Name: Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup - Quick & Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon mustard powder; ¼ teaspoon ground sage; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/4 lb. bone-in chicken breast; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 yellow onion, diced; ¾ cup diced carrots; 2 ribs celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon hot sauce; 10 oz. refrigerated tortellini

Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe brings a comforting embrace to any table, especially on those days when you crave something both hearty and delightfully easy. There’s a reason this soup has captured so many hearts – it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch. The magic lies in its incredible simplicity, allowing the rich flavors of tender chicken, tender tortellini, and vibrant vegetables to shine through. What truly sets this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe apart is the harmonious balance of textures and tastes; the pillowy tortellini, the succulent chicken, and the aromatic broth create an experience that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, leaving you feeling satisfied and deeply content. Prepare to fall in love with this amazing Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe!

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon mustard powder
¼ teaspoon ground sage
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 1/4 lb. bone-in chicken breast
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, diced
¾ cup diced carrots
2 ribs celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
10 oz. refrigerated tortellini (about 2 cups)

Preparing the Chicken

Braising the Chicken Breast

We’ll start by getting our chicken breast ready for the soup. The bone-in variety adds fantastic flavor as it cooks, and we’ll be able to shred it easily once it’s done. To begin extract, I like to season the chicken generously on all sides with salt and pepper. This is a crucial step for building flavor from the inside out. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breast into the hot pot. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned. This searing process locks in juices and creates a delicious crust that will add depth to the soup. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through at this stage; we’re just developing flavor.

Building the Soup Base

Sautéing the Aromatics

Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a plate. Now, we’ll use the same pot and the flavorful drippings to build our soup’s aromatic base. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced yellow onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onions are translucent. This slow sautéing process allows the natural sugars in the vegetables to caramelize, adding a wonderful sweetness and complexity to the soup. Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it taste bitter.

Simmering and Flavor Infusion

Creating the Broth

With our aromatics softened, it’s time to add our liquid and seasonings. Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits – those are packed with flavor! Add the 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, the 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, and the 1 teaspoon of hot sauce. Stir everything together to combine. Now, carefully return the seared chicken breast to the pot. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes. This simmering time allows the chicken to cook through and become incredibly tender, and also lets all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully.

Finishing the Soup

Shredding the Chicken and Adding Tortellini

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it from the pot and place it on a cutting board. It should be easy to pull apart. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. While the chicken is cooling slightly, it’s time to add the star of our tortellini soup! Carefully add the 10 oz. of refrigerated tortellini to the simmering broth. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, which usually takes about 5-8 minutes, until they are tender and have floated to the surface. This is a quick and easy way to add a delightful pasta element to our soup without overcooking.

Incorporating Chicken and Final Touches

Combining and Serving

With the tortellini cooked and floating, return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir gently to distribute the chicken throughout the soup. Taste the soup at this point and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more hot sauce if you like it spicier. Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes, just enough time for the chicken to heat through and for all the flavors to marry perfectly. The broth should be fragrant and rich. Ladle the hot Chicken Tortellini Soup generously into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good amount of chicken, vegetables, and tortellini. This soup is hearty, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for any meal.

Conclusion:

There you have it! Your delightful and comforting Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is ready to be savored. We’ve walked through simple steps to create a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend gathering. This soup is a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity, offering endless possibilities for customization. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own!

Serving this soup is a joy. It’s wonderful on its own, but for an even more complete meal, consider pairing it with some crusty garlic bread for dipping, a light side salad with a vinaigrette, or even some fresh Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. You can also make it heartier by adding a handful of spinach or knon-alcoholic ale towards the end of the cooking time. And for those who love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely kick.

We encourage you to embrace the flexibility of this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe. Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. If you’re not a fan of chicken, consider using Italian sausage for a richer flavor. The possibilities are truly endless, and the most important ingredient is your enthusiasm for creating something delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the soup base (without the tortellini) a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup gently and then add the tortellini, cooking them according to the package instructions. This prevents the tortellini from becoming mushy.

What kind of chicken is best for this soup?

For this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe, cooked chicken is ideal. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs by boiling or pan-searing them until done, then shredding or dicing them. This ensures the chicken is tender and flavorful within the soup.

Can I freeze this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe?

It’s best not to freeze this soup with the tortellini already cooked, as they can become soft and lose their texture. However, you can freeze the soup base (broth, vegetables, and chicken) without the tortellini. Thaw it completely, reheat it, and then cook fresh tortellini separately to add just before serving.