Chicken Tortellini Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy bowl of comfort that warms your heart and fills your belly, this Chicken Tortellini Soup is just the ticket. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something hearty yet easy to make. The blend of tender chicken, savory vegetables, and delightful tortellini makes it a beloved dish in my kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients!

On chilly days or when you need a quick dinner solution, this soup will be your go-to. It’s simple to prepare and comes together in no time, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Chicken Tortellini Soup comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: With its delicious flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or creamy options for a personalized touch!
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Every spoonful is filled with warmth and flavor—it’s like a big hug from your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Chicken Tortellini Soup is super easy with these simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely have most of them on hand already!

For the Soup Base

• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/4 lb. bone-in chicken breast (see notes)
• Salt/Pepper (to taste)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Vegetables

• 1 yellow onion (diced)
• ¾ cup diced carrots
• 2 ribs celery (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Broth

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

For the Tortellini

• 10 oz. refrigerated tortellini (about 2 cups)

Variations

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add More Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for an added nutritional boost.
• Go Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end to give your soup a rich and velvety texture.
• Swap the Protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of bone-in chicken for even quicker prep.
• Spice It Up: If you love heat, add extra hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies

Start by heating your olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until they’re soft; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Cooking them first brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your soup.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Spices

Next, stir in the minced garlic along with all those lovely herbs—basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, sage, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant. This step is crucial because it allows all those spices to bloom and infuse their flavors into the base of your soup.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Now it’s time to add that bone-in chicken breast! Pour in the chicken broth along with Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce. Bring everything to a gentle boil before reducing heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. This slow cooking process keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Tortellini

Once cooked, remove the chicken breast from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot along with tortellini. Cook according to package instructions until they are tender—usually around 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

After adding tortellini, give your soup a good stir. Taste it! Adjust seasonings with salt or pepper as needed. This final touch ensures that every bowl has just the right balance of flavors.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Your Chicken Tortellini Soup is ready! Serve it warm with some crusty bread on the side or top each bowl with fresh spinach if you chose that variation earlier. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Tortellini Soup

Making Chicken Tortellini Soup is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you can ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of the soup significantly. They provide a brightness that dried ingredients just can’t match.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer for longer helps deepen the flavors. The longer it cooks, the more the seasonings meld together, creating a rich and satisfying broth.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last few minutes of cooking. This creates a heartier texture without affecting the taste.
• Add greens at the end: If you’re incorporating spinach or other leafy greens, add them during the last few minutes of cooking. This keeps them vibrant and tender without losing their nutritional value.
• Experiment with tortellini types: Feel free to swap out traditional cheese tortellini for a vegetable or gluten-free version. This allows you to customize the dish while still keeping it delicious!

How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Soup

Serving Chicken Tortellini Soup is an opportunity to make your dining experience even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting bowl of goodness.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds color but also brings a fresh flavor that complements the rich broth.
• Grated Parmesan cheese alternative: For those who enjoy cheesy flavors, a sprinkle of dairy-free grated cheese can add creaminess and depth.
• Red pepper flakes: If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate your soup with a mild kick.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your soup. It soaks up all those delightful flavors and makes for a satisfying accompaniment.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing provides freshness and balances the heartiness of the soup.
• Garlic knots: These soft, buttery knots made with garlic and herbs pair wonderfully with chicken tortellini soup, making each bite irresistible.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and herbs complement the flavors in your soup while adding extra nutrients.

With these serving suggestions, your Chicken Tortellini Soup will not only be hearty and warming but also visually appealing and perfectly paired for an unforgettable meal! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a big batch, enjoy it throughout the week, or save some for later. Here’s how to store your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

• Let the soup cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Label containers with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool entirely.
• Portion the soup into freezer-friendly bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Note: The tortellini may become soft when thawed, but the overall flavor will remain delightful!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• On the stove: Heat over medium until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• In the microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Chicken Tortellini Soup!

Can I make Chicken Tortellini Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer for enjoying later.

How do I store Chicken Tortellini Soup?

To store Chicken Tortellini Soup, let it cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

What can I add to Chicken Tortellini Soup?

Feel free to add more veggies like spinach or kale, or even some cream for extra richness!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Chicken Tortellini Soup as comforting and satisfying as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings people together. Enjoy making this recipe and feel free to share your own twists on it. Happy cooking!