Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
🎉 Introduction
If you’re a soup lover, this Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup will become your new favorite dish! Loaded with tender chicken, pasta, and a rich tomato cream broth, this recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or quick weeknight meals. The combination of savory flavors and creamy texture will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive into this comforting and delicious recipe that brings warmth to your kitchen!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- large pot
- mixing bowl
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- serving ladle
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 package (9 ounces) fresh tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach leaves, packed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3: Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 5: Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions, typically about 3-5 minutes.
Step 6: Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and spinach leaves. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
Step 7: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and ladle the soup into bowls.
Step 8: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
Serves 6 | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a little chicken broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
🥄 Variations
- Substitute chicken with ground turkey or beef for a different protein.
- Add vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Use whole wheat tortellini for a healthier twist.
- Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time until they are heated through.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the soup ahead of time, but consider adding the tortellini closer to serving to avoid mushiness.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: It is not recommended to freeze creamy soups, as the cream can separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the soup without cream and add it when reheating.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Q: What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half or evaporated milk, but the soup may be less creamy.
Q: How can I make this soup dairy-free?
A: To make it dairy-free, use a non-dairy cream such as coconut cream or cashew cream in place of the heavy cream.
Q: Can I add more protein?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add cooked sausage, shrimp, or beans for additional protein.
Q: What type of chicken should I use?
A: Boneless, skinless chicken breast works best, but you can also use thighs for more flavor.
Q: How spicy is this soup?
A: The spice level can be adjusted by altering the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup is a delightful dish that combines convenience with mouthwatering flavors. Perfect for any day of the week, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet delicious enough to serve to guests. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, this recipe will surely warm your heart and fill your stomach. Give it a try today, and watch it become a new family favorite!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions, typically about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and spinach leaves. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a little chicken broth or water if the soup thickens too much. Variations:
- Substitute chicken with ground turkey or beef for a different protein.
- Add vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Use whole wheat tortellini for a healthier twist.
- Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños.
