Name: Chicken Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 min
Ingredients: 4 cups chicken stock (from a cube, carton or concentrate is fine); 2 garlic cloves; 1 rotisserie chicken (or 2 raw chicken breasts - See additional notes); 1 bag tortellini (approx 375g/13oz - the packets that suggest they serve 2); 1 small bag spinach ((90g/3oz)); 1 lemon; 1 parmesan; salt and pepper (to taste)

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of Chicken Tortellini Soup on a chilly day. I remember the first time I made this soup; the kitchen was filled with the aromatic scent of simmering chicken stock and garlic, wrapping me in a cozy embrace. As I stirred the pot, I felt like a chef in my own little world, creating a dish that would warm not just my body but my soul too. This recipe has become a staple in my home, perfect for those evenings when the cold nips at your toes, and you just want to snuggle up with something hearty and delicious.

What I love most about Chicken Tortellini Soup is its simplicity. It’s quick to whip up, thanks to the wonderful tortellini, which cooks in mere minutes. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a lazy weekend, this soup fits the bill perfectly. I often find myself coming back to this recipe, not just for its flavor, but for the wonderful memories it brings. Sharing a bowl with loved ones, laughter, and stories flow easily over a dinner table where this soup makes the perfect centerpiece. So, grab your favorite ingredients, and let’s dive into a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
7 mins

Prep Time:
2 mins

Cook Time:
5 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
25 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Large Pot

The Best Thing About This Chicken Tortellini Soup

Comfort in a Bowl

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a hearty soup to chase away the winter chill. I find that Chicken Tortellini Soup does just that; it wraps you in comfort and flavor with every spoonful. The tenderness of the tortellini paired with the rich chicken stock creates a delightful harmony that feels like a hug on a plate.

Quick and Easy

This soup is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights. With minimal prep and cooking time, I can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Using a rotisserie chicken makes it even easier, allowing me to savor the rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

Healthy and Wholesome

One of the things I appreciate about this recipe is how nutritious it is. Packed with ingredients like spinach and lemon, it offers a boost of vitamins and minerals. Plus, the parmesan adds that touch of indulgence without overwhelming the dish.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Chicken Tortellini Soup can easily transition from a light lunch to a hearty dinner. It’s a fantastic option for gatherings, and I love serving it with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Friends and family can’t resist coming back for seconds!

Endless Variations

This recipe is also a blank canvas. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, spices, or even different proteins. Every time I make it, I find myself experimenting with new ingredients, keeping it fresh and exciting.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Lastly, this soup is excellent for meal prep. I often make a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer, making weeknight dinners a breeze. It reheats beautifully, maintaining all its flavors and textures.

What to Buy for Chicken Tortellini Soup

When it comes to making Chicken Tortellini Soup, the right ingredients can elevate the dish to new heights. Each component plays a crucial role, from the soothing broth to the delectable tortellini. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that warms the heart.

4 cups chicken stock (from a cube, carton or concentrate is fine)
2 garlic cloves
1 rotisserie chicken – or 2 raw chicken breasts – See additional notes
1 bag tortellini approx 375g/13oz – the packets that suggest they serve 2
1 small bag spinach (90g/3oz)
1 lemon
parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste

Step by Step Guide for Chicken Tortellini Soup

Making Chicken Tortellini Soup is a delightful experience that brings joy and warmth into your kitchen. Each step reveals the comforting aromas that fill the air, making the cooking process almost as enjoyable as the final dish itself. Let’s dive into the steps and create a bowl of happiness together.

Start by pouring the chicken stock into a large pan. This will be the base of your soup, so make sure you have a good quality broth that’s full of flavor. Lightly squash the garlic cloves with the back of a knife, keeping them whole as you add them to the stock. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
As the broth reaches the boil, take the rotisserie chicken and strip the meat from the bones. I love using a rotisserie chicken for this recipe because it’s already packed with flavor and saves time. Wrap any leftover chicken in clingfilm and set it aside for another meal.
Once your stock is bubbling away, it’s time to add the tortellini. Follow the package instructions but cook them for 1 minute less than recommended. This ensures they stay perfectly al dente and don’t become mushy in the broth.
After the tortellini has cooked for the suggested time, add in the shredded chicken to warm it through. Let everything simmer together for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
While the soup is simmering, prepare the bowls. Divide the spinach among them, creating a vibrant base for your soup. The heat from the broth will wilt the spinach, adding a lovely texture.
Once the soup is ready, carefully remove the whole garlic cloves from the broth. They’ve done their job of infusing flavor, and now it’s time to let the spotlight shine on the other ingredients.
Spoon the hot broth, along with the tortellini and chicken, over the spinach in each bowl. The hot liquid will slightly wilt the spinach, making it tender and delicious.
To finish off your Chicken Tortellini Soup, spritz each bowl with some fresh lemon juice. This adds a wonderful brightness that elevates the entire dish.
Lastly, garnish generously with parmesan. The salty richness of the cheese complements the soup beautifully, adding depth to every bite.

Things Worth Knowing

Texture Matters: Make sure the tortellini is cooked al dente for the best texture. This means it should be firm to the bite but still tender.
Broth Quality: Use a high-quality chicken stock for a richer flavor. Homemade stock is ideal, but store-bought can work just fine if it’s good quality.
Cooking the Chicken: If you prefer to poach the chicken yourself, bring the stock to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and gently poach the breasts for 10 minutes until cooked through.
Customization: Feel free to add in other vegetables like carrots or celery for extra nutrition and flavor.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Making the perfect Chicken Tortellini Soup can be a personal journey. Here are some tips to help you create your ideal bowl:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to three days, but the tortellini may soak up some broth.
Freezing: This soup freezes well without the tortellini. If freezing, prepare the broth and add fresh tortellini when reheating to maintain the best texture.
Pairing: Serve with crusty bread or a light salad. A simple side of garlic bread complements the flavors beautifully.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, adding some crushed red pepper flakes while cooking can give your soup a nice kick.
Garnish Variations: Experiment with different toppings like crispy spinach or fresh herbs to add a touch of freshness.
Cooking Variations: For a vegetarian version, switch out the chicken for vegetable stock and add in more vegetables.

Side Dish Ideas for Chicken Tortellini Soup

Pairing the right sides with your Chicken Tortellini Soup can elevate the meal and create a cozy dining experience. Here are some ideas:

Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up the rich broth.
Caesar Salad: A refreshing Caesar salad provides crisp and crunchy contrast to the warm, comforting soup.
Crusty Baguette: Serve slices of warm baguette for a delightful way to enjoy the broth.
Roasted Veggies: Roasted vegetables like carrots and zucchini offer a healthy side that complements the soup well.
Cheese Plate: A simple cheese plate with parmesan and olives can make for an elegant starter.
Seasonal Fruits: Finish off the meal with a light fruit salad or some autumn fruits like apples and pears, especially during the colder months.

FAQ

Absolutely! Fresh tortellini can be used in place of dried. Just keep in mind that fresh tortellini cooks faster, so you should reduce the cooking time according to the package instructions. This often results in a more delicate texture.

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or basil. A touch of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a bit of heat, while a splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten the entire dish.

Yes, Chicken Tortellini Soup freezes well, but it’s best to freeze it without the tortellini. The pasta can become mushy when reheated. You can prepare the broth and vegetables, then add the tortellini when reheating for the best texture.

To make a vegetarian version of Chicken Tortellini Soup, simply replace the chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can boost the flavor by adding more vegetables and perhaps some beans for protein.

Conclusion

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is truly a special dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavors, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s a delightful way to enjoy a cozy evening in. Serve it up with some crusty bread, and you’ll have a meal everyone will love.

Chicken Tortellini Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Chicken Tortellini Soup is a creamy, savory delight that warms you from the inside out. Packed with tender chicken and flavorful tortellini, it’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Ready in just a few minutes, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.

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Prep Time 2

Cook Time 5

Total Time 7

Course Dinner, Soups

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

Frying Pan
Large Pot

Ingredients

4 cups chicken stock from a cube, carton or concentrate is fine
2 garlic cloves
1 rotisserie chicken or 2 raw chicken breasts - See additional notes
1 bag tortellini approx 375g/13oz - the packets that suggest they serve 2
1 small bag spinach (90g/3oz)
1 lemon
1 parmesan
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Pour the chicken stock into a large pan, lightly squash the garlic cloves with the back of a knife (but keep it whole), add this to the stock and bring to the boil.
Meanwhile strip the meat from the breasts of the rotisserie chicken (Wrap the rest in clingfilm - see note 1 )
Once the stock is boiling, add the tortellini and cook for 1 minutes less than the packet suggests.
After this time add the chicken and cook for a further minute.
Divide the spinach between bowls and spritz each bowl with some lemon juice.
Remove the whole garlic cloves from the broth and then spoon it over the spinach.
Garnish, generously with parmesan.

Notes

Tip 1: If you want to cook the chicken yourself, bring the stock to the boil then lower in the chicken breasts and turn down to a low simmer. Poach gently for 10 minutes.
Tip 2: Additional toppings: Add in some chopped red chillies.
Tip 3: Mushrooms would be good in the bowl with the spinach.
Tip 4: To bulk out the meal you could add a tin of drained cannelloni beans.
Tip 5: Prawns work fabulously instead of chicken. Add them in with the pasta.
Tip 6: Or make this vegetarian, remove the chicken and add in some chopped capsicum and frozen sweetcorn. (use veg stock)