There’s just something about a warm bowl of chicken tortellini soup that wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the aroma of garlic and simmering chicken broth filled our kitchen and brought everyone running to the table. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big hug, combining tender chicken, delightful tortellini, and vibrant veggies in every spoonful. What I love most is how customizable it is—sometimes I toss in whatever greens I have on hand, and it always turns out delicious. Trust me, this chicken tortellini soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting ritual that brings everyone together, making it a staple in my home. You’re going to love this one!
Ingredients for Chicken Tortellini Soup
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep or leftover cooked chicken for added flavor.
- 1 cup tortellini – I love using cheese tortellini, but you can choose your favorite filling!
- 4 cups chicken broth – Homemade or store-bought, whichever you have on hand. It’s the soul of the soup!
- 1 cup carrots, diced – Fresh carrots add a sweet crunch; don’t skimp on this ingredient!
- 1 cup celery, diced – This brings a lovely aromatic flavor to the base of the soup.
- 1 cup spinach – Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds vibrant color and nutrition.
- 1 onion, chopped – A medium onion works perfectly for that foundational flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is key for that fragrant, mouthwatering aroma.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the veggies and adding a rich flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning; don’t forget to adjust to your liking!
How to Prepare Chicken Tortellini Soup
Getting your chicken tortellini soup ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, hearty bowl in no time. It’s all about layering flavors and keeping it cozy, so let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You want it nice and warm to sauté those veggies.
- Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook these beauties for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
- Now, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute. Trust me, you’ll want to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat until it reaches a gentle boil. The soup will start to smell incredible at this point.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the shredded chicken and spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down beautifully.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give it a good stir. Don’t be shy—taste and adjust!
- Serve it hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Nutritional Information
This chicken tortellini soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep you feeling great! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving, based on the ingredients used:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities you use. Enjoy your hearty bowl of goodness knowing it’s not just comforting but nourishing too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This chicken tortellini soup comes together in about 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting and Hearty: With tender chicken, delightfully chewy tortellini, and a medley of veggies, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and vitamins from the fresh vegetables, it’s a wholesome meal that’ll keep you satisfied.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or herbs; it’s super versatile and can change with the seasons!
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this soup—it’s a hit with kids and adults alike!
Trust me, once you try this chicken tortellini soup, you’ll want to make it a regular in your meal rotation. It’s comfort food at its best!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to make your chicken tortellini soup even more delightful! First, don’t hesitate to experiment with herbs—dried thyme or fresh basil can elevate the flavor dramatically. If you want an extra kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders! For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese just before serving. And remember, if your tortellini is fresh, it’ll cook quicker, so keep an eye on it! Lastly, if you have leftovers, add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it nice and soupy. Enjoy crafting your perfect bowl!
Variations of Chicken Tortellini Soup
The beauty of chicken tortellini soup lies in its versatility! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste or whatever you have in the fridge. For instance, try swapping the spinach for kale or Swiss chard—both add a hearty touch and boost the nutrients. If you’re craving something different, toss in some zucchini or bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor. Want a little heat? A dash of cayenne pepper or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning will elevate the flavor profile in no time. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix in some pesto for a rich, herby twist. Each variation brings its own unique flair, making this soup a delightful dish every time you make it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chicken tortellini soup properly is key to enjoying those comforting flavors later! Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months—just make sure to leave some space in the container, as it may expand when frozen.
When it’s time to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain that lovely soupy texture. Stir occasionally, and enjoy that delicious aroma filling your kitchen once again!
FAQ About Chicken Tortellini Soup
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini is a fantastic option and just as delicious. You’ll want to add it to the soup a few minutes earlier than the package instructions suggest, as it may take a little longer to cook through. Just keep an eye on it!
How do I make this chicken tortellini soup gluten-free?
Great question! To make this soup gluten-free, just swap out regular tortellini for a gluten-free variety. There are plenty of options available these days, and they work beautifully in this recipe!
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Yes, definitely! This soup is super versatile. You can add veggies like peas, green beans, or even some diced potatoes for extra heartiness. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed!
Is this chicken tortellini soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to store it in individual portions, and it’ll be ready for you to grab and go during the week. Just remember to add a splash of broth when reheating to keep it from thickening too much!
What should I serve with chicken tortellini soup?
I love pairing this soup with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top makes it even better!
Chicken Tortellini Soup: 7 Heartwarming Reasons to Indulge
- Gesamtzeit: 35 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Low Fat
Beschreibung
A hearty and comforting chicken tortellini soup loaded with vegetables and tender tortellini.
Zutaten
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup tortellini
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until tender.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions.
- Stir in shredded chicken and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for faster preparation.
- Add your favorite herbs for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 20 minutes
- Kategorie: Soup
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 bowl
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 2g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: chicken tortellini soup, soup recipes, hearty soup
