There are days when I want a meal that feels deeply nourishing and cozy, but I simply don’t have the time to stand over a stove for two hours. This Rotisserie Chicken Tortellini Soup is my favorite solution! It combines the convenience of a store-bought rotisserie chicken with fresh, Italian-inspired flavors to create a soup that tastes like it simmered all day—but is ready in just 30 minutes.
This isn’t your grandma’s plain chicken noodle soup. We elevate it with cheese tortellini, a bright blend of dried herbs (basil, tarragon, marjoram), and a generous swirl of pesto at the end. It’s hearty, satisfying, and features that herbaceous, comforting broth that truly warms you from the inside out. This soup is proof that a quick shortcut can result in a magnificent meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 30-Minute Wonder: Using rotisserie chicken and refrigerated tortellini makes this incredibly fast for weeknights.
- Herbaceous & Bright: A rich blend of Italian herbs and pesto gives the broth an irresistible, fresh flavor.
- Hearty & Filling: The combination of savory chicken and cheesy tortellini makes this a complete, satisfying meal.
- Elevated Comfort: It’s a sophisticated twist on classic chicken soup that the whole family will love.
4. Recipe Card Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 cup diced onions (about 1 small/medium onion)
- 1 cup chopped leeks, white and light green parts only
- 1/2 cup chopped celery (about 2 large ribs)
- 1/3 cup chopped carrot (one medium carrot)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried sweet basil
- 1 tsp dried tarragon
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried marjoram
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp chicken-flavored Better Than Bouillon (optional, for flavor depth)
- 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken (or leftover chicken)
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach, sliced julienne
- 1/4 cup prepared pesto (basil preferred)
- 1 lemon, sliced in half
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, leeks, celery, and carrots. Sauté until soft, about 8 minutes.
- Add Herbs & Garlic: Add the minced garlic and all the dried herbs (basil, tarragon, parsley, marjoram), plus a big pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to mix and let the garlic become fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Build Broth: Add the chicken broth and Better Than Bouillon (if using). Increase heat to high and bring the soup to an active simmer.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the refrigerated tortellini and simmer according to package directions (usually 3–5 minutes) until they float. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and chopped spinach. Let warm through for several minutes.
- Brighten the Flavor: Stir in the prepared pesto and the juice from one half of the lemon. Add the balsamic vinegar (if using). Taste, and adjust salt or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with the remaining lemon half sliced into wedges on the side.
Chef’s Tips for Success
- Tip 1 (Leek Prep): Leeks can trap dirt! Be sure to slice the white and light green parts open lengthwise and rinse thoroughly under running water before chopping to ensure they are clean.
- Tip 2 (Freezing): Tortellini does not freeze well—it becomes mushy upon thawing. If you want to freeze this soup, omit the tortellini during cooking. Freeze the broth/chicken base, and cook a fresh batch of tortellini separately when you reheat the thawed soup.
- Tip 3 (Pesto Power): Don’t skip the pesto! It’s the secret ingredient that instantly gives the broth that rich, garden-fresh, herbaceous green flavor.
Encouraging Conclusion
This Rotisserie Chicken Tortellini Soup is the perfect recipe for those nights when you crave maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s got everything: tender chicken, soft pasta, bright herbs, and a cozy, satisfying broth.
