Marry Me Chicken and Cheese Tortellini Soup
This Marry Me Chicken and Cheese Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s sure to win over anyone at the table. With tender shredded chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and gluten-free cheese tortellini, it’s a perfect balance of savory and creamy.
The addition of cannellini beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh kale adds depth, making every spoonful a warm, satisfying experience.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or something to impress, this soup is guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love this Marry Me Chicken and Cheese Tortellini Soup because it combines all the best flavors into one bowl.
The creamy broth, tender chicken, and melt-in-your-mouth tortellini create a comforting base, while the sun-dried tomatoes, kale, and spices add layers of rich, savory goodness.
It’s a complete meal that’s easy to prepare, gluten-free, and packed with nutrients.
Plus, the warmth and depth of flavor make it the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening, bringing both satisfaction and a little bit of magic to your meal.
Key Ingredients:
Boneless, skinless chicken breast – provides lean protein that’s tender and easy to shred.
Sun-dried tomatoes – adds a burst of rich, tangy flavor.
Chicken broth – serves as the base for the soup, giving it depth and warmth.
Fire-roasted diced tomatoes – infuses the soup with smoky, savory goodness.
Cannellini beans – add creaminess and heartiness to the soup.
Gluten-free cheese tortellini – brings a comforting, cheesy element.
Kale – offers freshness and nutrition, making the soup vibrant and healthy.
Heavy cream and parmesan – for a rich, creamy texture and irresistible flavor.
Marry Me Chicken and Cheese Tortellini Soup
Ingredients:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (3 oz)
6 cups chicken broth
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (15 oz)
1 can cannellini beans (15 oz, drained & rinsed)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
½ tsp paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
9 oz gluten-free cheese tortellini (I used the Taste Republic brand)
2 heaping cups chopped kale (I prefer lacinato/dino kale, but curly kale works too)
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Prepare the chicken: If you haven’t already, cook the chicken by placing it in a medium pot. Season with salt and cover with water (about 1-inch above the chicken). Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-20 minutes until fully cooked (depending on the size of the breasts).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and transfer it to a bowl. Shred the chicken using a stand mixer, hand mixer, or two forks. Set it aside.
Cook the soup base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the diced onion and season with salt. Stir and cook for about 3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, paprika, black pepper, cannellini beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth. Mix well, and taste to adjust the salt level.
Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Check the tortellini package directions and add the tortellini when there are a few minutes left in the boiling time (the tortellini I used takes about 3 minutes).
Once the tortellini is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in the chopped kale and shredded parmesan. Let the kale wilt into the soup.
Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Stir until well combined. Serve and enjoy!
This creamy, flavorful soup is perfect for cozy meals, and the combination of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and kale will surely win hearts!
Notes:
Shredding the Chicken: For a quick and easy shredding process, use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer. If you don’t have either, two forks will also work well to shred the chicken by hand.
Tortellini Options: If you’re not gluten-free, feel free to swap the gluten-free tortellini for regular pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of tortellini you use.
Kale: Lacinato or dino kale is recommended for a slightly milder flavor and tender texture, but curly kale works too. Just make sure to chop it finely for even wilting.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but the dish may lack the deep, tangy flavor that sun-dried tomatoes provide.
Adjusting Heat: The red pepper flakes add a nice kick, but you can increase or decrease the amount depending on your spice preference.
Make-Ahead: The soup can be made ahead of time. Let it cool, then refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat and add the heavy cream just before serving.
Storage: This soup is best stored without the cream added, as the dairy can separate when reheating. Add the heavy cream when reheating, and it’ll stay creamy and delicious!
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: ~400 kcal | Protein: ~35g | Fat: ~20g | Saturated fat: ~8g | Carbohydrates: ~25g | Fiber: ~4g | Sugars: ~5g | Cholesterol: ~100mg | Sodium: ~800mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts.
Just ensure you thaw them properly before cooking, or if you’re in a pinch, you can cook them from frozen by extending the simmering time until they’re fully cooked through.
You may need to adjust the water used to cover the chicken.
Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free tortellini?
Absolutely! If gluten isn’t a concern for you, feel free to substitute regular cheese tortellini or any other small pasta of your choice.
Can I substitute kale with another leafy green?
Yes, you can use other leafy greens like spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens.
If you use spinach, it wilts down much faster than kale, so add it toward the end of cooking.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream alternative (like coconut milk or oat cream) and skip the parmesan.
You can also use a dairy-free cheese if you want to keep the cheesy flavor.
Can I prepare this soup in advance and store it?
Yes! This soup stores well. Once it cools, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Keep in mind that the tortellini might absorb some liquid upon storage, so you might want to add a little extra broth when reheating.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. After cooking the chicken, sauté the onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes in a pan.
Then, add everything (including the broth, beans, tomatoes, and seasonings) into the slow cooker, and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Add the tortellini, kale, parmesan, and cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What should I do if I don’t have a stand mixer to shred the chicken?
No worries! You can shred the chicken using two forks to pull apart the meat.
Alternatively, a hand mixer or a food processor can also make shredding quick and easy.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned fire-roasted tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but fire-roasted tomatoes add a unique smoky flavor that gives the soup its distinct taste.
If you don’t have canned fire-roasted tomatoes, you can use regular canned tomatoes and add a pinch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic that flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies such as carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Just chop them finely and add them when you add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
How can I make the soup spicier?
To increase the spice, you can add more red pepper flakes or even a diced fresh jalapeño or chili pepper to the pot.
If you like extra heat, a few dashes of hot sauce can also be a great addition!