Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Tortellini Soup is a warm and comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, hearty veggies, and delicious cheese tortellini. This soup is perfect for chilly days or when you want something filling and nutritious. It’s easy to make and can be served for lunch or dinner, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy pasta in a soup!
How to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 package (about 9 ounces) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season it with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it’s fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken pieces, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package directions (about 5–7 minutes) until the tortellini is tender.
- Remove the bay leaves and season the soup to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve the soup hot, adding extra parsley if desired.
How to Serve Chicken Tortellini Soup
Serve Chicken Tortellini Soup hot in bowls. You can garnish the soup with some extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Chicken Tortellini Soup
To store Chicken Tortellini Soup, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it will be good for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Use homemade chicken broth for a richer flavor, if possible.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
- You can swap the chicken for cooked shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust the seasoning to your liking; add more herbs or spices if desired.
Variation
For a creamy version of Chicken Tortellini Soup, you can stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This will give the soup a rich and velvety texture. Additionally, you could substitute the cheese tortellini with spinach or butternut squash tortellini for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly and ensure it’s no longer frozen before serving.
What can I substitute for tortellini?
If you prefer, you can substitute tortellini with other pasta like small shells or elbow macaroni.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup in advance. Reheat it on the stove before serving, and add a little water or broth if it has thickened too much.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season it with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery for about 5 minutes until they are tender.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until it’s fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken pieces, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package directions (about 5–7 minutes) until the tortellini is tender.
- Remove the bay leaves and season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve the soup hot, adding extra parsley if desired.