Tomato Basil Chicken Tortellini Soup

At Ajpal, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Tomato Basil Soup With Shredded Chicken and Tortellini

Tomato Basil Chicken Tortellini Soup is a rich, comforting dish that combines the heartiness of a traditional soup with the luxurious textures and flavors of Italian cuisine. The foundation of this soup starts with sautéed yellow onions and garlic, which are gently cooked until they become translucent and fragrant, infusing the base with a sweet and savory aroma. The addition of tomato paste enhances the depth of flavor, lending a concentrated burst of tomato richness. Chopped tomatoes are then stirred in, melding with the aromatic base, while chicken broth adds a warm, savory note, creating a harmonious liquid base. A touch of sugar is a clever ingredient that balances the acidity of the tomatoes, bringing a subtle sweetness to the soup.

The soup is further enriched with shredded chicken, adding a tender, protein-packed element that absorbs the flavors of the tomato and herb broth. Parmesan cheese, known for its nutty and salty profile, is incorporated to give the soup an umami depth and a hint of luxury. The star of the dish, tortellini, is added towards the end of cooking; these little pasta parcels, filled with cheese or meat, offer a delightful chewiness and make the soup more substantial. Fresh basil and oregano are essential herbs that infuse the soup with their aromatic and earthy notes, complementing the tomato base perfectly. A swirl of heavy cream is introduced to the soup just before serving, transforming it into a creamy, indulgent delight. Seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, this Tomato Basil Chicken Tortellini Soup becomes a symphony of flavors, each spoonful offering warmth, comfort, and a taste of Italian-inspired elegance.

How To Make Tomato Basil Chicken Tortellini Soup

This soup is simple and delicious, with lots of flavor layered throughout even though we’re only using one pot.

For the best flavor, be sure to follow each step and give enough time to complete each step. Rushing your soup will not allow time for flavor to develop, even a few minutes can make a big difference when sautéing onions and garlic.

Heat a dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil, yellow onion, and a pinch of salt.
Cook until onions are translucent, about 4 minutes.
If onions begin to brown, add a splash of chicken broth to cool the pot.
Add in tomato paste and garlic, cook for 1 minute.
Slice the rind off the end of the parmesan cheese wedge, save the rest for serving.

It is essential to use real parmesan and not the canned shaker kind for this recipe since we are relying on the milkfat and proper texture for this soup.

Add the tomatoes to the pot and mash with a potato masher or spoon.
Add broth, sugar, chicken, and parmesan cheese rind to the pot, reduce to low and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Add refrigerated tortellini, oregano and basil, and simmer until tortellini have puffed up and just cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Turn off heat.
Stir in heavy cream, taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper.
Serve with freshly grated parmesan cheese, more fresh basil, and crusty bread.

Tips For Perfect Chicken Tortellini Soup

Do not use pre grated parmesan. These contain cellulose (wood pulp) and will thicken your soup and negatively affect the texture.
San Marzano tomatoes are imported from Italy, and are now readily available at most grocery stores. They are super sweet, and never packed using preservatives which makes canned tomatoes more acidic. I recommend Cento. Canned tomatoes that say “San Marzano style tomatoes” are not the same, but will do in a pinch.
Pro tip: When you are not able to use San Marzano tomatoes for cooking, adding ½ teaspoon of baking soda to your dish will neutralize some of the acid in the canned tomatoes and mellow the flavor. Adding a pinch of sugar will help as well.
Don’t have fresh herbs? Go ahead and use 2 teaspoons of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon dried oregano. Taste after 5 minutes, add a few more pinches if needed.
Fresh basil is best stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. If you’d like to cut down on waste, and lend a stronger flavor, try simmering the basil stems in the soup with the parmesan rind.
Try customizing your soup and use browned chicken sausage instead of shredded chicken. Add in a few big handfuls of spinach to sneak in some extra veggies!
For a lighter soup, do not add the heavy cream. It will still be delicious, and will be a gorgeous bright red instead of a warm red/orange.

FAQs

This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

If you have leftovers and it stains your plastic containers with tomato coloring, you can get rid of the discoloration with a simple trick. Mix 1 teaspoon of water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/4 teaspoon of dish soap in the red-stained container and scrub well to remove stain.

What to Serve With Tomato Chicken Tortellini Soup

This soup is great because it pairs perfectly alongside simple salads, sandwiches, hearty meats, and pastas.

Try dipping one of our delicious easy baked breads and rolls like our no knead bread, our buttery soft dinner rolls, our Irish brown soda bread, or our sour cream cornbread.

This soup is perfect on a cold night – make it alongside some Easy No Knead Bread, Oven Roasted Asparagus, and serve with a bottle of red wine for a romantic dinner that is perfect to get cozy with!

You can also try one of our favorite recent side dish recipes: