Hearty Chicken and Tortellini Soup Recipe
🎉 Introduction
Warm up with a bowl of this Hearty Chicken and Tortellini Soup! Packed with tender chicken, creamy broth, and flavorful tortellini, this soup is everything you love about comfort food. It’s a deliciously satisfying dish that’s also loaded with nutritious veggies, making it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal!
🧰 Equipment Needed
- large pot
- cutting board
- knife
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- wooden spoon
- ladle
- serving bowls
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 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 and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the sautéed chicken back to the pot.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, tortellini, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the tortellini are cooked and the soup is heated through.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and ladle into serving bowls.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh 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, simply warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if necessary.
🥄 Variations
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add more vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Try using store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes, you can use frozen tortellini; just add an additional few minutes to the cooking time.
Q: Is it possible to make this soup in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time, but it’s best to add the tortellini shortly before serving to keep them from becoming too soft.
Q: Can I freeze the soup?
A: While you can freeze the soup, it’s recommended to freeze it without the tortellini and add them fresh when reheating.
Q: What type of chicken works best?
A: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can also use thighs for a richer flavor.
Q: Can I add more spices?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences.
Q: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for additional heat.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
Q: How long does it take to cook the chicken?
A: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Q: Can I use canned vegetables?
A: While fresh vegetables provide the best flavor and texture, you can use canned if you’re in a pinch, but drain them before adding.
🏁 Conclusion
This Hearty Chicken and Tortellini Soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. With its creamy texture and a blend of savory flavors, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or a chilly night in, this recipe is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy this comforting soup with loved ones and make it a regular in your home-cooked meals!
Hearty Chicken and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the sautéed chicken back to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, tortellini, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the tortellini are cooked and the soup is heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and ladle into serving bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup if necessary. Variations:
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add more vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Try using store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
