There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot bowl of soup, especially when it’s as hearty and satisfying as Chicken Tortellini Soup. This dish combines tender pieces of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cheese tortellini all simmered to perfection in a savory broth. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, this soup delivers all the warmth and flavor you crave. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to clean up—a win-win in my book!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Why should you make Chicken Tortellini Soup? The answer is simple: it checks all the boxes for a perfect meal. Not only is this recipe quick to prepare and budget-friendly, but it’s also a hit among kids and adults alike. Imagine curling up with a steaming bowl of this soup, maybe accompanied by some crusty bread—talk about comfort food at its best!
“This soup is a game-changer! Easy to make and the flavors are incredible. My kids couldn’t get enough!” – Emily R.
Step-by-Step Overview
Now, let’s dive into the cooking process. Chicken Tortellini Soup is straightforward, making it perfect even for novice cooks. In roughly 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and comforting meal ready to be served. The combination of sautéing fresh veggies, simmering chicken, and adding tortellini makes for a fragrant and delightful cooking experience. Let’s explore the ingredients you’ll need next!
What You’ll Need
Gather these items for your Chicken Tortellini Soup:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 package (about 9 ounces) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
You can easily swap the chicken for turkey or use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version. Be creative!
Directions to Follow
- Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and the onion turns translucent.
- Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, then add your seasoned chicken, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring this to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Cook Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini, cooking according to the package directions (usually 5–7 minutes).
- Final Touches: Remove and discard the bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the parsley.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Chicken Tortellini Soup is comforting enough to be enjoyed on its own, but consider pairing it with a fresh side salad or a slice of garlic bread for an added touch. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To ensure the freshness of your Chicken Tortellini Soup, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to maintain the soup’s consistency, as the tortellini can absorb liquid over time. You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months—just remember to leave out the tortellini, which can become mushy after freezing.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Quick Cleanup: Use a plastic cutting board for vegetables; it’s easy to clean and store.
- Ingredient Prep: Prepare all your ingredients before starting to cook. This ‘mise en place’ technique makes it easier to follow along without feeling rushed.
- Broth Choice: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt in your soup.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways you can switch things up:
- Replace cheese tortellini with spinach or whole wheat for a healthier option.
- Add in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a touch of pesto for a flavor boost.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare Chicken Tortellini Soup?
It takes about 30 minutes from start to finish to prepare this delicious soup.
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly and saves you time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it, just remember to exclude the tortellini if you plan to freeze it long-term.
With its remarkable flavor and ease of preparation, Chicken Tortellini Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!
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Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: None
Description
Comforting Chicken Tortellini Soup filled with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cheese tortellini in a savory broth.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 package (about 9 ounces) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and the onion turns translucent.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add your seasoned chicken, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the cheese tortellini, cooking according to the package directions (usually 5–7 minutes).
- Remove and discard the bay leaves. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the parsley.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days or freeze without the tortellini for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American