When we are sick, or in need of something cozy, there is one soup we crave and have to have – our Lemon Chicken Tortellini Soup! This soup is hearty and warming Fresh and filling soup with lemon, shredded rotisserie chicken, tortellini, and fresh vegetables for a comforting soup everyone loves. This soup is the best with Immunity Cold Bombs when you're feeling under the weather, or want to warm up on a chilly fall day!

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

How to Make Lemon Chicken Tortellini Soup

This soup is meant to be really, simple – so you can make it even if you're a bit under the weather. We're using store bought rotisserie chicken and tortellini for this soup – or you can use our Boiled Chicken Breasts recipe for an easy and flavorful shredded chicken from scratch at home.

Lemon Chicken Tortellini Soup Ingredients

Rotisserie Chicken (3 cups, shredded): Rotisserie chicken adds a rich and savory flavor to the soup. It's a convenient and flavorful source of protein.
Chicken Broth (8 cups): Chicken broth forms the base of the soup, providing a hearty and savory liquid. It's the foundation of the soup's flavor.
Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini (9 oz): Tortellini not only contribute a delightful cheesy element to the soup but also make it more substantial and satisfying. They soak up the flavors of the broth.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables at the beginning of the recipe. It adds a mild, fruity flavor and helps soften the vegetables.
Onion (Finely Chopped): Onions bring a sweet and savory base flavor to the soup. They add depth and aroma to the broth.
Garlic (Minced, 3 cloves): Garlic enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic and slightly pungent qualities. It complements the chicken and vegetables.
Carrots (Diced): Carrots add a subtle sweetness to the soup and provide texture and color. They contribute to the overall balance of flavors.
Celery (Diced): Celery contributes a mild, earthy flavor and a pleasant crunch to the soup. It's a classic soup ingredient.
Lemon (Zest and Juice): Lemon zest and juice provide a zesty, citrusy brightness to the soup. They balance the richness of the chicken and add a refreshing twist.
Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Dried thyme adds an earthy and slightly minty note to the soup's flavor profile. It complements the other herbs and seasonings.
Salt and Black Pepper (To Taste): Salt enhances all the other flavors in the soup, while black pepper adds a touch of heat and complexity.
Fresh Parsley or Basil (Optional for Garnish): Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be used as a garnish to add a burst of fresh flavor and a vibrant visual element to the dish.

Rotisserie Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe Steps

Prep Ingredients

Shred rotisserie chicken and dice vegetables.

Brown Vegetables

Brown and soften vegetables, about 6-8 minutes until soft and lightly browned. Add garlic when lightly browned and cook about 1 minute, until fragrant.

Add Garlic & Herbs

Stir in herbs and let get fragrant.

Add Chicken

Add shredded rotisserie chicken, toss and cook to hot, about 3 minutes.

Add Pasta, Stock & Bring to Boil

Add stock and tortellini. Bring soup to a boil and then bring it down to a simmer until tortellini is cooked, about 10 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy!

When tortellini floats and is soft, serve with bread or rolls!

Kitchen notes

Use High-Quality Chicken Broth: The flavor of your soup largely depends on the quality of the chicken broth. If possible, use homemade chicken broth for the best results. Otherwise, opt for a good-quality store-bought broth that you enjoy.

Shred the Chicken Well: When using rotisserie chicken, take the time to shred it thoroughly. This ensures that the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the soup, and every bite is filled with good chicken flavor.

Add Lemon Zest Carefully: When zesting the lemon, be cautious not to include the bitter white pith beneath the yellow skin. The zest should be purely aromatic and not bitter. Use a microplane or fine grater for the best results.

Control the Lemon Juice: Start with a moderate amount of lemon juice and taste as you go. Lemon juice can vary in acidity, so adjust it to your preference. You can always add more but can't take it out once it's in the soup.

Don't Overcook the Tortellini: Follow the package instructions for cooking the tortellini, and avoid overcooking them. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and affect the texture of your soup.

Season Gradually: Season the soup gradually, especially with salt. Remember that both the rotisserie chicken and cheese tortellini may add some saltiness to the dish. Taste and adjust as needed.

Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Using fresh herbs like parsley or basil for garnish adds a burst of fresh flavor and a vibrant pop of color to your soup. It elevates the presentation and taste.

Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to customize your soup with additional vegetables like spinach, kale, or peas for added color, nutrition, and flavor.

Serve Promptly: Serve the soup as soon as it's ready to enjoy it at its best. Hot soup is more flavorful and satisfying.

Store Leftovers Separately: If you have leftovers, store the tortellini separately from the broth. Pasta can absorb a lot of liquid, so keeping them separate helps maintain the soup's consistency.

Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe FAQs

Can we use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade chicken broth can add a richer and more personalized flavor to your soup. It's a great choice if you have it available.

Can we use a different type of pasta if we don't have tortellini?

Yes, you can substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle if you don't have tortellini on hand. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.

How do we prevent the tortellini from getting mushy in the soup?

To prevent overcooking, follow the package instructions for cooking the tortellini. Be attentive and cook them until they are tender. They will continue to cook slightly in the hot soup, so slightly undercooking them is preferable.

Can we make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make the soup in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. However, it's a good idea to store the cooked tortellini separately from the broth to maintain their texture.

What can we do if our soup tastes too lemony or acidic?

If your soup tastes overly lemony or acidic, you can balance it by adding a bit of sweetness, such as a teaspoon of sugar or honey. Taste and adjust until the acidity is to your liking.

Can we freeze Lemon Chicken Tortellini Soup?

While it's possible to freeze this soup, keep in mind that pasta can change texture when frozen and thawed. If you plan to freeze it, consider freezing the broth separately from the pasta and chicken. Thaw and reheat the components separately and then combine them.

What other vegetables can we add to the soup?

You can customize your soup by adding vegetables like spinach, kale, peas, or diced tomatoes. add them during the last few minutes of cooking to keep them tender.

Can we use fresh tortellini instead of refrigerated ones?

Yes, you can use fresh tortellini if that's what you have available. Fresh tortellini typically cook faster than dried or refrigerated ones, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How long can we store leftovers in the refrigerator?

Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the tortellini separate from the broth to maintain their texture.

Can we use other herbs for garnish besides parsley or basil?

Certainly! Chopped chives, cilantro, or dill can also make delightful herb garnishes, depending on your taste preferences.

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Ingredients

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (about 3 cups)
8 cups chicken broth, homemade or store-bought
1 package, 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 lemon, zest and juice
½ teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish, optional

Method

Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and dried thyme. Continue to sauté for another minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender.
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package instructions, typically for about 4-6 minutes or until the tortellini float to the surface and are cooked through.
Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated through.
Grate the zest from the lemon and squeeze its juice into the soup. This adds a refreshing citrusy flavor to the soup. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste.
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that the rotisserie chicken and cheese tortellini can add some saltiness, so be cautious not to over-salt.
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Serve your Lemon Chicken Tortellini Soup hot, and savor the delightful combination of flavors. It's comforting, zesty, and suited to a satisfying meal.
This easy-to-make soup is a crowd-pleaser and can be ready in under 30 minutes. It's a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of rotisserie chicken and the zing of lemon in a comforting bowl of goodness.