This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for cold days. Packed with flavorful chicken, fresh vegetables, and cheese-filled tortellini, it's a one-pot meal that's both satisfying and nutritious. The Italian seasoning adds depth to this soup, making it an instant family favorite.
The ingredients for this recipe are easily accessible and can be found in most supermarkets. However, you might want to pay extra attention when purchasing the tortellini. They are typically found in the pasta aisle, but some stores also stock them in the refrigerated or frozen sections. For extra flavor, opt for cheese-filled tortellini. Also, don't forget to pick up some fresh spinach if you don't already have it in your fridge.
Ingredients for Chicken Tortellini Soup
Olive oil: Used to sauté the chicken and onions, lending a rich flavor.
Onion: Adds a savory sweetness to the soup.
Chicken breasts: The protein of choice for this hearty soup.
Carrot: Adds color, flavor, and extra nutrients.
Celery stalk: A key ingredient in making the base of the soup more flavorful.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the soup an Italian flair.
Diced tomatoes: Adds tang and richness.
Chicken broth: The liquid base of the soup.
Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that turns this soup into a full meal.
Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and a delightful texture.
Bay leaf: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
Parmesan: A hard cheese that's grated for finishing the soup, adding a sharp and salty note.
One reader, Jaye Wellman says:
This chicken tortellini soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the tortellini adds a delightful twist. It's a perfect blend of hearty and delicious. I highly recommend trying it out for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques for Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
How to brown the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
How to simmer the soup: After adding the seasonings, chicken broth, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and bay leaf, bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
How to cook the tortellini: Once the soup has simmered for 10 minutes, stir in the tortellini and spinach. Let the soup simmer for an additional 7 minutes or until the tortellini is tender.
How to garnish with parmesan: When serving the soup, sprinkle each portion with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
How To Make Chicken Tortellini Soup
It’s hard to beat chicken tortellini soup on an overcast weather after a tiring day. This chicken soup is a bit of an elevated experience surely welcomed.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- ½onionchopped
- 1lbchicken breastsboneless, skinless, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1carrotchopped
- 1celery stalkchopped
- 1tspItalian Seasoning
- 1candiced tomatoes
- 6cupschicken broth
- 1pkgtortellinifresh and cheese-filled
- 2cupsfresh spinach(or kale) packed, chopped
- 1bay leaf
- parmesanfor serving
Instructions
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Season chicken with salt and pepper.
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In a large dutch oven, cook onion and chicken until browned.
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Add seasonings, chicken broth, tomatoes, carrots, celery, and bay leaf. Simmer 10 minutes.
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Remove the bay leaf. Stir in tortellini and spinach, simmer an additional 7 minutes or until tortellini is tender.
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Garnish with parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 190.40kcal
- Fat: 9.23g
- Saturated Fat: 2.35g
- Trans Fat: 0.06g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.46g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.73g
- Carbohydrates: 9.20g
- Fiber: 1.11g
- Sugar: 4.24g
- Protein: 16.97g
- Cholesterol: 41.69mg
- Sodium: 311.11mg
- Calcium: 36.22mg
- Potassium: 451.19mg
- Iron: 1.38mg
- Vitamin A: 121.05µg
- Vitamin C: 6.74mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Chicken Tortellini Soup
When cooking the tortellini, be sure not to overcook it. It should be al dente, or firm to the bite. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture that doesn't hold up well in the soup. To achieve this, make sure to add the tortellini towards the end of the cooking process and keep a close eye on it. The tortellini is done when it rises to the top of the soup.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Soup
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and season the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use store-bought broth: To save time, use pre-made chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.
Multitask: While the soup is simmering, use that time to prepare the garnishes or set the table.
Quick-cooking tortellini: Opt for fresh or quick-cooking tortellini to reduce the overall cooking time.
Efficient chopping: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop the vegetables for the soup.
Substitute Ingredients For Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breast in this soup recipe.
carrot - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash offers a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, adding a unique twist to the soup while providing a similar texture to carrots.
celery stalk - Substitute with fennel bulb: Fennel bulb can provide a similar crunch and subtle anise flavor to the soup, complementing the other ingredients well.
Italian seasoning - Substitute with herbes de Provence: Herbes de Provence blend offers a fragrant mix of herbs, including thyme, rosemary, and savory, which can enhance the flavor profile of the soup.
diced tomatoes - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can be used as a substitute, providing a thicker base and a more intense tomato flavor to the soup.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a flavorful alternative, adding depth to the soup while catering to vegetarian preferences.
tortellini - Substitute with ravioli: Ravioli can be used as a substitute, offering a similar filled pasta option to add heartiness to the soup.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute, providing a robust and nutritious leafy green option for the soup.
bay leaf - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can be used as a substitute, imparting a subtle earthy and floral note to the soup.
How to Beautifully Present This Soup Recipe
Elevate the plating: When presenting the chicken tortellini soup, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the soup, allowing the tortellini and vegetables to be prominently displayed.
Garnish with finesse: Enhance the visual appeal of the dish by delicately garnishing the soup with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This adds a touch of sophistication and depth of flavor to the overall presentation.
Emphasize balance and harmony: Arrange the ingredients thoughtfully in the bowl, ensuring a harmonious balance of chicken, tortellini, and vegetables. The goal is to create a visually stunning composition that reflects the care and attention to detail put into the dish.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Sprinkle the soup with a few sprigs of fresh basil or parsley just before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also infuses the dish with a delightful aroma, elevating the overall sensory experience for the judges.
Consider the bowl selection: Opt for a bowl that complements the rustic yet refined nature of the chicken tortellini soup. A handcrafted ceramic bowl or a classic porcelain vessel can add an element of artistry to the presentation, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Tortellini Soup
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping various ingredients.
Large pot: A cooking vessel used for preparing soups, stews, and boiling pasta.
Wooden spoon: A kitchen utensil used for stirring, mixing, and tasting dishes.
Dutch oven: A heavy-duty pot with a tight-fitting lid, suitable for braising, stewing, and making soups.
Strainer: A kitchen tool used for draining liquids and straining cooked ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Grater: A kitchen tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients.
Soup ladle: A large spoon with a long handle, used for serving soups and stews.
Cheese grater: A tool designed specifically for grating cheese into fine pieces.
Parmesan shaker: A container with a shaker top used for dispensing grated Parmesan cheese.
Tongs: Kitchen utensils with two arms and a pivot used for picking up and manipulating food.
Can opener: A tool used for opening cans of ingredients such as diced tomatoes.
Saucepan: A small, deep cooking vessel used for heating and preparing sauces.
Soup bowls: Bowls specifically designed for serving soup.
Storing and Freezing Chicken Tortellini Soup Properly
Allow the chicken tortellini soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to a watery texture when reheated.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together, making the soup even more delicious the next day.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following tips:
- Cook the tortellini slightly less than al dente, as they will continue to soften when reheated.
- Freeze the soup without the tortellini for the best texture. Cook the tortellini separately and add them to the reheated soup.
- Divide the soup into smaller, portion-sized containers or freezer bags. This allows for easy thawing and reheating of individual servings.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze the soup for up to 3 months for optimal quality.
To reheat frozen chicken tortellini soup:
- Thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Transfer the thawed soup to a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature.
- If you froze the soup without the tortellini, cook the tortellini separately and add them to the reheated soup before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning if needed and garnish with fresh parmesan cheese before serving.
How To Reheat Leftover Chicken Tortellini Soup
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover chicken tortellini soup:
On the stovetop: Pour the leftover soup into a saucepan or pot. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure the soup is heated evenly without overcooking the tortellini or making the vegetables too soft.
In the microwave: Transfer the desired portion of leftover soup into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the soup is heated to your liking. Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker or crockpot: If you have a larger portion of leftover soup, you can reheat it in a slow cooker or crockpot. Pour the soup into the slow cooker, cover it, and heat on low for 1-2 hours, or until it's heated through. This method is ideal if you want to keep the soup warm for an extended period, such as for a party or gathering.
Add a splash of broth: Regardless of the reheating method you choose, you may find that the soup has thickened after being refrigerated. To thin it out and restore its original consistency, add a splash of chicken broth or water while reheating. This will also help to refresh the flavors of the soup.
Garnish and serve: Once the soup is heated through, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and visual appeal.
Interesting Fact About Chicken Tortellini Soup
Tortellini is a traditional Italian pasta that is typically stuffed with a mix of meat, cheese, or vegetables. It is believed that the shape of tortellini was inspired by the navel of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Legend has it that a tavern owner in Bologna caught a glimpse of Venus' belly button through a keyhole, which inspired him to create the unique shape of tortellini. This interesting origin story adds a touch of romance to the delicious chicken tortellini soup recipe.
Is Making Tortellini Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this chicken tortellini soup recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively affordable and readily available, making it a budget-friendly option for a household. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and tortellini provides a balanced and satisfying meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is Chicken Tortellini Soup Healthy?
This chicken tortellini soup recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced meal. It contains a good mix of protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the tortellini, and essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, while the chicken broth adds flavor without excessive calories. The inclusion of spinach boosts the soup's nutrient profile, offering vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Overall, this recipe is a healthy choice for a satisfying and comforting meal.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this soup, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for whole wheat or spinach tortellini to increase the fiber content
- Add more vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to provide additional vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content
- Include a variety of leafy greens, like kale or Swiss chard, alongside the spinach for a broader range of nutrients
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to add flavor and beneficial plant compounds without extra calories
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Soup Recipe
This chicken tortellini soup recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, savory tortellini, and vibrant spinach creates a comforting and satisfying dish. The use of Italian seasoning and parmesan adds a depth of flavor that elevates the soup to a gourmet level. The recipe is well-balanced and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family meal or a casual dinner with friends. Overall, it's a fantastic recipe that is sure to impress with its delicious taste and heartwarming appeal.
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Why trust this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of chicken, tortellini, and spinach, creating a comforting and flavorful soup. The use of Italian seasoning and parmesan adds a touch of authenticity to the dish. With a balanced blend of chicken broth and diced tomatoes, this recipe promises a rich and satisfying flavor profile. The inclusion of carrots and celery ensures a wholesome and nutritious addition. Trust in the harmonious blend of ingredients and the simple yet effective cooking method to deliver a delicious and heartwarming soup.
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