Warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor, chicken tortellini soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. This delightful dish combines tender chicken, flavorful tortellini, and a medley of vegetables in a savory broth. It’s easy to prepare and makes a perfect weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a bowl solo, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 1 cup tortellini (fresh or frozen)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup spinach
– 1 carrot, sliced
– 1 bell pepper, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately:
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 28g
– Carbohydrates: 36g
– Fat: 8g
– Fiber: 3g
This nutritional value is based on a single serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Heat a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
5. Add sliced carrots and bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
6. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
7. Stir in tortellini and cook according to package instructions.
8. Return the chicken to the pot along with spinach and Italian seasoning.
9. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute chicken with turkey or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. Fresh tortellini can be replaced with dried pasta, adjusting cooking time accordingly. Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving and Pairings
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light pasta dish or some garlic bread.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure to leave out the tortellini if freezing, as it can become mushy.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can make it dry; ensure it’s just cooked through.
- Adding too much salt can overpower the dish; season gradually.
- Not sautéing the vegetables enough can lead to a bland soup.
- Using frozen tortellini without adjusting cooking time can result in a mushy texture.
- Skipping the simmering step can prevent flavors from developing.
Helpful Tips
- Use homemade chicken broth for richer flavor.
- Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness before serving.
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken works great! Just add it towards the end of cooking to warm it through without drying it out.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini or peas, to enhance nutrition and flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the broth for an extra kick of heat.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed as a quick lunch or dinner. You can also blend it to create a creamy soup.
Conclusion
This chicken tortellini soup recipe is a delightful way to warm up on a cool day. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a comforting bowl any time of the year!
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast diced
- 1 cup tortellini fresh or frozen
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 carrot sliced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add sliced carrots and bell pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in tortellini and cook according to package instructions.
- Return the chicken to the pot along with spinach and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
