Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for chilly days. Packed with tender chicken, soft tortellini, and a blend of flavorful herbs, this soup offers all the warmth and satisfaction of a classic chicken noodle soup with a cheesy twist. The addition of lemon zest and fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, making it a delightful, well-rounded dish for the whole family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6-8 cups chicken stock
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 10-12 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon, juiced
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrots, and onion, and sauté until the onion is tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and herbs (oregano, thyme, basil) and sauté for 1 more minute.
- Add chicken breasts and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and set aside.
- Add the tortellini to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes until the tortellini is al dente.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot with extra lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Version: For a richer soup, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Add Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
- Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, skip adding the tortellini and add it when reheating. This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Add extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini will work fine in this recipe. Just cook it as directed in the recipe.
2. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the point of adding tortellini. Store it in the fridge, and add the tortellini when you are ready to serve.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using cooked chicken is a great time-saver! Just add it at the end of cooking, instead of simmering raw chicken.
4. How can I make the soup thicker?
You can add a little extra broth or water when reheating to adjust the consistency, especially if it thickens too much after sitting.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add greens like spinach or other veggies such as zucchini or peas for more variety.
6. How do I prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy?
Avoid overcooking the tortellini. Once it’s al dente, remove it from the heat.
7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. They will provide a slightly richer flavor.
8. How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
9. Can I freeze the soup?
It’s best to freeze the soup without the tortellini. Add the tortellini after reheating the soup.
10. Can I add more seasoning?
Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. More herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the soup an extra kick.
Conclusion
Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any time of year. It’s easy to make, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, savory broth, and soft tortellini. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to warm you up on a cold day, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan for the perfect meal.
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Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly days. This easy-to-make soup is packed with tender chicken, soft cheese tortellini, and a blend of flavorful herbs. A burst of freshness from lemon zest and parsley elevates this dish to new heights. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dish, this hearty soup is sure to satisfy the whole family!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium white or yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6–8 cups chicken stock
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 10–12 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté until the onion is tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, oregano, thyme, basil, and black pepper, and sauté for 1 more minute.
- Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove chicken from the pot, shred it, and set aside.
- Add tortellini to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes until al dente.
- Stir in shredded chicken, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with extra lemon wedges, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Add spinach, kale, or other veggies for extra nutrition and color.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
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