When the weather turns cold or you’re craving comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of chicken tortellini soup. This easy-to-make recipe combines juicy shredded chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a flavorful broth to create a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and comforting. Whether you’re in a rush or simply looking for a dish that the whole family will love, this chicken tortellini soup is the perfect solution.
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Soup
This chicken tortellini soup is the epitome of comfort food—rich, cozy, and filling without being too heavy. What makes it stand out is the use of cheese tortellini instead of traditional noodles, which adds a burst of flavor and texture that you simply can’t resist. With the savory chicken and tender vegetables, this soup is as comforting as it is nutritious. Plus, it’s a quick meal that’s ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a soul-warming dish on a chilly day.
Ingredients for Chicken Tortellini Soup
To make this delicious chicken tortellini soup, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that bring big flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and start building flavor.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the soup.
• Celery: Provides a nice crunch and subtle earthiness.
• Carrots: Give the soup a natural sweetness and color.
• Garlic: Enhances the broth with rich, aromatic flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an herby depth to the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful and savory base for the soup.
• Cooked Chicken: Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken makes this soup easy and quick.
• Cheese Tortellini: Adds a delicious cheesy element to the soup that’s both filling and comforting.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a vibrant finish to the soup.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• If you prefer a different protein, you can swap out the chicken for turkey or even ground meat.
• For a heartier soup, you could add in some spinach or other leafy greens.
• Use gluten-free tortellini or a different type of pasta if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and cook for another 3–5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth, increase the heat to high, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and tortellini. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, until the tortellini is tender and the soup is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Chicken Tortellini Soup
• To prevent the tortellini from soaking up all the broth, consider adding extra broth when reheating leftovers or store the tortellini separately.
• If you prefer a more robust flavor, try adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the soup.
• For a thicker soup, you can mash a portion of the vegetables or add a splash of cream for extra richness.
• If you want to make this in a slow cooker, simply add raw chicken breasts or thighs and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add the tortellini in the last 30 minutes.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Chicken Tortellini Soup
This chicken tortellini soup is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a few sides or variations.
• Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the soup.
• Want to make it more hearty? Add some frozen peas or corn for extra texture and sweetness.
• For a lighter option, you could skip the cheese tortellini and use a vegetable-based pasta or zucchini noodles.
Storing and Reheating Chicken Tortellini Soup
Leftovers of this chicken tortellini soup are perfect for meal prepping. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you find that the tortellini absorbs too much broth as it sits, simply add more chicken broth when reheating. For longer storage, freeze the broth portion of the soup and add fresh tortellini when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Why This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a Must-Try
This easy chicken tortellini soup is the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and comfort. It’s a family-friendly recipe that can be customized to suit your preferences, and the combination of cheesy tortellini and tender chicken makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s a nutritious dish that’s perfect for those cooler days when you want something hearty and satisfying. Make this soup a regular in your weekly rotation, and you’ll find that it’s not just a meal—it’s a hug in a bowl!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this chicken tortellini soup is the perfect recipe to add to your meal rotation. It’s simple, comforting, and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a savory broth makes it a satisfying dish that the entire family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a chilly weekend, this easy recipe will warm you up in no time. Plus, it’s versatile and customizable to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try, and you’ll see why this chicken tortellini soup is sure to become a new favorite.
FAQ About Chicken Tortellini Soup
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini if you prefer. Just keep in mind that frozen tortellini will take a little longer to cook than the refrigerated variety. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, and ensure the tortellini is fully cooked before serving.
Can I make chicken tortellini soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this recipe in a slow cooker, add raw chicken breasts or thighs along with the broth and vegetables. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Shred the chicken, then add the tortellini and cook for the final 30 minutes.
How do I store leftovers of chicken tortellini soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tortellini will absorb the broth over time, so when reheating, you may need to add extra chicken broth or cook additional tortellini to maintain the desired texture.
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Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This easy chicken tortellini soup is a comforting, flavorful dish made with juicy shredded chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a savory broth. It’s the perfect meal for chilly nights and comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 sticks celery, finely chopped
- 3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked or rotisserie chicken
- 2 (9 oz) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Add the celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir and cook for another 3–5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth, increase the heat to high, and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until the veggies are tender.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and tortellini. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the tortellini is tender and the soup is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- To make in a slow cooker, use raw chicken breasts or thighs and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add the tortellini during the last 30 minutes.
- If using frozen tortellini, adjust the cooking time as it will take longer to cook than the refrigerated variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add more chicken broth when reheating if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
