Hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup

The Joy of Making Hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup

Hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup is a favorite of mine, perfect for cozy dinners and chilly nights. Imagine a pot bubbling away with this delicious Hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup on the stove. The kitchen fills with the savory aroma of chicken and spices, making it almost impossible to wait until it’s ready. As the soup simmers, I’m reminded of how simple ingredients can come together to create such comfort in a bowl.

The Simple Process

The process to make Hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup is just as enjoyable as eating it. I start by combining chicken and beef stocks, letting them reach a rolling boil in my trusty Dutch oven. It’s a satisfying sound, knowing that this base will soon be infused with tender chicken and fresh vegetables. Poaching the chicken breasts in this flavorful broth ensures they are juicy and perfect for shredding. The scent of the chicken mingling with the rich broth is an invitation to gather around the table.

Adding the Flavor

As the soup cooks, I add in the diced carrots, celery, and onion, along with a medley of seasonings that really bring the flavors to life. The dried onion soup mix, parsley flakes, and garlic powder work together to create a comforting aroma. The tortellini is the final touch, adding a delightful heartiness to each bowl. When everything is combined and cooked to perfection, I love ladling the soup into bowls, knowing that it’s not just a meal but a hug in a bowl.

Serving with Love

Serving Hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup with a slice of crusty bread makes it a complete meal. Every spoonful offers a burst of flavor from the tender chicken, flavorful tortellini, and the wholesome vegetables. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite, reminding me of why I love creating simple yet hearty recipes like this one.

Chef’s Notes- Hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup

• Poaching the Chicken: To ensure the chicken remains tender and juicy, poach it gently and avoid boiling vigorously. The gentle heat will keep the chicken moist and easy to shred.
• Shredding Chicken: Shred the chicken while it’s still warm to make the process easier and to ensure the meat stays tender. If the chicken cools down, it can become more difficult to shred.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the broth and adjust seasoning as needed before adding the tortellini. Depending on the saltiness of your broth and the dried onion soup mix, you might need to tweak the amount of salt and pepper.
• Vegetable Prep: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion similarly so they cook at the same rate and contribute evenly to the texture of the soup.
• Tortellini Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the tortellini as it cooks; overcooking can make it mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking and check for doneness regularly.
• Storage Tips: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just be aware that the tortellini may become slightly soft when reheated.

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Hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

50

minutes

Calories

271

kcal

Resting Time

5

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

5

minutes

Dive into a bowl of this Hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup, a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for any season! Packed with tender chicken, flavorful tortellini, and a medley of veggies, this soup is both filling and delicious. It’s a breeze to make and will warm your soul with every spoonful. Inspired by the simplicity of home cooking, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients

• Broth Base

• 4 cups chicken stock

• 4 cups beef stock

• Protein

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Vegetables

• 4 medium carrots, diced

• 1 medium onion, diced

• Seasonings

• 1 package dried onion soup mix

• 1 1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

• 1/2 tsp poultry seasoning

• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

• Pasta

• 2 1/2 cups cheese tortellini

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

• Beef Broth: Mushroom broth for a vegetarian option.

• Chicken Breasts: Turkey breasts or tofu for a vegetarian option.

• Tortellini: Ravioli or any small pasta shape.

• Dried Onion Soup Mix: Homemade mix of dried onions and bouillon.

Directions

• Prepare the Broth – In a large Dutch oven, bring the chicken stock and beef stock to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This should take about 5 minutes.
• Poach the Chicken – Add the chicken breasts to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to medium and poach the chicken uncovered for about 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
• Shred the Chicken – Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Use two forks or a meat shredder to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Add Tortellini and Chicken – Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, dried onion soup mix, parsley flakes, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, poultry seasoning, and black pepper to the broth. Bring to a boil again and then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the shredded chicken and tortellini into the pot. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tortellini is cooked through and tender.
• Serve – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Equipment

• Dutch Oven
• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• meat shredder

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 271kcal
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 1490mg
• Potassium: 693mg
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 26g
• Vitamin A: 6937IU
• Vitamin C: 16mg
• Calcium: 111mg
• Iron: 2mg

FAQs- Hearty Chicken Tortellini Soup

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes, you can substitute tortellini with ravioli or any small pasta shape like ditalini or orzo. Adjust cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup can be made a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving. If freezing, consider undercooking the tortellini slightly as it will continue to cook when reheated.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Use vegetable broth in place of chicken and beef broth, and substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also add more vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just shred it and add it to the soup along with the tortellini, and cook until heated through.

What should I do if the soup is too thick?

If the soup becomes too thick, simply add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and adjust seasoning if necessary.