Summer’s warmth and endless daylight are wonderful, but as fall arrives, there’s a certain comfort in embracing the change. For me, that transition often involves soup, and this year, I turned to The Pioneer Woman for inspiration. Ree Drummond’s recipes are known for their approachable deliciousness, and her Chicken Tortellini Soup is no exception. It’s the perfect bowl to welcome the cooler days.
Soup, in general, is just a soul-soothing food. Whether it’s a creamy butternut squash bisque or a light miso soup, there’s a simple magic in a warm bowl. When I saw The Pioneer Woman’s take on chicken tortellini soup, I knew I had to try it and share my experience with you, especially if you’re looking for comforting Chicken Recipes Pioneer Woman style.
The base of this delightful soup starts with a classic sauté of carrots, onion, and celery – the aromatic foundation of so many comforting dishes. Garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning join the party, building layers of flavor before chicken broth is added to create a rich and inviting liquid base. The magic really happens when shredded rotisserie chicken and cheese tortellini are stirred in. A final touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevates it from simple to simply wonderful.
What Makes This Chicken Tortellini Soup So Good?
This isn’t just another chicken soup recipe; it’s The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup, which means it’s packed with flavor and designed for real-life cooking. What stands out is its incredible balance of comforting familiarity and subtle zest. The Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes offer a gentle warmth, while the cheese tortellini adds a delightful chewiness and cheesy richness that makes each spoonful satisfying. Using rotisserie chicken is a genius shortcut, making this soup weeknight-friendly without sacrificing flavor. It’s hearty, flavorful, and undeniably cozy – everything you want in a fall soup.
Making It Your Own: Simple Tweaks for Extra Flavor
While The Pioneer Woman’s recipe is fantastic as is, I couldn’t resist adding a few personal touches to enhance it even further, drawing on my own kitchen experience and love for maximizing flavor. Here are a few simple modifications I recommend to make this chicken recipes Pioneer Woman soup truly your own:
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Parmesan Rind Power: If you’re a Parmesan lover like me, save those rinds! Adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers with the broth infuses a deep, savory umami flavor that’s truly transformative. Just remember to remove it before serving. This is a simple chef’s secret that elevates the broth beautifully.
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Lemon Zest (and Juice!): A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the entire soup, adding a necessary touch of acidity to balance the richness. Don’t be shy with it! Start with a tablespoon, taste, and add more until it sings. For an even more pronounced lemon flavor, try adding a bit of lemon zest along with the juice.
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Veggies Galore: The recipe has a good amount of vegetables, but for an even heartier and more nutritious soup, don’t hesitate to add more. I tossed in extra carrots and celery for added texture and sweetness. Spinach is also a classic addition, wilting beautifully into the hot soup at the end. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables you love, like zucchini or diced bell peppers.
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Tortellini Matters: Not all tortellini are created equal. Opt for a good quality refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best flavor and texture. A bland tortellini can make the soup feel underwhelming, so choose a brand you trust and enjoy.
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Butter Finish: For a touch of luxurious richness, stir in a tablespoon or two of butter at the very end. It melts into the soup, creating a velvety texture and adding a subtle layer of indulgence. It’s an optional step, but one that truly elevates the final dish.
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The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ready to make this comforting soup? Here’s the recipe, adapted slightly with my recommended additions, inspired by The Pioneer Woman’s original chicken recipes Pioneer Woman creation:
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), plus zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus rind (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1-2 tablespoons butter (optional)
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 Parmesan rind, if using) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Add shredded 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 (and zest, if using) and butter (if using). Portion into bowls and garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Tips for the Best Soup:
- Simmer for Flavor: Letting the soup base simmer for a bit longer before adding the chicken and tortellini really enhances the depth of flavor. Those extra minutes make a difference!
- Don’t Forget the Rind: If you have a Parmesan rind, definitely add it to the simmering broth. It’s a flavor booster you won’t want to miss.
Serves 6
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman
This Pioneer Woman inspired Chicken Tortellini Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and relatively quick meal that’s perfect for fall evenings or any time you crave a bowl of homemade goodness. Enjoy!
