Embrace ultimate comfort with this incredible chicken tortellini soup recipe! This comforting soup is your new best friend for busy weeknights, coming together in just 30 minutes. Imagine tender shredded chicken, rich broth, and cheesy tortellini melting in your mouth. It is truly a simple, satisfying meal for any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Soup
This delightful chicken tortellini soup will quickly become a family favorite. It offers incredible flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen.
- Simple One-Pot Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Ready in Under 30 Minutes: Perfect for those hectic evenings when time is short.
- Deeply Satisfying, Rich Flavors: Each spoonful is packed with savory goodness.
- Versatile with Easy Ingredient Swaps: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings.
- A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this creamy tortellini soup.
Ingredients
To make this amazing chicken tortellini soup, gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients. You will start with a classic base of olive oil and aromatics like yellow onion, carrots, and celery. Fresh garlic and a blend of seasonings provide depth. Rich chicken broth brings everything together with tender shredded rotisserie chicken and cheesy refrigerated tortellini. Finish your bowls with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
- 3 qt. chicken broth
- 3 1/2 c. shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 (20-oz.) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
- Grated parmesan cheese, to serve
Notes & Substitutions
- Tortellini: Use refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best texture and quickest cooking time. Frozen tortellini also works.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. You can also use leftover cooked chicken breasts or thighs, simply shred them before adding.
- Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness. You can always add more salt later.
- Vegetables: Feel free to boost the nutrition in this tortellini soup. Add a handful of baby spinach or kale at the end, or toss in some frozen peas or corn with the tortellini.
- Spice: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat. Omit them for a milder soup.
- Garnish: Fresh basil or a drizzle of good quality olive oil makes a lovely addition. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Equipment
You will not need much to prepare this simple chicken and tortellini soup. These basic kitchen tools are all you need for success.
- Large Dutch oven or stockpot
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sturdy stirring spoon
Instructions
Cooking this delicious chicken tortellini soup recipe is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these easy steps and you will have a hearty meal ready in no time.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrot, and sliced celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften, usually 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your soup.
- Infuse with Flavor: Add the finely chopped garlic, kosher salt, ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Bring to a Boil: Pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to high and bring the broth to a rolling boil. This ensures the soup base is hot and ready for the remaining ingredients.
- Add Chicken and Tortellini: Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Make sure the tortellini is submerged in the broth.
- Simmer Until Tender: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the soup gently. Cook until the chicken is warmed through and the tortellini is tender, which typically takes only 3 to 5 minutes. Do not overcook the tortellini, as it can become mushy.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot chicken tortellini soup into individual bowls. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish immediately!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making this chicken tortellini soup perfect every time is easy with a few tricks. These tips will help you achieve the best flavor and texture.
To prevent overcooking and achieve the ideal texture, consider these insights on cooking tortellini al dente.
- Prevent Mushy Tortellini: Add the tortellini closer to serving time and cook it just until al dente. Overcooking will make it soft and lose its chewiness.
- Enhance Flavor: Lightly brown your vegetables during the sautéing step. This caramelization adds a deeper, richer flavor to the soup base.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup thickens too much as it simmers, simply add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your onion, carrots, and celery in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.
- Add Creaminess: For an even richer, creamer chicken tortellini soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even some full-fat coconut milk at the very end.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken tortellini soup is wonderful on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. You can also easily store or adapt it.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty soup hot with warm garlic bread or crusty artisan bread for dipping.
- Pair it with a crisp side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes on the side for individual customization.
Storage Instructions
- Cool the soup completely before storing. This prevents condensation and keeps it fresh.
For comprehensive information on keeping cooked poultry safe, refer to the USDA guidelines for storing chicken soup.
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 to 4 days.
- For best results, if you anticipate leftovers, consider storing the tortellini separately from the broth. Add the tortellini when reheating.
Freezing Instructions
- For optimal texture, freeze the broth base and cooked chicken separately from the tortellini. The tortellini can become mushy when frozen and reheated in the soup.
- Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop, then add freshly cooked or separately stored tortellini just until warmed through.
Flavor Variations
- Creamy Version: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a can of full-fat coconut milk at the end for a richer, velvety texture.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce when serving for extra warmth.
- Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for a unique flavor profile.
- Vegetable Boost: Add more vegetables like diced bell peppers, sliced zucchini, or a few handfuls of fresh kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
This chicken tortellini soup recipe offers a balanced meal, providing essential nutrients. It delivers protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the tortellini, along with vitamins and fiber from the vegetables. While the specific nutritional values can vary based on brands and exact measurements, this table provides an approximate breakdown. Remember, you can always adjust ingredients, like using less cheese or more vegetables, to customize the nutritional profile to fit your dietary needs.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 705 Calories |
| Fat Content | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 9 g |
| Trans Fat Content | 0 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 115 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1481 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 64 g |
| Fiber Content | 3 g |
| Sugar Content | 11 g |
| Protein Content | 41 g |
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
You might have a few questions about making this fantastic chicken tortellini soup. Here are some common inquiries and their simple answers.
- Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, you can use frozen tortellini directly in the soup; there is no need to thaw it first. Just add a few extra minutes to the simmering time until it is tender.
- What kind of chicken is best for this recipe? Shredded rotisserie chicken is ideal for its convenience and flavor, but any pre-cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh will work perfectly.
- Can I add more vegetables to the soup? Absolutely! Baby spinach, kale, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms are wonderful additions; add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
- How can I make this soup vegetarian? Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add a can of drained cannellini beans or extra vegetables for more substance.
- Why is my tortellini mushy? Tortellini often becomes mushy if overcooked. To prevent this, add it closer to serving time and cook it only until it is tender and floats.
Conclusion
This hearty chicken tortellini soup recipe truly embodies comfort in a bowl. It is simple to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly suited for any busy evening. You will love how quickly this satisfying meal comes together, making healthy, homemade food accessible even on the most hectic days. Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create this cozy dish tonight. Share your delicious creations and any personal twists you add with Sweet Emily!
Hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven, then cook onion, carrot, and celery until softened (5-7 minutes). Add garlic and seasonings, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add chicken and tortellini, simmering for 3-5 minutes until heated through and tender. Garnish with parsley and serve hot with Parmesan.
Notes
Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com
