Chicken Tortellini Soup: A Cozy Winter Delight

Chicken tortellini soup brings warmth and comfort to chilly days. This creamy, savory dish is easy to prepare, making it perfect for family dinners. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.

You Will Love This Chicken Tortellini Soup

A Perfect Winter Comfort Food

When winter whispers its frosty breath, comfort foods like chicken tortellini soup become the ultimate remedy. This soup envelops you in its warmth, offering a delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and succulent tortellini. Each spoonful is a hug in a bowl, inviting you to curl up and savor every bite.

Creamy and Flavorful Combination

The creamy base, enriched with Parmesan cheese and a touch of balsamic vinegar, elevates the flavors beautifully. Meanwhile, the hearty vegetables add texture and nutrition, making this soup not just indulgent but wholesome as well. It’s a dish that balances comfort with health, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Essential Ingredients for the Soup

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (or 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs, rotisserie chicken, or chicken tenders)
• 10 oz. package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh greens like kale or spinach)
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Suggested Substitutions for Flexibility

If you’re out of chicken, Italian sausage is a fantastic alternative; just brown and crumble it before following the recipe. For a quicker prep time, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just cook the tortellini, corn, and peas in the broth before adding the shredded chicken. Remember, the key to delightfully textured tortellini is not to overcook it—3 to 4 minutes is usually enough for that perfect al dente bite.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Incorporate the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and rubbed sage. Stir for 1 minute.
3. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook while stirring for another minute.
4. Add a few splashes of broth to deglaze the pot, scraping the bottom.
5. Pour in the remaining chicken broth and add the chicken breast. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and can be shredded easily.
6. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
7. Add tortellini, corn, and peas to the pot. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the tortellini is nearly al dente.
8. Remove from heat and mix in the shredded chicken.
9. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese, cooking over medium-low heat until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.
10. Add balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for Perfectly Shredded Chicken

For perfectly shredded chicken, allow it to rest for a few minutes after cooking. Use two forks to shred the meat gently. This method ensures tender pieces that mix beautifully into the soup, enhancing its texture and taste.

Tips for Success

Modifications and Variations

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added flavor and nutrients. You can also experiment with different herbs to customize the soup to your liking. This chicken tortellini soup is flexible and can adapt to various tastes.

Ensuring Al Dente Tortellini

To achieve the perfect al dente texture, follow the package instructions closely. The cooking time usually ranges from 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, which is not what you want in this delightful dish.

What Goes Well with Chicken Tortellini Soup?

Side Dish Recommendations

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp, fresh salad or warm, crusty bread. Garlic bread is particularly delightful, adding a savory crunch that complements the creamy soup perfectly.

Ideal Pairings for a Complete Meal

For a complete meal, consider serving a side of creamy white chicken chili or sausage and tortellini soup. Both offer unique flavors that enhance your dining experience.

Storage and Reheating

Best Practices for Leftover Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, especially after 3-5 days, separate the tortellini from the broth and veggies to maintain freshness.

How to Reheat Without Losing Quality

To reheat, warm in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of cream to loosen the broth and stir gently until heated through. Season to taste before serving to ensure every bowl is just as delicious as the first.

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FAQs

Related Recipes to try

• Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
• Sausage and Tortellini Soup
• Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini
• Creamy White Chicken Chili

Conclusion

This chicken tortellini soup is more than just a meal; it’s a bowl of comfort that warms the soul. Don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes on Pinterest for inspiration and ideas. Enjoy making this heartwarming dish as part of your winter repertoire!

Chicken Tortellini Soup

The Bright Food

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for winter. Packed with tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a delightful meal for the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 391 kcal

Equipment

• large pot

Ingredients

  

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (or 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs, rotisserie chicken, or chicken tenders)
• 10 oz. refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh greens like kale or spinach)
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice)
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

 

• Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add onion, carrots, celery, and season with salt and pepper, cooking for about 8 minutes.
• Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and sage, stirring for 1 minute.
• Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook while stirring for another minute.
• Deglaze the pot with a few splashes of broth, scraping the bottom.
• Pour in the remaining broth and add chicken, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until cooked.
• Remove and shred the chicken, then set aside.
• Add tortellini, corn, and peas, simmering for 2-3 minutes until tortellini is nearly al dente.
• Remove from heat and mix in the shredded chicken.
• Stir in cream and cheese, cooking until melted and heated through.
• Add balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

You can substitute chicken with Italian sausage; brown and crumble it first. To save prep time, use rotisserie chicken and cook the tortellini, corn, and peas in the broth before adding the shredded chicken. Avoid overcooking the tortellini; it typically requires only 3-4 minutes to reach al dente.

Keyword chicken tortellini soup, comfort food, easy, hearty