homemade chicken tortellini soup

Description:

Chicken Tortellini Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and cheese-filled tortellini in a savory broth. It’s a comforting soup that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any time of year. This recipe is packed with protein, veggies, and pasta, making it a complete meal in one bowl.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for brightness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Ladle
• Wooden spoon

Instructions:

Sautéing the Vegetables (10 minutes):

1. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Building the Soup (20 minutes):

3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer:
   • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Adding Chicken and Tortellini (10 minutes):

5. Add Chicken and Tortellini:
   • Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and cheese tortellini. Let the soup simmer for another 8-10 minutes, or until the tortellini are cooked through and tender.
6. Add Spinach and Lemon Juice (Optional):
   • Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until wilted. If desired, add a splash of lemon juice for a fresh, bright finish.

Serving the Soup (5 minutes):

7. Serve:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Total Time:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 350-400
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 25g

Notes:

• Tortellini: Fresh tortellini will cook faster than frozen. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Chicken: You can use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken by simmering it in the broth until tender.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, peas, or mushrooms for variety.

Tips:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini may absorb some broth, so you may need to add more when reheating.
• Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, leave out the tortellini and add it fresh when reheating, as pasta can become mushy when frozen.

This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a cozy, delicious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Enjoy!