Chicken Tortellini Soup

This easy one-pot chicken tortellini soup is loaded with veggies, cheese tortellini, spinach, and fresh lemon. Perfect for fall and winter, meal prep, or a comforting weeknight dinner. You can make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or an Instant Pot.

Ingredients · Servings 6

2 tablespoons olive oil ((30 milliliters))
1 medium onion ((150 grams), chopped)
2 medium carrots ((120 grams), diced)
2 stalks celery ((100 grams), diced)
1 cup cremini mushrooms ((90 grams), sliced)
½ teaspoon garlic powder ((1.5 grams))
½ teaspoon onion powder ((1.5 grams))
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
4 cloves garlic ((12 grams) minced)
8 cups chicken stock (or broth (1.9 liters))
1 teaspoon snipped thyme leaves
½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
12 oz refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini (about 3 cups (340 grams))
2 cups cooked shredded chicken ((250 grams))
3 cups fresh baby spinach ((90 grams), packed)
2 medium lemons (start with 1 and adjust to taste (about 60 milliliters))
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Method · 45 min

Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, celery, and sliced mushrooms. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring often, for about 6 to 7 minutes, until the vegetables have softened and are just starting to turn golden.
Stir in the minced garlic, thyme sprigs, and chopped rosemary. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything smells super fragrant.
Pour in the chicken stock, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors can start to come together.
Add the shredded chicken and tortellini, and let it simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes (or however long the package of tortellini suggests), until the pasta is perfectly tender.
Stir in the baby spinach and the juice of half a lemon, cooking just another minute or two until the spinach wilts.
Take the pot off the heat, taste the soup, and adjust with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper if you think it needs a little extra brightness or kick.
Ladle into bowls and top with chopped parsley and a fresh sprig of thyme before serving.

Lemon Chicken Tortellini Soup (One-Pot, No Cream)

Lately I've been on a roll with cozy, comforting soups like my Hungarian mushroom soup and chicken lemon orzo soup, which have become some of the most-cooked recipes on my site this fall. This chicken tortellini soup fits right in: a bright, brothy chicken soup packed with high-quality, simple ingredients-shredded chicken, spinach, carrots, mushrooms, fresh thyme, rosemary, parsley, and plenty of lemon. I make it on repeat because it's truly easy, one-pot, travels well, and reheats beautifully; it's my go-to to share with friends and family, and it belongs in your cool-weather rotation just like my sausage tortellini soup. It's healthy, flexible, and weeknight-friendly: use rotisserie or leftover shredded chicken, and swap tortellini for ravioli or your favorite small pasta like farfalle, orzo, or ditalini.

Tortellini Substitutes

If you don't have tortellini, don't worry. Mini ravioli (cheese or spinach-ricotta), gnocchi, or even small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini work wonderfully. For gluten-free version, use GF small pasta like farfalle or GF ravioli. You can even use Chicken sausage tortelloni that are richer, heartier alternative. For a lighter version, add cooked rice or quinoa instead-it keeps things healthy and cozy while letting the broth shine.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup (Step-By-Step Photos)

Gather all your ingredients. This photo conveniently shows everything you need:
Cook veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add onion, carrots, celery, and mushrooms, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, and sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened and golden.
Add herbs: Stir in garlic, thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for a minute or two, just until fragrant.
Pour in chicken stock, scrape up any browned bits, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add shredded chicken and tortellini, simmering until the pasta is tender, about 8-10 minutes.
Stir in spinach and lemon juice, cooking just until wilted.
Remove from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot, topped with chopped parsley and a sprig of thyme.

How to Make It in a Slow Cooker

Add all ingredients except tortellini, spinach, and lemon juice to the crockpot.
With raw chicken: Cook on Low 6-7 hours or High 3-4 hours. Shred chicken, return to pot.
With pre-cooked shredded chicken: Cook on Low 3-4 hours just to meld flavors.
Stir in the tortellini during the last 30 minutes, then add spinach and lemon juice right before serving.

How to Make It in an Instant Pot

Use Sauté mode with olive oil; cook onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms 5-6 minutes. Add fresh garlic/herbs 30-60 seconds.
With raw chicken: Add broth and raw chicken. Seal and cook 6-8 minutes at High Pressure (thighs 8-10). Quick release. Shred and return.
With pre-cooked shredded chicken: Add broth; don't add chicken yet. Pressure cook 1 minute just to infuse veg; quick release, then stir in shredded chicken and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, quick-release.
Switch to Sauté, add tortellini; simmer 2-4 minutes until al dente. Turn off heat, wilt spinach, add lemon, adjust seasoning, serve.

Is Chicken Tortellini Soup Healthy?

Generally, yes-especially the way I make it. You're getting lean protein (shredded chicken), lots of veggies (onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, spinach), and a broth-based soup that's lighter than cream soups. Tortellini adds carbs and a bit of cheese; portion it to your goals. To make it even lighter: use low-sodium broth, add more spinach, swap some tortellini for zucchini "noodles," and finish with lemon instead of extra salt. You're getting a nourishing balance of carbs, protein, and veggies all in one easy pot.

What to Serve With It

Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic knots. You can also make my garlic rolls, savory bacon and cheddar scones, or Italian-style garlic bread.
Wine: A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio for pairing.

Chicken Tortellini Soup

chicken tortellini soup comes together in 30-45 minutes and is packed with veggies, cheese tortellini, spinach, shredded chicken, and a splash of fresh lemon. It's a simple, one-pot meal that's perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or an easy weeknight dinner.

You can make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or in the Instant Pot.