Cozy Chicken Tortellini Soup: A Hearty Embrace on a Chilly Day
As the leaves begin to turn golden and a crisp breeze kisses our cheeks, I find myself longing for the kind of food that feels like a warm hug from an old friend. There’s something incredibly comforting about a steaming bowl of soup, especially when it’s filled with tender chicken and delightful cheese tortellini. This Cozy Chicken Tortellini Soup is my go-to recipe on those chilly evenings when all I want is a bowl of something soothing and delicious. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that brings the family together, fills the home with incredible aromas, and warms the soul.
You’ll want to keep this recipe close at hand for those moments when you crave something hearty, nourishing, and oh-so-cozy. So grab your apron, and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- A family-friendly dish that even the pickiest eaters will love.
- Packed with wholesome ingredients for a comforting, nourishing meal.
- Flexible and customizable; you can add your favorite veggies or spices.
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers, making it a practical choice for any week.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 package (about 9 ounces) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Let’s Make It Together
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then season generously with salt and pepper. This simple step sets the flavor foundation for your soup.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. The sound of sizzling oil is music to any cook’s ears!
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, sautéing for about 5 minutes, until everything is tender and fragrant. You just can’t beat that heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, letting it bloom and fill the air with its beautiful fragrance.
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the seasoned chicken, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Bring this comforting mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This waiting time lets all those amazing flavors meld together.
Stir in the tortellini, cooking according to the package directions (about 5–7 minutes) until those little pillows of cheese are tender and delicious.
Remove the bay leaves with care; we want to keep the soup pure and scrumptious.
Season the soup to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting it just to your liking.
Gently fold in the fresh parsley, adding a delightful pop of color and that fresh herbal note.
Serve the soup piping hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Then gather your loved ones and enjoy the cozy embrace of this hearty chicken tortellini soup!
Variations & Creative Twists
Zesty Lemon Twist: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten up the flavors.
Creamy Addition: Stir in a splash of cream or crème fraîche for a rich and indulgent version.
Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
Spicy Kick: Spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead Advice: This soup holds up well for meal prep! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Restaurant-Worthy Chicken: For extra moist chicken, you can poach it in the broth rather than sautéing. It gives a subtle, delicate flavor.
Leftover Magic: This soup can be a little thicker the next day; just add a splash of broth to loosen it up when reheating.
Freezing for Later: This cozy soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the tortellini, as they don’t freeze well. Add them in fresh when you reheat.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: About 1.5 cups
- Calories: 375
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 27g
- Sodium: 700mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! This soup is perfect for meal prep or make-ahead meals.
Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or use different veggies that you love.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long does it last? When frozen, this soup stays good for up to 3 months; just don’t add the tortellini until you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Chicken Tortellini Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm companion that shines through the cooler days of the year. From the tender chicken to the comforting broth and delightful tortellini, every spoonful feels like a hug. I encourage you to save this Cozy Chicken Tortellini Soup to your “Recipes to Try” board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Enjoy each comforting sip, and here’s to the joy of bringing warmth and happiness to your home through this delightful dish!
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Cozy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting and hearty chicken tortellini soup, perfect for chilly days. Packed with flavor and nourishing ingredients, it’s an easy weeknight meal that brings the family together.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 package (about 9 ounces) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot, sautéing for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the seasoned chicken, bay leaves, and dried thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in the tortellini, cooking according to the package directions until tender.
- Remove the bay leaves.
- Season the soup to taste with salt and pepper.
- Gently fold in the fresh parsley.
- Serve piping hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
For a zesty twist, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving. This soup can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months (omit tortellini before freezing).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken soup, tortellini soup, cozy meal, weeknight dinner