Southwestern Chicken Tortellini Soup is a bold and comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, sweet corn, carrots, and salsa in a lightly creamy broth. Inspired by Tex-Mex flavors, this easy soup is rich, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you want something warm with a little kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Southwestern chicken tortellini soup because it’s quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and packed with hearty ingredients that make it a complete meal in one bowl. The combination of salsa, corn, chicken, and cheese-filled tortellini creates a comforting yet exciting flavor profile that’s both creamy and slightly spicy. It’s perfect for meal prep, crowd-pleasing dinners, and cozy nights when you want something filling without spending hours in the kitchen.

Southwestern Chicken Tortellini Soup

Southwestern Chicken Tortellini Soup is the perfect fusion of comfort food and bold Tex-Mex flavors. It takes everything we love about classic chicken soup and elevates it with salsa, spices, and cheesy pasta.

This soup is designed for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort. Using simple ingredients and one pot, it delivers a rich, satisfying meal without complicated steps.

The broth is infused with salsa, which adds instant depth, mild heat, and a tangy richness that sets this soup apart from traditional chicken soups.

Carrots bring natural sweetness and texture, balancing out the savory and slightly spicy elements of the soup.

Cooked chicken makes this recipe quick and convenient, especially if you’re using rotisserie chicken or leftovers from another meal.

Cheese tortellini adds heartiness and indulgence, turning this soup into a filling main dish rather than just a starter.

Frozen corn contributes pops of sweetness and color, making each bite comforting and vibrant.

A splash of evaporated milk creates a lightly creamy texture without making the soup overly heavy, allowing the Southwestern flavors to shine through.

This soup is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a crowd because it scales easily and reheats beautifully.

If you’re craving a cozy soup with bold flavor, creamy texture, and satisfying ingredients, this Southwestern chicken tortellini soup is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Servings & Time

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 1/2 cups salsa

• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped

• 2 cups frozen corn

• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion flakes

• 1 (19 oz) package frozen cheese tortellini

• 1 (5 oz) can evaporated milk

Instructions

1. In a Dutch oven, combine chicken broth, salsa, and sliced carrots.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes until carrots are tender.

3. Stir in cooked chicken, frozen corn, onion flakes, and frozen cheese tortellini.

4. Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tortellini is tender.

5. Stir in evaporated milk and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot.

Tips

Ingredient Substitutions

• Use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of evaporated milk for a richer soup.

• Swap cheese tortellini for chicken tortellini or ravioli.

• Use mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on heat preference.

Make-Ahead

• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Add extra broth when reheating, as tortellini absorbs liquid.

Serving Variations

• Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions.

• Add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top.

• Serve with tortilla chips or crusty bread.

Avoid Mistakes

• Don’t overcook the tortellini or it may become mushy.

• Stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta.

• Add dairy at the end to prevent curdling.