There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of creamy chicken tortellini soup. It’s rich, comforting, and just the kind of hug you need on a chilly day. I still remember the first time I made this soup—it was a brisk autumn evening, and the smell of garlic and onions sizzling in olive oil filled my kitchen. My family gathered around the table, and as we dove into the creamy goodness, I could see smiles all around. Trust me, once you try this creamy chicken tortellini soup, it’ll become your go-to dish for cozy nights in or quick weeknight dinners. You won’t be able to resist its delicious flavors!
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather everything we need for this delightful creamy chicken tortellini soup. Having your ingredients prepped and ready makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This will add a lovely depth of flavor to the soup.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: A must for that aromatic base; chop it finely for even cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that irresistible aroma.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium if you prefer to control the saltiness.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: I love using rotisserie chicken for an easy shortcut!
- 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini: Go for fresh or frozen—both work beautifully!
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the soup so rich and creamy. Don’t skimp on it!
- 1 cup spinach: Fresh or frozen, it’ll add a pop of color and nutrition.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your preference for the best flavor.
And there you have it! With these simple ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a bowl of warmth and happiness in no time. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s jump into making this comforting creamy chicken tortellini soup! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious bowl in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the Olive Oil: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. This is where the flavor journey begins!
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Wow, that smell!
- Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, bringing it to a gentle boil. This will create the savory base for our soup.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add 1 package (9 ounces) of cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so they don’t stick!
- Incorporate Chicken and Cream: Next, stir in 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of heavy cream. Let this simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and creamy.
- Add Spinach: Finally, toss in 1 cup of spinach and stir until it wilts, which should take just a minute. It adds a lovely vibrant color!
- Season: Don’t forget to season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust it to your liking, and you’re ready to serve!
And there you have it! A warm, creamy chicken tortellini soup that’s sure to please. Get ready to cozy up with a big bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Rich, creamy flavor that warms you from the inside out.
- Perfect for chilly days, but tasty any time of the year.
- Comforting and filling, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.
- Versatile—customize with your favorite veggies or proteins!
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy chicken tortellini soup turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips! First off, using rotisserie chicken is a game-changer—it saves time and adds fantastic flavor without any extra effort. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream; it’ll still be creamy but with fewer calories. Always taste as you go! Adjusting the salt and pepper to your preference can really elevate the flavors. And don’t be afraid to get creative! Feel free to add in your favorite veggies like carrots or peas for extra color and nutrition. Trust me, you’ll love the results!
Nutritional Information for Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
When it comes to enjoying creamy chicken tortellini soup, it’s nice to know what you’re getting in each delicious bowl! Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a solid idea of what to expect. Enjoy your cozy and nutritious bowl of goodness!
Variations of Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
The beauty of creamy chicken tortellini soup is its versatility! You can easily mix things up to keep each bowl exciting. For a burst of color and flavor, toss in some diced carrots or bell peppers—both add a nice crunch! If you’re craving something a bit heartier, try substituting the chicken with cooked Italian sausage for a spicy twist. Want to go meatless? Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and load up on your favorite veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. You can even switch up the cheese tortellini for spinach or butternut squash tortellini for a unique flavor profile. The options are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover creamy chicken tortellini soup can be a lifesaver for busy days! To store it, let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container since the soup will expand as it freezes.
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking, and add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems too thick. You’ll want it piping hot but not boiling—this way, the flavors stay rich and creamy!
FAQ Section
Can I make this creamy chicken tortellini soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the shredded chicken. You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or chickpeas for protein and texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover creamy chicken tortellini soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave a little space in the container for expansion.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works great in this recipe! Just add them directly to the boiling broth and cook according to the package instructions. No need to thaw them first.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, try using half-and-half or even whole milk. Just keep in mind that this may slightly alter the creaminess of the soup, but it will still taste delicious!
How can I adjust the seasoning?
Seasoning is key! I recommend tasting the soup as it simmers and adjusting the salt and pepper to your liking. If you want a bit more flavor, a dash of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like parsley can elevate the dish even more!
Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup: 7 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich and comforting creamy chicken tortellini soup.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until onion is translucent.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken and tortellini, cook according to package instructions.
- Stir in heavy cream and spinach, cook until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: creamy chicken tortellini soup, chicken soup, tortellini soup, creamy soup
