This easy chicken tortellini soup is a cozy and heartwarming dish that everyone will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a comforting bowl on a chilly day, it features tender cheese tortellini and juicy shredded chicken in a flavorful broth. With only 40 minutes to prepare, this recipe is an ideal choice for busy families or anyone seeking a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This soup can be ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort Food Delight: The combination of cheese tortellini and shredded chicken makes every spoonful comforting and satisfying.
- Customizable Flavor: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or spices to make this soup your own.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Family-Friendly Meal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this delicious and hearty dish.
Tools and Preparation
When making easy chicken tortellini soup, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here are some essential tools you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Stirring spoon
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and ample space for all ingredients.
- Stirring spoon: A sturdy spoon ensures you can mix the ingredients well without damaging them.
- Chopping board: Provides a safe surface for cutting vegetables, making prep quick and easy.
Ingredients
This easy chicken tortellini soup recipe is a simple meal that has plenty of comforting cheese tortellini and juicy shredded chicken in an irresistible broth! It’s ready in just 40 minutes.
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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)
Broth and Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 cups chicken broth
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked/rotisserie chicken (or more, to taste)
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (to taste)
How to Make Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Base
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
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: Introduce Broth
Pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to high. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to a rapid simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes or until the veggies reach your desired softness.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Tortellini
Mix in the shredded chicken and tortellini. Turn up the heat to medium-high. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the tortellini is tender. If boiling too vigorously, adjust the heat as needed.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot. Enjoy your easy chicken tortellini soup!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Serving your easy chicken tortellini soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few simple additions. Consider these options to elevate your meal.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough or Baguette: A slice of warm sourdough or a crispy baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Thyme: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or thyme on top for an aromatic touch that complements the flavors.
Top with Cheese
- Parmesan or Mozzarella: Grate some fresh Parmesan or add mozzarella to give your soup an extra cheesy layer.
Serve with Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad dressed with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
Include a Side of Crackers
- Herbed Crackers: Crunchy herbed crackers provide a nice texture contrast and are great for scooping up tortellini.
How to Perfect Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
To make your easy chicken tortellini soup even better, follow these simple tips.
- Use Homemade Broth: If time allows, use homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Customize with additional veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning at the end to ensure bold flavors shine through.
- Cook Tortellini Separately: For firmer tortellini, consider cooking it separately and adding it just before serving.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together.
- Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Pairing side dishes with your easy chicken tortellini soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds a flavorful crunch that’s perfect for dipping.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients to your meal.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers variety and pairs beautifully with the soup’s flavors.
- Bruschetta: Tomato bruschetta brings a fresh taste that complements the hearty soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms are bite-sized delights that go hand-in-hand with this comforting dish.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad can serve as a refreshing side that echoes the main ingredient.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the Sauté Step: Neglecting to sauté the onions and vegetables first can lead to a lack of flavor. Always start with this step for a richer broth.
- Overcooking the Tortellini: Cooking tortellini for too long can make it mushy. Follow package instructions closely to ensure perfect texture.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Failing to season your soup properly can result in blandness. Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Ignoring Ingredient Prep: Not chopping veggies uniformly can lead to uneven cooking. Take the time to chop them into similar sizes for consistent results.
- Using Low-Quality Broth: Poor broth affects the soup’s overall taste. Opt for high-quality chicken broth or homemade for the best flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover. Heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour the soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup, here are some common questions answered.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
You can use frozen tortellini; just add a few extra minutes of cooking time until tender.
How can I make this soup healthier?
Consider using low-sodium chicken broth and adding more vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrients.
Can I substitute rotisserie chicken?
Yes, any cooked chicken works well! You could also use leftover turkey or even shredded tofu for a vegetarian option.
What side dishes pair well with Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup?
Simple salads, garlic bread, or crusty rolls complement this cozy soup perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup is not only quick and simple but also packed with flavor and comfort. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it uniquely yours!
Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
This Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. With tender cheese tortellini and juicy shredded chicken simmered in a savory broth, this dish comes together in just 40 minutes. It’s not only quick to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this hearty soup promises satisfaction in every spoonful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 sticks celery (finely chopped)
- 3 large carrots (peeled & chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until lightly browned (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in celery, carrots, garlic, and Italian seasoning; cook for an additional 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a rapid simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add shredded chicken and tortellini; cook until tortellini is tender, adjusting heat as necessary.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
