Chicken Tortellini Soup

My Go-To Weeknight Comfort Food: Chicken Tortellini Soup

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and nutritious meals can be a challenge. But there are some recipes that are so simple, yet so satisfying, they become staples in my kitchen. This Chicken Tortellini Soup is one of them. It's a hearty, flavorful soup that's perfect for a chilly evening, and it comes together surprisingly quickly, even on the busiest of weeknights. The best part? It's easily adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand. Sometimes I use leftover chicken, other times I grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store—it’s all good! The key is the flavorful broth and the satisfying combination of tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, and that’s something I need more than ever during long work weeks.

I love the versatility of this recipe. Need to add some extra vegetables? Go for it! Have some leftover cooked sausage? Throw it in! Want to use different kinds of cheese? Absolutely! This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. I've found that the combination of fresh herbs and vegetables gives it a burst of freshness, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese. The use of fat-free half-and-half keeps it relatively light, but feel free to use heavy cream if you’re feeling indulgent. Honestly, there's nothing quite like a big bowl of this soup on a cold night after a long day. It’s the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness – a true lifesaver for a busy mom like myself.

Ingredients that make this soup a winner:

• Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the soup, providing a savory foundation.
• Vegetables: Onions, carrots, and celery add sweetness and depth of flavor, and they’re also packed with nutrients.
• Garlic: Essential for adding aromatic punch to the soup.
• Italian Seasoning: A simple blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor.
• Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is perfect for its convenience, but leftover cooked chicken works just as well.
• Tomatoes: Adds a touch of acidity and vibrant color to the soup.
• Spinach: Adds a boost of nutrients and a pop of green color.
• Cheese Tortellini: The star of the show! Adds a cheesy, satisfying element.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan adds a salty, sharp flavor to finish it off.

This soup is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. It's the kind of comfort food that reminds me of home, and it's a recipe I’m happy to share with you. Enjoy!

Tips and variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Add protein: Include cooked Italian sausage or ground meat for extra protein.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Use different tortellini: Experiment with other types of tortellini like meat or spinach and ricotta.
• Add some greens: Kale or chard would make a nice addition.
• Make it creamy: Add a dollop of sour cream or heavy cream for a richer soup.

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping—it actually tastes even better the next day! I often make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for lunches or quick dinners. Let me know if you try it and how much your family enjoys this warming, flavorful, and surprisingly simple soup.

Step-by-step

• Melt butter in a large stockpot over medium/medium-high heat.
• Add in onion, carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes, or until veggies are tender.
• Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Slowly pour in wine, stirring constantly, to deglaze the pan.
• Stir in broth, milk, and half-and-half.
• Bring soup to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, and baby spinach.
• Bring back to a simmer.
• Add in tortellini and simmer until cooked to your liking (about 3-5 minutes).
• Stir in parmesan cheese.
• Taste and re-season, if necessary.
• Serve and enjoy!