This chicken tortellini soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. It’s warm, savory, and packed with wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for family meals. Plus, it’s quick and easy, so you can enjoy a homemade masterpiece in no time!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tortellini Soup
This chicken tortellini soup is a delightful blend of hearty chicken, tender tortellini, and vibrant vegetables. Each bowl warms you from the inside out, bringing a sense of cozy satisfaction. It’s not just filling; it’s also healthy and satisfying, making it a family favorite that’s sure to please even picky eaters.
Key Ingredients
Chicken
Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs gives the soup a juicy, tender texture. The chicken cooks quickly, soaking up all the delicious flavors and spices you add.
Tortellini
Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini adds a delightful bite and creaminess to the soup. It’s the star ingredient that elevates this dish, making every spoonful indulgently satisfying.
Vegetables
The aromatic mix of onions, carrots, and celery provides a fragrant foundation. Together, they create a beautiful medley that enhances the soup’s flavor and nutrition.
Broth
A rich chicken broth serves as the base, infusing the soup with deep, savory notes. Low-sodium options help control the salt while still delivering bold flavor.
Herbs and Spices
Fresh parsley, bay leaves, and thyme contribute layers of flavor, making every bowl a comforting bowl of goodness. These herbs brighten each bite, creating a well-rounded taste experience.
Essential Cooking Tools
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon for stirring
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery for about five minutes until tender. Then, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting the fragrance fill your kitchen.
Simmering the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth and add the seasoned chicken pieces, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Adding the Tortellini
Finally, stir in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically 5 to 7 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and stir in the fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Final Seasoning and Serving
Before serving, remember to remove the bay leaves. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy it hot for the best experience. This hearty dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, especially on a winter evening.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Use fresh vegetables and herbs for enhanced flavor.
- Add tortellini towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- For a thicker soup, reduce broth or add a cornstarch slurry.
Variations and Substitutions
You can easily customize this soup. Swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different types of tortellini or add a splash of cream for a richer texture. Each variation brings a new twist to this classic dish.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken tortellini soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette to balance the soup’s richness.
Storing and Reheating
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy, warm it in a pot over medium heat, adding broth if necessary to maintain the desired consistency.
FAQs About chicken tortellini soup recipe
What is in chicken tortellini soup?
Chicken tortellini soup contains chicken, cheese tortellini, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, and fresh parsley.
How long to cook chicken in soup?
Cook chicken in the soup for about 20 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and tender.
How long does tortellini soup keep in the fridge?
Tortellini soup can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
What is good to eat with tortellini soup?
Tortellini soup pairs well with crusty bread, a light salad, or roasted vegetables.
Related Recipes to try
- Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
- Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
- Creamy White Chicken Chili
Conclusion
This chicken tortellini soup recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking a warm, comforting meal. With its easy preparation and delicious flavors, it’s perfect for any day of the week. For more culinary inspiration, check out delicious ideas on Pinterest.
Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large soup pot
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 diced onion
- 2 diced carrots
- 2 diced celery stalks
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 8 cups chicken broth low-sodium recommended
- 1 package (about 9 ounces) fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat, then sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until tender, adding garlic for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add chicken pieces, bay leaves, and thyme, then bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically 5-7 minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper, and stir in parsley.
- Remove bay leaves before serving and ladle soup into bowls to serve hot.