This easy chicken tortellini soup is the perfect recipe for any occasion. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to warm you up on a chilly day, this soup delivers. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini, it is not only delicious but also simple to prepare. In just 40 minutes, you can serve a hearty bowl of goodness that will satisfy your cravings and delight your family!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This soup is ready in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of cheese tortellini and shredded chicken creates a rich and satisfying dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the veggies or use leftover chicken for added convenience.
- Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables and protein, this soup is both nutritious and filling.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy tortellini, making it a great choice for family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making this easy chicken tortellini soup, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and enough room for all ingredients.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping veggies without damaging countertops.
Ingredients
For this easy chicken tortellini soup, you’ll need the following 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 onion lightly browns.
Step 2: Add Remaining Vegetables
Add the celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional few minutes to soften the vegetables.
Step 3: Pour in Chicken Broth
Add the chicken broth to the pot. Increase the heat to high. Once boiling, reduce heat to a rapid simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes or until veggies are tender.
Step 4: Incorporate Chicken and Tortellini
Stir in the shredded chicken and cheese tortellini. Raise heat back to medium-high. Cook until tortellini is tender, monitoring closely so it doesn’t boil over.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season with salt & pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving immediately.
Enjoy your delicious bowl of easy chicken tortellini soup!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
This easy chicken tortellini soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enhance your dining experience by serving it with various accompaniments that complement the flavors of the soup.
With Crusty Bread
- French Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: This adds a savory touch and enhances the overall flavor.
- Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks are great for sopping up every drop of broth.
With Salads
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing pair well with the soup’s richness.
- Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and balances the meal.
- Spinach Salad: Tossed with nuts and vinaigrette, it provides a healthy contrast to the soup.
With Toppings
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkling cheese on top enhances the flavor profile.
- Chopped Green Onions: For a fresh crunch and added color, green onions work wonders.
- Croutons: Add some texture with crunchy croutons for an exciting bite.
How to Perfect Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
To make your easy chicken tortellini soup even better, follow these simple tips that elevate this comforting dish to new heights.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will add a vibrant flavor to your soup.
- Customize Your Broth: Experiment with homemade broth for richer taste or opt for low-sodium options for a healthier choice.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you cook; adjust salt, pepper, and herbs according to your preference.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in additional veggies like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- Cook Tortellini Separately: To prevent overcooking, consider cooking tortellini separately and adding it just before serving.
- Garnish Creatively: Elevate presentation with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Pairing side dishes with your easy chicken tortellini soup can create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery sticks that are perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta topped with cheese adds comfort alongside the soup’s flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender complement the dish beautifully.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms offer an elegant addition that’s packed with flavor.
- Quinoa Salad: A light salad made with quinoa adds protein and complements the soup without being heavy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your easy chicken tortellini soup, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the taste and texture of the dish.
- Skipping the sauté step: This mistake can lead to bland flavors. Always sauté your vegetables first to develop a rich base for the soup.
- Using cold broth: Adding cold broth can slow down cooking time. Make sure your chicken broth is at least room temperature before adding it to the pot.
- Overcooking tortellini: Overcooked tortellini becomes mushy. Follow package instructions closely and check for doneness a minute or two early.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: If you don’t taste and adjust seasonings before serving, your soup might lack flavor. Always season to taste with salt and pepper at the end.
- Storing improperly: Not storing your soup in an airtight container can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers for better freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store easy chicken tortellini soup in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Freeze in individual portions for easy meals later.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and it will last up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally for even heating.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about easy chicken tortellini soup, here are some answers to common questions.
Can I make easy chicken tortellini soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just store it properly in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.
What type of chicken should I use?
Shredded rotisserie chicken works best for convenience, but you can also cook fresh chicken if preferred.
How can I customize easy chicken tortellini soup?
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale, and vary spices according to your taste preferences!
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! Easy chicken tortellini soup is packed with nutrients from vegetables and protein from chicken.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This easy chicken tortellini soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without much fuss. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what you have on hand. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup is your go-to recipe for a comforting and quick meal that the whole family will adore. This creamy, savory soup combines tender chicken and cheesy tortellini in a rich broth filled with vibrant vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, you can whip up a hearty bowl of goodness in just 40 minutes. With its versatility, you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or use up leftovers. Enjoy this delicious dish that not only warms your heart but also satisfies your cravings!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- 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
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned.
- Stir in celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a rapid simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Add shredded chicken and cheese tortellini; return to medium-high heat and cook until tortellini are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
