If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully easy meal, this Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. It’s a vibrant bowl of tender cheese tortellini swimming in a savory chicken broth enriched with fresh vegetables and herbs. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of warmth, freshness, and nourishing satisfaction that’s just right for any weeknight dinner or cozy lunch. Plus, the simplicity of this recipe makes it approachable, so you can whip it up without any fuss but still impress yourself and your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is what makes this soup sing with flavor and texture. Every element is simple yet essential, working together to create a beautifully balanced, wholesome dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Gives a silky base to sauté the vegetables and develops a rich aroma.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings that signature punch of warmth and fragrance.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced: Provides subtle earthiness and a splash of color.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Offers a fresh, crisp undertone and texture.
- 6 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, delivering a savory richness and body.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds brightness and a slight tangy balance.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs infuses the soup with classic Italian flair.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen): The star ingredient that brings cheesy, pillowy goodness.
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped: For a healthy pop of green and a slight bitterness that complements the soup.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous lift right before serving.
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving: A final sprinkle of salty richness to bring it all together.
How to Make Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Base
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies for about 5 to 7 minutes until they become tender and soften nicely. This step is crucial—it builds a flavorful foundation that enhances every later ingredient.
Step 2: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes, then sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning along with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the whole mixture to a boil to wake up the flavors and start blending everything together beautifully.
Step 3: Simmer to Develop Flavor
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes. This slow simmer softens the vegetables further and allows the herbs to release their fragrant oils, creating a wonderfully aromatic broth that warms your kitchen.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini directly into the pot. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 5 to 7 minutes, until they’re perfectly tender and ready to melt in your mouth. This step transforms the soup into a hearty, satisfying meal.
Step 5: Wilt the Greens
Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach or kale, letting it wilt gently for about 2 minutes. These greens provide a fresh texture and boost the nutritional value without overpowering the gentle flavors of the broth and tortellini.
How to Serve Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe
Garnishes
Top your soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese. This not only adds a lovely color contrast but also a burst of herbal freshness and umami richness that elevates every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or some crunchy garlic bread. The refreshing salad offers a light crunch to complement the soup’s warmth, while garlic bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls and garnish each with a small sprig of parsley. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving for a subtle fruity finish that adds a touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes well but for best texture, leave the tortellini out if you plan to freeze it separately; add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating. You can freeze the broth and vegetables in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. If using frozen tortellini, add fresh cooked tortellini to the reheated soup for perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth will still give you a delicious soup, making it suitable for vegetarians, though the flavor will be slightly lighter but still very satisfying.
What type of tortellini works best for this soup?
Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini are ideal because they cook quickly and melt delightfully into the soup. Avoid dried tortellini as it takes longer to cook and can affect the soup’s texture.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add zucchini, mushrooms, or even peas for extra nutrition and flavor variation. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything stays tender.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Look for gluten-free tortellini options available in most stores, such as those made with rice or chickpea flour, and use gluten-free broth to keep it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely. Sauté the vegetables first for best flavor, then add everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding tortellini during the final 15 minutes so they don’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe is a wonderful blend of simplicity and comfort that’s perfect for any time you want a heartwarming meal without spending all day in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do sharing it with friends and family. Grab those fresh ingredients and dive into a bowl of pure cozy happiness—you won’t regret it.
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Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Tortellini Soup with Chicken Broth is a comforting and hearty Italian-inspired soup perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Featuring a savory blend of sautéed vegetables, tender cheese tortellini, fresh greens, and aromatic herbs simmered in a flavorful chicken broth, this soup is both nourishing and satisfying. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal recipe for cozy meals that don’t require extensive prep.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
Broth & Seasoning
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook and stir for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add broth and seasonings. Pour in the chicken broth along with the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer to blend flavors. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors from the vegetables, herbs, and broth to meld together beautifully.
- Cook tortellini. Add the cheese tortellini directly into the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Add greens and finish. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale. Let it wilt in the hot soup for about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm with garnish. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and ensure tortellini is cheese-only without animal rennet.
- Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen; adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Feel free to swap kale with spinach or other leafy greens depending on preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
