This easy chicken tortellini soup recipe is your ticket to a cozy meal. It’s creamy, savory, and perfect for chilly evenings. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a family-friendly dish everyone will adore!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
This soup is not just another meal; it’s a hug in a bowl! The combination of tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh vegetables creates a comforting symphony of flavors. Perfect for winter, this dish warms your heart and fills your belly. Plus, it’s a healthy option, packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients
Chicken
For this recipe, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The chicken becomes juicy and tender as it simmers in the broth. This adds a hearty element to the soup, making it even more satisfying.
Tortellini
The star of this dish is definitely the tortellini. You can choose fresh or frozen cheese tortellini, both of which add a delightful chewy texture. They soak up the flavors of the broth perfectly, creating a deliciously comforting bite.
Vegetables
Onions, carrots, and celery create a flavorful base for the soup. These aromatic vegetables bring a natural sweetness and depth to the dish. Their vibrant colors also make the soup visually appealing, inviting you to indulge.
Broth
Using low-sodium chicken broth enhances the overall flavor without overwhelming the dish. It provides a rich, savory backdrop for the chicken and tortellini, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
Herbs and Spices
A touch of dried thyme and fresh parsley adds freshness and an aromatic kick. These seasonings elevate the soup, making it feel special and homemade.
Essential Cooking Tools
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. This step is crucial for ensuring your chicken is deliciously seasoned.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Add minced garlic for an additional minute, infusing the oil with a wonderful aroma.
Simmering the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Next, add the chicken, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing all those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adding the Tortellini
When the chicken is tender, add the tortellini to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, typically 5-7 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, then 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 warm soup into bowls and enjoy it hot. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist diving in right away!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Use fresh vegetables and herbs for enhanced flavor.
- Add the tortellini towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the broth or add a cornstarch slurry.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to switch things up, consider substituting the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different types of tortellini, or for a creamier texture, add heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain the soup’s consistency.
FAQs About easy chicken tortellini soup recipe
What is in chicken tortellini soup?
Chicken tortellini soup typically includes chicken, tortellini, vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery, chicken broth, herbs, and seasonings.
What is the secret to great chicken pasta soup?
The secret to great chicken pasta soup is using quality broth and fresh ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as they cook.
What is the secret ingredient in chicken tortilla soup?
While this recipe focuses on tortellini, a common secret ingredient in chicken tortilla soup is lime juice, which adds a bright acidity.
How long can you keep tortellini soup?
You can keep tortellini soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Related Recipes to try
- Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Creamy White Chicken Chili
- Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini
Conclusion
This easy chicken tortellini soup recipe is perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. With its comforting flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. For more delicious ideas, check out Elly’s recipes on Pinterest to explore more cooking inspirations!
Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
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 softened, adding garlic for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the chicken, bay leaves, and thyme, then bring to a boil and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 5-7 minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper, and stirring in parsley.
- Remove bay leaves before serving and ladle soup into bowls to serve hot.