This Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup is a delightful dish that combines hearty cheese tortellini with tender shredded chicken in a flavorful broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this soup brings comfort and warmth to your table in just 40 minutes. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of cheese tortellini and juicy chicken creates a rich, satisfying broth that warms you up.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: The cheesy tortellini makes this dish appealing to children, encouraging them to enjoy their veggies.
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy chicken tortellini soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and prevents spills when adding ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.
- Wooden spoon: This tool is gentle on your cookware and perfect for stirring without scratching.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 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
For the Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken (or more, to taste)
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
For Seasoning
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Chopped parsley (to taste)
How to Make Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the olive oil and onion to a large soup pot.
- Sauté over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until the onion lightly browns.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
- Add the celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pot.
- Stir well and continue cooking for a few more 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 10 minutes or until vegetables have softened to your liking.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Tortellini
- Stir in the shredded chicken and tortellini into the pot.
- Raise heat back to medium-high; cook until tortellini is tender, watching closely not to let it boil furiously.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve
- Season with salt & pepper as needed.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving immediately.
Enjoy this comforting bowl of easy chicken tortellini soup with family or friends!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
This easy chicken tortellini soup is not just a meal; it’s an experience! Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a family gathering, here are some delightful ways to serve this comforting dish.
With Crusty Bread
- Sourdough: The tanginess of sourdough pairs well with the rich flavors of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Add a buttery, garlicky crunch that complements the soft tortellini beautifully.
Topped with Cheese
- Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
- Mozzarella: Add shredded mozzarella for a gooey, melty topping that kids will love.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness that brightens the soup.
- Chives: Chopped chives lend a mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Served in Bowls
- Rustic Bowls: Use rustic bowls to give your meal a cozy, homemade feel.
- Individual Serving Pots: Serve in small pots for an elegant touch during dinners.
How to Perfect Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
To make your easy chicken tortellini soup even better, follow these handy tips. They will help you customize and elevate your dish to perfection.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and adds incredible flavor. It’s already seasoned and tender!
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! You might want more salt or pepper depending on your broth’s saltiness.
- Add Extra Veggies: Consider adding spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
- Experiment with Broth: Using homemade broth can enhance the soup’s depth, making it even richer.
- Control Tortellini Cooking Time: Follow package instructions closely to avoid overcooking; perfectly cooked tortellini is key!
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store them without adding tortellini to maintain texture when reheating.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Pairing side dishes with your easy chicken tortellini soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these sticks are perfect for dipping into the broth.
- Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad complements the richness of the soup while adding crispness.
- Caprese Salad: The acidity of tomatoes and creaminess of mozzarella balance out the savory flavors in the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add flavor and nutrition, making your meal even heartier.
- Cheesy Quesadillas: Quick and cheesy quesadillas serve as great dippers for this comforting soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized delights bring an umami kick that pairs wonderfully with chicken tortellini soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring vegetable size: Cutting vegetables into uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking. Always chop them uniformly for even tenderness.
- Overcooking tortellini: Cooking tortellini too long can make them mushy. Follow the package instructions for perfect texture.
- Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning the broth adequately can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed throughout cooking.
- Using cold broth: Adding cold broth can slow down cooking time. Warm the broth before adding it to the pot for faster results.
- Not letting it sit: Serving immediately after cooking can miss flavor development. Letting it rest for a few minutes enhances taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space in containers as soup expands when frozen.
Reheating Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually around 3-5 minutes.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup so comforting?
This soup combines tender chicken and cheesy tortellini in a savory broth, providing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just add them directly to the soup without thawing first.
How do I customize my Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup?
You can add vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition or spices like red pepper flakes for heat. Feel free to get creative!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup stores well and is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup is not only quick and simple but also incredibly comforting. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup is your go-to comfort dish, combining tender shredded chicken and cheesy tortellini in a flavorful broth that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. In just 40 minutes, this warm and hearty soup will satisfy your cravings and bring joy to your dining table. Its customizable ingredients make it easy to adapt to your family’s tastes, while its kid-friendly nature ensures everyone enjoys a nutritious meal. Make a big batch for meal prep, and savor the rich flavors all week long!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- 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
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
- Add finely chopped celery, carrots, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Cook for a few more minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, increase heat to high until boiling, then reduce to a rapid simmer for 10 minutes until veggies are softened.
- Stir in shredded chicken and tortellini; cook on medium-high until tortellini is tender (do not let boil vigorously).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
