Cozy Up with Comfort: Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Summer’s warmth is wonderful, but as fall approaches, there’s a certain comfort we crave, and for many, that comfort comes in a bowl of soup. Inspired by the queen of comfort food herself, The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, this chicken tortellini soup is the perfect way to transition into cooler weather.

Soup has a magical ability to soothe and satisfy. Whether it’s the creamy delight of a butternut squash bisque or the light, savory broth of a miso soup, there’s something inherently comforting about a warm bowl in your hands. It’s the simplicity and depth of flavor that makes soup so special.

That’s why when The Pioneer Woman’s version of chicken tortellini soup came across our radar, it was a must-try. Ree Drummond’s recipes are known for their approachability and deliciousness, making them ideal for busy weeknights and family meals. This soup recipe is no exception.

The base of this hearty soup begins with a classic sauté of aromatic vegetables: carrots, onion, and celery. These are softened to create a flavorful foundation before garlic, red pepper flakes for a touch of warmth, and Italian seasoning are added, building layers of taste. Chicken broth is then poured in, bringing all these elements together in a simmering pot. The magic truly happens when shredded rotisserie chicken, for ease and speed, and cheese tortellini are stirred in. A final flourish of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevates the dish, adding richness and freshness.

What Makes The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup a Must-Try?

This isn’t just any chicken tortellini soup; it’s The Pioneer Woman’s take on it, which means it’s packed with flavor and designed for real-life cooking. The recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. It utilizes convenient ingredients like rotisserie chicken and refrigerated tortellini, making it a weeknight win. But don’t let the simplicity fool you – the combination of savory vegetables, flavorful broth, cheesy tortellini, and tender chicken creates a deeply satisfying and comforting meal. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out, embodying the spirit of Pioneer Woman’s home-style cooking.

Elevating Your Soup: Inspired Tweaks for Pioneer Woman’s Recipe

While The Pioneer Woman’s recipe is fantastic as is, there are a few simple ways to customize it and enhance the flavors even further, drawing inspiration from common cooking techniques and preferences:

• Unlock Umami with a Parmesan Rind: Take a cue from Italian cooking and add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers. This secret ingredient infuses a deeper, savory umami flavor into the broth. Remember to remove it before serving, but the flavor it imparts is undeniable.

• Brighten with a Squeeze of Lemon: A touch of acidity can elevate the entire dish. Lemon juice is suggested, but other acids like red wine vinegar or white vinegar work equally well. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to taste, adding brightness and cutting through the richness of the soup.

• Boost the Veggie Power: The recipe has a good amount of vegetables, but adding more is always a good idea for both flavor and nutrition. Extra celery and carrots are great additions, and as suggested on the original recipe site, spinach is another fantastic option. Adding vegetables not only makes the soup heartier but also introduces different textures and flavors.

• Choose Quality Tortellini: Tortellini is a star ingredient, so opt for a good quality brand that you enjoy. Flavorless tortellini can make the soup bland, so selecting a brand with good cheese or filling will make a noticeable difference.

• Finish with Butter for Extra Luxury: For an extra touch of indulgence, stir in a tablespoon or two of butter at the very end. This adds richness and a velvety texture, making the soup even more comforting and luxurious, a classic chef’s trick for adding depth.

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The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 stalks celery, sliced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 quarts low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Optional: Parmesan rind

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion, and cook, stirring often until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
2. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
3. Add chicken and tortellini, and cook, stirring occasionally until chicken is warmed through and tortellini are tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Portion into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Tips for the Best Soup:

For an even richer flavor, allow the soup base (before adding chicken and tortellini) to simmer over low heat with the lid on for an extra 20 to 30 minutes. Adding a Parmesan rind during this simmering time will also deepen the savory notes. Just remember to remove the rind before serving.

Serves 6

Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman

Embrace the comforting flavors of fall with this delightful Chicken Tortellini Soup, inspired by the one and only Pioneer Woman. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite, perfect for cozy nights in.