Who doesn’t love a heart-warming bowl of soup, especially when it’s cold outside, and you crave comfort food? What if I told you that you could have such a divine, comforting dish ready on your table in just half an hour? That’s right! Our chicken tortellini soup is the perfect weeknight family dinner, bound to become a favorite among both adults and the little ones. It’s an innovative twist on the classic chicken noodle soup, featuring creamy pockets of cheese-filled tortellini that will leave everyone asking for more.
Choosing the Tortellini and Chicken
The secret behind the unique taste of this soup lies in the choice of tortellini. While refrigerated, frozen, and dried options are available, this recipe works best with refrigerated or frozen tortellini as they are larger and packed with fresher-tasting filling.
In terms of chicken, this weeknight dinner hack comes to the rescue: a juicy rotisserie chicken. The savory flavor beautifully complements the tortellini. If you enjoy white meat, simply slice three boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, season with salt, pepper and sauté them in butter until golden.
Customizing Your Soup
Wondering what else could go into this comforting dish? Spinach could be an exciting addition to the soup, introducing a veggie boost in every spoonful. For those who enjoy a hint of brightness in their dishes, a squeeze of lemon would do the trick!
Cooking and Storing
One of the best parts of this dish is the convenience it offers – the tortellini cooks right in the soup pot, acting as a natural thickener, enhancing the soup’s body.
As for cooking ahead of time, it’s possible! But remember to cook the tortellini separately and add it to the soup just before serving. This ensures your tortellini doesn’t absorb too much broth and become mushy.
If you’re wondering whether this delectable dish can be frozen for later use, the answer is a resounding yes! You’ll need to freeze the tortellini and the broth separately to maintain the pasta’s texture.
Ready to Cook?
Now that you know all about this delightful chicken tortellini soup, why not give it a try tonight? Enjoy this masterpiece of a meal packed with the goodness of vegetables, chicken, and cheesy tortellini!
Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (or 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped)
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- If using a rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- If using chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, sauté in butter until golden, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Broth and Chicken:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Season and Add Spinach:
- Stir in the dried thyme and basil, as well as salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Finish with Lemon (Optional):
- For a hint of brightness, add the juice of one lemon.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy this comforting chicken tortellini soup with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Tips: - For Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- For Freezing: Freeze the tortellini and broth separately to maintain pasta texture. Thaw before reheating and combining.
Enjoy this quick and easy chicken tortellini soup recipe that promises a hearty, comforting meal for any night of the week!
