If you’re searching for a comforting and hearty meal that never fails to satisfy, this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe should be at the top of your list. Packed with tender shredded chicken, cheesy tortellini, vibrant veggies, and fragrant herbs, it’s a bowlful of warmth and deliciousness in every spoonful. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something wholesome and quick, this soup combines simple ingredients into a perfect balance of flavor and texture that will make you want seconds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward making a soup that bursts with flavor and feels like a big comforting hug. Each element plays its part: the aromatics build a savory base, the veggies add color and bite, while the chicken and tortellini bring heartiness and soul.
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds silkiness and enhances the flavors as you sauté the veggies.
- Onion: Provides a sweet, savory foundation that softens beautifully when cooked.
- Garlic: Lends a warm, aromatic depth that wakes up the entire pot.
- Carrots: Bring a sweet crunch and lovely orange hue that brightens the soup.
- Celery: Adds refreshing earthiness and subtle texture contrast.
- Chicken broth: The rich base liquid that infuses the soup with savory goodness.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded chicken offers protein and heartiness to satisfy your hunger.
- Dried thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Dried basil: Adds a hint of sweetness and Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to tune the soup’s flavors just right.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: This tender pasta stuffed with cheese lends a delightful richness.
- Spinach leaves: Fresh greens that wilt into the soup, boosting nutrition and color.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herbaceous notes.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated on top for a burst of savory, nutty flavor that finishes every bowl.
How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and let them cook gently until they soften and turn translucent, which usually takes about 4 minutes. This slow cooking draws out their natural sweetness, forming the savory backbone of your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until you can smell its alluring fragrance. Garlic adds such a warm, inviting note that really wakes up the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Throw in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally as the veggies soften and begin releasing their flavors. This step is key for building depth and a bit of crunch to balance the creamy tortellini later on.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat for a gentle simmer and let all the components mingle together for about 10 minutes. This step is where your soup really starts to come alive with rich, savory layers.
Step 5: Cook the Tortellini
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions—usually 7 to 9 minutes. The tortellini cooks right in the flavorful broth, soaking up all those delicious tastes and adding a comforting, cheesy bite.
Step 6: Wilt the Spinach
Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and let them gently wilt for 1 to 2 minutes. This quick addition not only adds a fresh burst of color but also packs in nutrients, making your Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe a wholesome pleasure.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Parsley
Remove the pot from heat and fold in the chopped fresh parsley. Parsley adds a gentle brightness that perfectly balances the richness of the soup, giving it a fresh, herbaceous lift before serving.
Step 8: Serve with Parmesan Cheese
Dish out the soup hot and top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The salty, nutty Parmesan melts slightly into the soup, creating that irresistible finishing touch everyone loves.
How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
While Parmesan is a classic, you can also offer a drizzle of good olive oil or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat. Freshly cracked black pepper and extra sprigs of parsley bring an inviting look and added flavor to the table.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls. A simple side salad with citrusy vinaigrette can add freshness and crispness, perfectly complementing the creamy richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe in individual bowls with rustic bread bowls for a fun, cozy touch. You might also garnish with a swirl of pesto or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to add unique flavor dimensions and a little crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the soup cold quickly after serving preserves freshness and flavor so you can enjoy it again without any compromise.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to leave out the tortellini initially, as it can get mushy after thawing. Freeze the broth, chicken, and veggies separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Add fresh tortellini when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, adding tortellini during the last few minutes if frozen separately. Stir occasionally until the soup is piping hot and the tortellini are tender, then serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chicken broth for this soup?
Absolutely! Homemade chicken broth adds incredible depth and richness to this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe, elevating every spoonful with a truly homemade touch.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
You can easily make a vegetarian version by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Add extra veggies or beans to boost the protein and keep the soup hearty.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach works well, but be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the soup to avoid excess water diluting the flavors.
What kind of cheese is inside the tortellini?
The tortellini in this recipe typically contains a creamy cheese filling like ricotta, Parmesan, or mozzarella, which melts beautifully into the soup, giving it a luscious texture.
How spicy is this soup? Can I add heat?
This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is mild and comforting by default, but if you love spice, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce to customize the heat level.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm kitchen hug. With its blend of savory broth, tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and fresh greens, it’s a dish that comforts and delights every time. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see just how quickly it becomes a family favorite in your home.
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Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting Chicken Tortellini Soup combines tender shredded chicken, cheesy tortellini, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs in a savory chicken broth. It’s a hearty and delicious meal perfect for any day, offering a balance of protein, greens, and satisfying pasta in a warming bowl.
Ingredients
Sautéed Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Soup Base
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Greens
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups spinach leaves
Garnish
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and cook onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sauté carrots and celery: Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the shredded chicken, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Cook tortellini: Add the tortellini to the soup and cook according to package instructions, typically 7-9 minutes, until tender.
- Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and let them wilt for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish with herbs: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped parsley for fresh flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use cooked leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- For a lighter option, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt.
- Tortellini cook times may vary; follow package directions closely to avoid overcooking.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
