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Chicken Tortellini Soup

Chicken Tortellini Soup - Quick Delicious Meals

Have you ever had a bowl of soup that felt like a warm embrace during a chilly evening? Chicken tortellini soup is that dish. Packed with rich flavors and delightful textures, it delivers both comfort and nourishment in every bite. 
As a registered dietitian and avid cook, I've spent countless hours experimenting in the kitchen, and this recipe has, without a doubt, earned its place among my favorites.
But why is this chicken tortellini soup recipe so appealing? Let’s uncover the reasons behind its widespread love.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Soup Base
  • 1 1/4 lb. bone-in, skin-on chicken breast
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mild hot sauce adjust to taste
Vegetables
  • 3/4 cup chopped carrots small dice
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
Seasonings
  • 1/2 teaspoon each: dried oregano, onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon each: ground sage, freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon each: dried basil leaves, dried flat-leaf parsley flakes
  • 2 teaspoons rustic Italian herb blend or Italian seasoning
Pasta and Additions
  • 10 oz. fresh cheese tortellini
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes optional
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add the bone-in chicken breast. Sear it for about 5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. This step builds flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Add Vegetables
  1. Next, toss in your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened. The aroma will be starting to waft through your kitchen!
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
  1. Now, pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and your seasoning blend. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Allow it to cook for around 20-25 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook through and infuse its flavor into the soup.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
  1. Once the chicken is cooked (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F), carefully remove it from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.
Step 5: Add Tortellini and Finish Cooking
  1. Bring the soup back to a simmer and stir in the tortellini and sun-dried tomatoes, if you’re using them. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the tortellini floats to the surface and is cooked through.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
  1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly cracked black pepper. For an extra kick, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top. Voilà! Dinner is served.

Notes

  • Use High-Quality Ingredients
     Fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section will give your soup the best taste. The same goes for broth! If you can make homemade broth, that’s the golden ticket.
  • Don’t Overcook the Tortellini
     Follow the package instructions closely. Overcooked tortellini can turn mushy, which detracts from the soup’s texture.
  • Experiment with Vegetables
     Feel free to add in any leftover veggies you have. Spinach or kale can make great additions. Just add them in towards the end to retain their color and nutrients.
  • Adjust Spice Levels
     If you like heat, ramp up the hot sauce. Enjoy milder flavors? Pull back on the Worcestershire.
  • Make it Ahead
     This is a fantastic soup to make ahead of time. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.