Chicken Tortellini Soup
“Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a medley of vegetables in a flavorful broth. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients.
With its robust flavors and simple preparation, this soup is sure to become a favorite for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Follow this recipe to enjoy a bowl of warmth and deliciousness in no time!”
How to make Chicken Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion chopped
3 sticks celery finely chopped
3 large carrots peeled & chopped or sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
8 cups chicken broth
2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken (or more, to taste)
2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
Salt & pepper to taste
Chopped parsley to taste
Instructions
Step 1:
Add the olive oil and onion to a large soup pot.
Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes (it’s ok if onion lightly browns).
Step 2:
Add the celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pot.
Give it a good stir and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
Step 3:
Add the chicken broth to the pot. Increase the heat to high, and once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a rapid simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes or until the veggies have softened to your liking.
Step 4:
Add the chicken and tortellini to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and let the soup cook for a few more minutes until the tortellini is cooked.
If it starts to boil furiously, you may need to turn the heat down again.
Step 5:
Season with salt & pepper as needed and garnish with the chopped parsley.
Serve immediately.
Notes
The tortellini will soak up the broth the longer it sits, so this soup is best eaten right away. The leftovers are still tasty, but you may need to add more water or chicken broth. If you’re planning on having lots of leftovers, don’t add all the tortellini to the soup – keep the broth separate and add uncooked tortellini to the soup as needed when reheating it (it cooks fast).
Serves 4-6 depending on portion size/what it’s served with.
Flavorful Base: Sautéing onions in olive oil creates a savory base that enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
Balanced Vegetables: The combination of celery, carrots, and garlic adds texture and sweetness to the soup while providing essential nutrients.
Italian Seasoning: The use of Italian seasoning adds depth and enhances the Mediterranean flavors of the dish.
Broth Simmering: Allowing the broth to simmer with the vegetables ensures they become tender and infuses them with the broth’s flavors.
Chicken Addition: Shredded rotisserie chicken adds convenience and robust flavor, making the soup heartier and satisfying.
Tortellini Cooking: Cooking the cheese tortellini directly in the soup allows them to absorb the broth’s flavors and ensures they are perfectly cooked.
Seasoning Adjustment: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preferences before serving.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the soup, enhancing its presentation and flavor.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy the soup hot to fully appreciate its comforting and warming qualities.
Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator; gently reheat on the stove, adding a bit of extra broth if needed to maintain the soup’s consistency.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 397kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 26g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 67mg, Sodium: 1574mg, Potassium: 480mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 5133IU, Vitamin C: 25mg, Calcium: 162mg, Iron: 4mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought?
Yes, you can use homemade chicken broth.
It might alter the flavor slightly, but it can add a rich and personalized touch to your soup.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used instead of frozen.
Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach your desired level of tenderness.
Can I freeze this soup?
While the tortellini may not freeze well, you can freeze the soup without it.
Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Store in airtight containers, leaving some space for expansion.
How can I make this soup more substantial?
To make the soup heartier, consider adding more shredded chicken or additional vegetables.
You can also increase the number of tortellini or add cooked pasta.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup in advance.
Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve.
If it thickens upon cooling, add a little more broth when reheating.
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can substitute frozen tortellini for refrigerated.
Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for frozen pasta.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time.
Prepare the soup without adding the tortellini, and add it when reheating to prevent it from becoming mushy.
What can I use instead of rotisserie chicken?
If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, you can use leftover cooked chicken, poached chicken breasts, or even shredded rotisserie turkey for a slightly different flavor.
Can I use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version?
Certainly! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and omit the chicken for a delicious vegetarian tortellini soup.
Adjust the seasonings to taste.