
- 12 ounces frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Over medium heat, melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add diced celery, onions, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender and fragrant, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir thoroughly to coat them evenly. This helps to thicken the soup later on.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Stir in the thyme, oregano, turmeric (if using), salt, and cracked pepper. Add the shredded chicken along with the chicken broth and water. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the frozen cheese tortellini to the boiling soup. The boiling will temporarily stop but bring it back to a boil again. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high and let the soup gently boil for 2 more minutes until the tortellini is cooked through.
- Finish Soup: Lower the heat to keep the soup warm. Stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach and heavy cream. Mix until the spinach wilts and the soup is creamy and well combined. If desired, stir in the grated cheddar cheese for extra richness and flavor before serving.
Notes
- Turmeric adds a beautiful yellow color and a great flavor. If you don’t have it or don’t like it, you can skip it.
- Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried; use 2 teaspoons if fresh.
- Italian seasoning can substitute thyme and oregano, use 2 teaspoons total.
- Store leftover soup in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave.
- You can freeze the soup for 2-3 months; thaw and reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg

