Chicken Tortellini Soup

Looking for the perfect cozy meal? This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a hearty, flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, delicious tortellini, and a savory broth. Ideal for cold weather, this easy chicken soup recipe is made with fresh vegetables, aromatic seasonings, and a touch of heat from hot sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick stovetop recipe or a slow cooker option, this soup is simple to prepare and loved by all. Perfect for meal prep, leftovers, or a family dinner, it’s a comforting choice that’s sure to satisfy. Try it today for a delicious, filling meal everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients:

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground sage
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Soup:

• 1 ¼ lb. bone-in chicken breast (see notes)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• ¾ cup diced carrots
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 10 oz. refrigerated tortellini (about 2 cups)

Instructions:

Stovetop Method
(See notes for Crock Pot Method)

1. Sear the Chicken
   Note: Searing the chicken is optional. You can add raw or cooked chicken directly to the broth in later steps. Searing enhances the broth’s flavor by developing fond, and adds color and texture to the chicken.
   Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a 4 ½-quart soup pot over medium-high heat.
   Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set aside. Let it rest for 10 minutes before shredding with two forks. If the center is not fully cooked, it will finish cooking in the next steps.
2. Make the Soup
   Combine the seasonings and set aside.
   In the same pot, melt the butter and use a silicone spatula to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and seasoning mixture. Stir and cook for 1 more minute.
   Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (avoiding a boil, which could toughen the chicken). Let it simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes.
3. Add the Tortellini
   Add the refrigerated tortellini and continue to simmer until the tortellini is fully cooked (about 3 minutes, or follow package instructions). Taste the soup and adjust seasonings, adding up to ½ teaspoon of salt, if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying with tender chicken, delicious tortellini, and a savory broth. The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic seasonings, and a touch of heat from hot sauce makes this soup an easy crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.

Tips

• Searing the chicken is optional but recommended for an extra layer of flavor.
• For a richer broth, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or even a whole chicken. Just make sure to remove the bones before shredding.
• If you prefer a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
• For added texture, try adding a handful of spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.

Variations and Substitutions

• Tortellini: Feel free to use any type of refrigerated or frozen tortellini, or substitute with another type of pasta like farfalle, fusilli, or shells.
• Vegetables: You can add or swap out other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas for a different twist.
• Hot Sauce: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less hot sauce based on your preferences.
• Broth: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a lighter version, or use a bouillon cube if you’re out of broth.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
  Yes! Simply add all ingredients to the slow cooker, including raw chicken, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then shred the chicken before adding the tortellini.
• Can I use frozen chicken?
  Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add them directly to the broth without searing, and they’ll cook through as the soup simmers.
• How can I store leftovers?
  Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little more broth if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is hearty enough on its own, but you can pair it with a warm slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a light, refreshing arugula salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.