Summer’s warmth and vibrant produce are delightful, but as seasons change, the comfort of a hearty soup becomes incredibly appealing. For those seeking solace in a bowl, The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, offers a treasure trove of comforting recipes, and her chicken dishes are particularly renowned for their heartwarming, home-style goodness. Among these, the Chicken Tortellini Soup stands out as a perfect embodiment of her culinary approach: simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
Soup truly is a comforting dish. The simple act of spooning through a creamy butternut squash bisque or a flavorful brothy miso can soothe and satisfy. The magic lies in the preparation, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It was this belief that led me to try The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup, and it quickly became a fall favorite.
This delightful soup begins with a classic aromatic base: carrots, onion, and celery gently sautéed until softened. Then comes the flavor boost: garlic, red pepper flakes for a hint of warmth, and Italian seasoning for that signature comforting aroma. Chicken broth forms the heart of the soup, brought to a simmer to meld the flavors. The addition of shredded rotisserie chicken makes it incredibly convenient and satisfying, while refrigerated tortellini adds a delightful chewiness. A final flourish of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevates the soup to another level of deliciousness.
What Makes Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup a Must-Try?
The beauty of The Pioneer Woman’s recipes, especially her chicken dishes, lies in their approachability and immense flavor payoff. This Chicken Tortellini Soup is no exception. It’s a recipe that balances ease of preparation with deep, comforting flavors, making it ideal for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend lunch. It’s a testament to how Ree Drummond excels at creating family-friendly meals that are both simple and satisfying. Her chicken dishes, in general, are celebrated for their hearty, flavorful profiles and this soup perfectly encapsulates that.
Elevating Your Chicken Tortellini Soup: Inspired Tweaks
While The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe is fantastic as is, there are a few simple adjustments to personalize it and enhance its flavors even further:
- The Parmesan Rind Secret: Take a cue from Italian culinary wisdom and add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers. If you’re using a block of Parmesan, save the rind and toss it into the pot with the broth. It infuses a rich, salty, umami depth that truly elevates the soup. Just remember to remove it before serving. This is a game-changer for adding complexity to simple chicken dishes.
- Brighten with Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a crucial touch of acidity that balances the richness of the soup. Lemon is my go-to, but red wine vinegar or white vinegar also work beautifully. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to taste until the soup has a pleasant brightness. This is a simple way to make any chicken dish more vibrant.
- Veggies, Veggies, Veggies: The original recipe has a good base of vegetables, but adding more makes it even heartier and more nutritious. I like to add an extra stalk of celery and a couple more carrots. If you add more veggies, just sauté them a bit longer initially. Spinach is another excellent addition; stir in about 3 cups when you add the chicken and tortellini for added greens and nutrients. Pioneer Woman often incorporates generous amounts of vegetables in her chicken dishes, and this soup is a great canvas for them.
- Quality Tortellini Matters: Don’t skimp on the tortellini. Bland tortellini can make the soup feel underwhelming. Choose a brand you enjoy, preferably a cheese tortellini with good flavor. Good quality ingredients are key in simple chicken dishes like this.
- Butter for Luxury: For an extra touch of richness, stir in a tablespoon or two of butter at the very end. It adds a velvety texture and a subtle layer of flavor, making the soup feel even more luxurious. While optional, it’s a delightful finishing touch that aligns with the comforting nature of Pioneer Woman’s recipes.
The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe: A Delicious Dive into Pioneer Woman Chicken Dishes
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Sara Haas
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:
- 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.
- Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
- Add chicken and tortellini, and cook, stirring occasionally until chicken is warmed through and tortellini are tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Portion into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Quick Tip: Deeper Flavor
For an even richer flavor profile, allow the soup base (before adding chicken and tortellini) to simmer on low heat with the lid on for an extra 20 to 30 minutes. Adding the Parmesan rind during this simmering time further intensifies the savory notes. Don’t forget to remove the rind before serving. This simple step enhances the overall depth of flavor, a hallmark of many great Pioneer Woman Chicken Dishes.
Serves 6
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman
