Name: Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 whole yellow onion, chopped; 2 medium carrots, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices; 2 ribs celery, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups packed baby spinach; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 6 cups chicken stock; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving; 2 cups shredded chicken breast; 10 ounces cheese tortellini; 1/4 cup flour; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Red pepper flakes, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 11 reviews

If you are craving a bowl of comfort that delivers warmth, flavor, and richness all in one, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful blend of tender shredded chicken, tender cheese tortellini, vibrant spinach, and the indulgent creaminess of Parmesan and heavy cream, simmered into a deliciously smooth broth. Every spoonful is an embrace of cozy, nourishing goodness that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of cooking ingredients on a beige surface. There are small bowls and dishes holding items like cubed raw chicken, diced onions, chopped carrots, sliced mushrooms, three types of red spices, olive oil, butter, garlic, dried herbs, flour, milk, wild rice, broth, lemon juice, soy sauce, and chili flakes. The items are neatly organized in rows creating a clean and orderly layout, with wooden bowls mixed with white ceramic bowls. The shot is bright and clear with a focus on the variety and color of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is wonderfully simple, focusing on fresh, readily available ingredients that each play a vital role in building the soup’s beautiful flavor, texture, and inviting appearance.

2 tablespoons salted butter: Perfect for sautéing the vegetables and adding a luscious richness right from the start.
1 whole yellow onion, chopped: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that deepens the soup’s flavor.
2 medium carrots, sliced 1/4-inch thick: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and subtle texture.
2 ribs celery, sliced 1/4-inch thick: Brings a fresh, crisp flavor to balance the richness.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the broth with a fragrant, vibrant essence that wakes up the palate.
1/4 cup flour: The secret to lightly thickening the soup and giving it that velvety mouthfeel.
6 cups chicken stock: Forms the hearty, flavorful base of the soup, making every bite satisfying.
1 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the ingredients and rounds out the taste perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and depth.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a classic herbaceous note to tie all the flavors together harmoniously.
1/2 teaspoon paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness and lovely color to the broth.
1 cup heavy cream: Makes the soup irresistibly creamy and rich without overpowering the other ingredients.
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving: Brings a nutty, savory finish that melts seamlessly into the soup.
2 cups shredded chicken breast: Provides protein and heartiness that make the soup a complete meal.
10 ounces cheese tortellini: Cooks right in the broth, offering tender bites of cheesy delight.
3 cups packed baby spinach: Adds a burst of freshness and beautiful green color to brighten the bowl.
Red pepper flakes, to taste: Optional, for anyone who enjoys a little touch of heat to lift the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Mirepoix

Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, cooking everything slowly until the onion turns translucent and the vegetables begin to soften. This foundational mixture, known as mirepoix, is key to building a rich and flavorful base for your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Flour

Stir in minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then sprinkle the flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly. The flour will coat the veggies and start to turn a light golden color, which helps thicken the soup later without any lumps.

Step 3: Pour in Chicken Stock and Seasonings

Slowly add the chicken stock while stirring to keep it smooth. Season with sea salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all those herbs and spices to infuse the broth with irresistible flavor.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This step softens the vegetables fully and lets the broth thicken ever so slightly, creating that perfect silky texture.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Tortellini

Stir in the shredded chicken and cheese tortellini. Let it cook at a steady simmer until the tortellini are tender and cooked through, roughly 5 minutes. The tortellini absorb some of the broth’s flavor, making each bite wonderfully comforting.

Step 6: Finish with Cream, Parmesan, and Spinach

Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan until melted and smooth—this transforms your soup into the creamy masterpiece it’s meant to be. Finally, fold in the baby spinach just until it wilts, adding a fresh green flourish and a boost of nutrition. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you want a little kick, then serve steaming hot.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy soup that has visible layers of diced light brown chicken pieces, sliced brown mushrooms, small orange carrot cubes, and green celery bits mixed with wild rice strands in a thick white broth, with a silver spoon resting inside the bowl. Another bowl with the same soup is partially visible in the background, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness that melts slowly into each spoonful. If you appreciate a hint of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes is fantastic for a subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a standalone meal, but pairing it with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad can elevate your dining experience. The crisp textures and complementary flavors give a perfect balance alongside the creamy, hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe in rustic bowls with a fresh sprig of basil or torn basil leaves on top for a punch of color. For a fun twist, place a parmesan crisp on the side or break it into the soup for an added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent the tortellini from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.

Freezing

While this soup can be frozen, be aware that the texture of the cream and spinach may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in individual portions and use within 2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to preserve the soup’s creamy texture and avoid curdling. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken stock or cream if it needs loosening up.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that saves time while still delivering delicious flavor and tender chicken in the soup.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free cream alternative like coconut cream, and skip or replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese to accommodate dietary needs.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Frozen spinach can be used, but thaw and drain it well before adding to the soup to avoid excess water diluting the flavors and affecting the texture.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking. You could also serve with a drizzle of spicy chili oil for an extra zing.

What’s the best type of tortellini to use?

Cheese-filled tortellini works wonderfully for this soup, but feel free to experiment with meat or spinach-filled varieties depending on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Parmesan Recipe is pure kitchen magic — comforting, rich, and easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand. It’s truly one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cooler days or whenever you want something nourishing and satisfying. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your meal rotation!