This easy chicken tortellini soup recipe is a delightful blend of comforting cheese tortellini and juicy shredded chicken in a savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Its rich flavors and satisfying texture will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of chicken broth, tender vegetables, and cheesy tortellini creates a rich and soothing flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping the chicken for another protein, making it suitable for different tastes.
- One-Pot Wonder: With everything cooked in a single pot, cleanup is a breeze! Enjoy all the deliciousness without the hassle of multiple dishes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that everything flows smoothly while you prepare your easy chicken tortellini soup.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: This allows you to cook all ingredients together easily while providing enough space for stirring.
- Cutting board: A stable surface ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps you cut ingredients quickly and uniformly, enhancing cooking efficiency.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking of all ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 sticks celery (finely chopped)
- 3 large carrots (peeled & chopped or sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken (or more, to taste)
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Chopped parsley (to taste)
How to Make Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the olive oil and onion to a large soup pot.
- Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until the onions are lightly browned.
Step 2: Add Remaining Vegetables
- Stir in the celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for an additional few minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth
- Add the chicken broth to the pot.
- Increase heat to high; once boiling, reduce to a rapid simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until veggies soften to your liking.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Tortellini
- Stir in the chicken and tortellini.
- Return heat to medium-high; cook for a few more minutes until tortellini is tender. Adjust heat if necessary.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Season with salt & pepper according to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this easy chicken tortellini soup!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Serving your Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup can elevate the meal and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to serve this comforting dish.
In a Bread Bowl
- A freshly baked bread bowl is perfect for holding the soup. It adds flavor and can be eaten after you’ve enjoyed the soup.
With Crusty Garlic Bread
- Pair your soup with crusty garlic bread for a delightful crunch. The garlic flavor complements the broth wonderfully.
Topped with Cheese
- For cheese lovers, sprinkle grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top of each serving. It adds richness and an extra layer of flavor.
With a Side Salad
- A light garden salad balances the hearty soup. Use fresh greens and a simple vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh parsley or basil. It not only looks great but also adds freshness to each bite.
How to Perfect Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
To make your Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup even better, consider these simple tips that will enhance the flavors and overall experience.
Use homemade broth: Homemade chicken broth adds depth and richness compared to store-bought options.
Experiment with veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving! Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to suit your preference.
Don’t overcook tortellini: Cook tortellini just until tender; overcooking can make them mushy.
Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Freeze leftovers: If you have any leftovers, freeze them in portions for a quick meal later on.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup enhances the meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing, perfect alongside the soup.
Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables creates a flavorful starter.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction make a colorful and tasty side.
Olive Tapenade Crostini: Savory olive tapenade spread on toasted baguette slices pairs well with the rich flavors of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients; they complement the soup’s comforting nature nicely.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with cheese or herbs provide an elegant touch to your meal.
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Soft biscuits loaded with cheese are great for dipping into the soup.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with veggies offers a healthy option that balances out the richness of the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes while preparing your Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the Sautéing Step: Sautéing the onions, celery, and carrots enhances the flavor of the soup. Don’t rush this step; it adds depth to your dish.
- Overcooking the Tortellini: Cooking tortellini for too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions closely for the best texture.
- Not Tasting for Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to bring out all the flavors.
- Using Low-Quality Broth: The broth is a major component of this soup. Choose a high-quality chicken broth for rich flavor.
- Ignoring Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness and color. Don’t skip this garnish; it elevates the presentation and taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently, until hot. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat gently on medium-low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking, until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup that may help you while cooking.
Can I use frozen tortellini in Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini! Just add them directly to the soup without thawing. They may need a minute or two longer to cook.
What type of chicken should I use?
Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe because it’s already cooked and adds flavor. You can also use leftover chicken from other meals.
How can I make this soup healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using low-sodium chicken broth and adding more vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
Can I customize my Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup?
Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like peas or bell peppers, or even swap out the cheese tortellini for a whole grain option.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup is not only quick to prepare but also comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or herbs for a personal touch!
Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
This Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. In just 40 minutes, you can enjoy a hearty bowl filled with juicy shredded chicken, tender cheese tortellini, and a savory broth enriched with fresh vegetables and Italian herbs. This delightful dish not only warms your heart but also fills your belly with rich flavors and satisfying textures. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup is sure to become a favorite recipe in your household. Customize it with your preferred vegetables or proteins for an added twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 sticks celery (finely chopped)
- 3 large carrots (peeled & chopped or sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken (or more, to taste)
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Chopped parsley (to taste)
Instructions
- Sauté chopped onion in olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes until veggies soften.
- Stir in shredded chicken and tortellini; cook until tortellini is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
