Dive into a bowl of comforting and flavorful chicken tortellini soup! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and savory vegetables in a rich, creamy broth. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love. Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl, ready in under an hour!
This version of creamy chicken tortellini soup is special because it’s both simple and satisfying. You can adjust the vegetables and spices to your liking. Plus, cleanup is a breeze.
Why this Chicken Tortellini Soup is a Family Favorite
This recipe is quick, customizable, and tastes like you spent hours simmering it. My kids love the cheesy tortellini, and my husband appreciates the hearty, satisfying flavors. It’s always a hit!
Ingredients for the Best Chicken Tortellini Soup
Let’s gather our ingredients for this delicious chicken tortellini soup! We’ll focus on fresh flavors and pantry staples to make this recipe a breeze.
Core Soup Ingredients
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups (low sodium is best, so you can control the salt)
- Chicken Breasts: 1 pound, boneless, skinless
- Cheese Tortellini: 9 ounces (fresh or frozen)
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
Seasonings & Flavor Enhancers
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: To taste
- Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
These simple seasonings really enhance the flavor of our creamy chicken tortellini soup. Don’t be afraid to adjust them to your liking!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Tortellini: Try spinach or meat tortellini for a different flavor.
- Broth: Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option.
- Protein: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Shred it and add it to the soup. You can also use ground chicken or turkey.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Delicious Chicken Tortellini Soup
Ready to make some amazing chicken tortellini soup? Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a comforting bowl ready in no time! And speaking of comfort food, have you checked out these tater tot breakfast casserole recipes?
Preparing the Chicken and Vegetables
First, let’s get everything prepped.
Dice the carrots, celery, and onion into small, uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
Mince the garlic.
If using raw chicken breasts, pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season them with salt and pepper.
If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, shred or dice it now and set it aside.
Building the Flavorful Broth
Now, let’s build our delicious soup base.
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Stir occasionally so they don’t burn.
Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute, until fragrant. This really wakes up the flavors!
Pour in about 1 cup of the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. This is called deglazing, and it adds a ton of flavor! Then, add the remaining chicken broth.
Cooking the Chicken and Tortellini
Time to cook the chicken and tortellini!
If using raw chicken breasts, add them to the pot. Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. If you used pre-cooked chicken, add it to the pot now.
Add the cheese tortellini to the soup. Cook according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until tender. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll get mushy.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Almost there! Let’s add the final touches to our creamy chicken tortellini soup.
Stir in the heavy cream. This makes the soup extra rich and creamy.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and delicious meal!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Tortellini Soup
Want to make your chicken tortellini soup even better? Here are a few tips and tricks to take it to the next level! Making a delicious soup starts with quality ingredients, just like making crispy and flavorful homemade chicken nuggets.
Achieving the Right Consistency
- Too Thick? Add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Too Thin? Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the simmering soup and cook for a few minutes until it thickens. A little goes a long way!
Boosting the Flavor Profile
- Brighten it up: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a nice zing to the soup.
- Add some heat: A dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a kick.
- Umami boost: Simmer a Parmesan cheese rind in the soup for extra depth of flavor. Remove the rind before serving.
Making it Ahead of Time
You can easily prep this chicken tortellini soup in advance.
- Prepare the soup base (everything except the tortellini and heavy cream) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- When you’re ready to serve, bring the soup base to a simmer, add the tortellini, cook until tender, then stir in the heavy cream and serve. This prevents the tortellini from getting soggy.
Variations and Customizations
- Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- Cheese Please: Add a handful of shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese for extra cheesy goodness.
- Go Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version. You can add white beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Our chicken tortellini soup is delicious on its own, but these serving suggestions and pairings will make it a complete meal!
Complementary Sides
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing that adds a comforting touch.
- Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad balances the richness of the soup. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette is a great choice.
Wine and Drink Pairings
- White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the creamy chicken tortellini soup.
- Sparkling Water: A refreshing and light choice that cleanses the palate. Add a slice of lemon or lime for extra flavor.
- Iced Tea: A classic and refreshing option, especially on a warm day.
FAQ
Got questions about making chicken tortellini soup? Here are some answers to common queries! Many people wonder about the health benefits of chicken soup in general. You can read more about that at Healthline.
How to make chicken tortellini soup
In a nutshell, you’ll start by sautéing diced vegetables like carrots, celery, and onion. Then, add garlic and Italian seasoning for flavor. Next, pour in chicken broth and add chicken breasts to cook. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it and return it to the pot. Add cheese tortellini and cook until tender. Finally, stir in heavy cream and season to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy! This quick version is incredibly easy! Are you looking for more easy recipe guides? Check out this chicken quesadilla recipe guide!
A spicy perspective chicken tortellini soup
Want to add some heat to your chicken tortellini soup? There are several easy ways to spice it up! Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering. A dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end is another great option. For even more flavor and heat, consider adding some cooked spicy Italian sausage to the soup. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preferred spice level. If you enjoy spicing up your meals, you might also like this pepper steak recipe guide!
Can you freeze chicken tortellini soup
Yes, you can freeze chicken tortellini soup, but there’s a trick to it! The tortellini can become mushy when frozen and thawed. For best results, freeze the soup without the tortellini. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the soup, bring it to a simmer, and then add the tortellini and cook until tender. You can also cook the tortellini separately and add it to the thawed and reheated soup just before serving. This will help maintain the best texture.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Chicken Tortellini Soup
You can find some tips about how to store soup, especially with chicken, on Healthline.
Enjoyed your chicken tortellini soup? Here’s how to store and reheat the leftovers!
Refrigerating and Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl.
Freezing and Thawing
For longer storage, freeze the soup in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Remember, freezing is best without the tortellini already added! If you are a fan of freezing meals for meal prep, then check out these healthy meal prep ideas!
Conclusion
This chicken tortellini soup recipe is a guaranteed winner! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own family favorite. And if you love easy chicken recipes, don’t miss these crockpot chicken recipes.
I remember one particularly chilly evening when I whipped up a batch of this soup. My kids devoured it, and my husband declared it the best soup ever! I hope you and your family enjoy it just as much. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 0 minute
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Dive into a comforting bowl of Chicken Tortellini Soup! This easy, creamy soup is ready in 30 minutes, perfect for a quick and delicious family meal.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Dice carrots, celery, and onion. Mince garlic. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté carrots, celery, and onion until softened. Add garlic and Italian seasoning, cook until fragrant.
3. Deglaze with 1 cup chicken broth, then add remaining broth. Add chicken breasts and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through (165°F).
4. Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions until tender.
5. Stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Try spinach or meat tortellini. Use vegetable broth for vegetarian option. Add spinach or kale. For a thicker soup, use a cornstarch slurry.
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Method: Simmering
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: chicken tortellini soup, creamy soup, easy soup recipe, weeknight meal, Italian soup, tortellini