As the days shorten and a gentle crispness fills the air, my thoughts naturally turn to the comforting embrace of soup. There’s something profoundly satisfying about a warm bowl, isn’t there? It’s like a hug from the inside out. This season, I’m especially grateful to have discovered The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe, a creation by Ree Drummond that has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen.
Soup, for me, is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether it’s the velvety smoothness of a butternut squash bisque or the delicate balance of flavors in a brothy miso, soup has an uncanny ability to soothe and rejuvenate. So, when I stumbled upon The Pioneer Woman’s take on chicken tortellini soup, I knew I had to try it.
The recipe begins with a simple yet aromatic sauté of classic soup vegetables: carrots, onion, and celery. These are softened to perfection before the introduction of garlic, red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and Italian seasoning, which infuses the base with a familiar warmth. Chicken broth then forms the heart of the soup, brought to a simmer to meld the flavors beautifully. The magic happens when shredded rotisserie chicken and cheese tortellini are added, transforming the broth into a hearty and satisfying meal. A final flourish of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevates the dish, adding both richness and freshness.
Discovering The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup
What truly makes The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup stand out? It’s the delightful combination of simplicity and depth of flavor. This isn’t a complicated, hours-long affair. It’s a recipe that comes together relatively quickly, perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for a weekend gathering. The use of rotisserie chicken is a genius shortcut, saving time without compromising on taste. And the cheese tortellini adds a delightful chewiness and comforting Italian flair that makes each spoonful a joy.
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A comforting bowl of The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup, showcasing its rich broth, tender tortellini, and vibrant vegetables.
Elevating the Soup: My Personal Touches
While The Pioneer Woman’s recipe is fantastic as is, I couldn’t resist adding a few personal touches to make it my own. Here’s how I enhance this already wonderful soup:
- Parmesan Rind for Umami Depth: Taking a cue from culinary wisdom, I always toss in a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers. This secret ingredient, added at the same time as the broth, infuses a subtle salty, umami richness that elevates the entire flavor profile. Remember to remove it before serving!
- Lemon Zest for Brightness: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end is good, but I find adding lemon zest along with the juice takes it to another level. The zest’s aromatic oils add a vibrant, zesty layer that cuts through the richness and brightens the overall taste.
- Boost of Veggies for Heartiness: I love a soup packed with vegetables. While the original recipe has a good amount, I like to add an extra carrot or two and perhaps some zucchini or spinach depending on what I have on hand. More veggies not only add nutrients but also make the soup even more satisfying.
- Quality Tortellini Matters: Don’t skimp on the tortellini! Choosing a good quality, flavorful brand makes a noticeable difference. Look for refrigerated tortellini for the best texture and taste.
- Butter for Luxurious Finish (Optional): For an extra touch of indulgence, a tablespoon of butter stirred in at the very end adds a velvety smoothness and richness that’s simply divine. This is entirely optional but highly recommended for a truly luxurious feel.
The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ready to try this comforting recipe yourself? Here’s The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe with a few notes incorporating my personal touches:
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
- Parmesan rind (optional, from a block of Parmesan)
- 3 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for enhanced flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
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 chicken broth and add Parmesan rind (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 20-30 minutes to develop deeper flavor.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken and cheese tortellini. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is heated through and tortellini are tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest (if using) and lemon juice. Stir in butter (if using) for extra richness. Remove Parmesan rind before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Tips
- Flavor Boost: Simmering the broth with the vegetables and Parmesan rind (if using) for an extra 20-30 minutes truly enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra nutrients and heartiness. Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking until wilted.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and comforting meal.
Serves 6
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortellini Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor simple pleasures, and enjoy the heartwarming comfort of a homemade meal. Perfect for cool evenings and cozy gatherings, this soup is sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. Enjoy!
