Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup (a la Olive Garden)

 recipe from The Flavours of Kitchen blog ~  https://theflavoursofkitchen.com/creamy-chicken-tortellini-soup/

10 oz  frozen or dried cheese tortellini

2 c. chopped, cooked chicken

2 T. butter

1/2 c. chopped onion

1/2 c. chopped celery

1 c. chopped carrot

1 T minced garlic

1/4 c. all-purpose flour

4 c. chicken broth or stock

2 tsp. Italian seasoning

salt & pepper to taste

1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

1 c. tightly packed fresh spinach

1/2 c. heavy cream or milk

1/2 c. shredded parmesan cheese

Melt butter in a large soup pot.  Add onion, celery, carrot and garlic; saute for about 5 minutes, til onion is soft.

Stir in flour. Cook 2-3 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly so it doesn't stick to the bottom. 

Add chicken stock, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Stir well and raise heat, bringing to a boil.

Once mixture is boiling, add tortellini and reduce heat to medium again. Cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

Chop fresh spinach and add to the pot, along with chicken, cream and parmesan cheese. Check seasonings and add more if necessary.  Simmer 2-3 minutes, then turn off heat.

Serve with crusty bread and salad.