As summer fades and the cooler days of fall begin to creep in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup. Just like the changing seasons, our cravings shift from light summer fare to hearty, soul-satisfying dishes. And who better to turn to for comforting classics than The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond? This fall, we’re diving into one of her delightful creations: Chicken Tortellini Soup, a recipe that perfectly embodies the warmth and ease we crave as the temperatures drop.
Soup has a magical ability to soothe and nourish. Whether it’s the creamy embrace of a butternut squash bisque or the light, savory broth of a miso soup, a simple spoonful can feel like a hug from the inside out. The Pioneer Woman understands this comforting power of soup, and her Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe is a testament to her knack for creating dishes that are both delicious and approachable.
When we stumbled upon The Pioneer Woman’s version of chicken tortellini soup, we knew we had to try it. It promised a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal fuss, exactly the kind of recipe needed for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend lunch. This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s elevated with cheese tortellini, adding a delightful chewiness and richness that transforms it into a truly special dish.
The recipe starts with the foundational flavors of many great soups: carrots, onion, and celery, gently sautéed until tender. Then comes the aromatic boost of garlic, red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth, and Italian seasoning for that classic comforting touch. Chicken broth forms the flavorful base, brought to a simmer before the stars of the show are added: shredded rotisserie chicken and refrigerated cheese tortellini. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley at the end adds a final flourish of flavor and freshness.
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe a Must-Try?
This isn’t just another chicken soup recipe; it’s a Pioneer Woman recipe, which means it’s designed for real life. Ree Drummond’s recipes are known for being family-friendly, flavorful, and easy to follow, and this Chicken Tortellini Soup is no exception. What sets this recipe apart?
- Ease of Preparation: Utilizing rotisserie chicken is a genius shortcut, saving significant cooking time and effort. This makes it a perfect weeknight meal option.
- Flavorful Foundation: The sautéed vegetables and aromatic seasonings build a robust flavor base that is anything but bland.
- Comforting and Hearty: The addition of cheese tortellini transforms this soup from a light starter to a satisfying main course.
- Customizable: As with many of The Pioneer Woman’s recipes, this soup is easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Pioneer Woman Approved: Knowing it’s a Ree Drummond recipe brings a certain level of trust and excitement. Her recipes are consistently crowd-pleasing and reliable.
Making The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe Your Own
While The Pioneer Woman’s recipe is fantastic as is, there are always ways to personalize a dish and make it even more perfect for your taste. Here are a few tweaks and additions inspired by our own kitchen experiments:
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Unlock Deeper Flavor with a Parmesan Rind: If you’re a Parmesan cheese lover, don’t toss that rind! Adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers with the broth infuses a wonderful salty, umami depth. Just remember to remove it before serving. Using a good quality Parmesan block and grating it fresh for garnish also elevates the overall cheese flavor.
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Brighten it Up with Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end is a game-changer. It adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the soup and brightens all the flavors. Start with a tablespoon and add more to taste – you can also use red or white wine vinegar if you don’t have lemon on hand.
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Boost the Veggies: The original recipe has a good amount of vegetables, but for an even heartier and more nutritious soup, feel free to add more. Extra carrots and celery work wonderfully, and as The Pioneer Woman suggests, spinach is a great addition – simply stir in a few cups when you add the chicken and tortellini.
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Choose Quality Tortellini: Tortellini is a key component of this soup, so opt for a good quality brand. Fresh or refrigerated tortellini will offer better flavor and texture than dried versions. Experiment with different cheese fillings or even meat-filled tortellini for a variation.
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A Touch of Butter for Luxury: For an extra layer of richness and indulgence, stir in a tablespoon or two of butter at the very end. It adds a velvety texture and enhances the overall flavor, making the soup feel even more special.
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Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe: A pot of comforting chicken tortellini soup, ready to be served. This easy recipe is perfect for a cozy meal.
The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe – Ready to Cook!
Here’s the recipe, adapted from The Pioneer Woman, so you can bring this comforting soup into your own kitchen:
Recipe by Sara Haas, adapted from The Pioneer Woman
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
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons butter
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 bring to a boil. For a richer flavor, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes before proceeding. (Optional: Add Parmesan rind during simmering for extra flavor, remember to remove before serving).
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken and cheese tortellini, and cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is heated through and tortellini are tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and optional butter.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortellini Soup:
- Simmer for Deeper Flavor: Taking the extra time to simmer the vegetables in the broth before adding the chicken and tortellini really enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Tortellini cooks quickly, so be sure to add it at the end and cook just until tender to avoid it becoming mushy.
- Fresh Garnish is Key: Fresh Parmesan cheese and parsley add a bright, finishing touch that elevates the soup.
- Make it Ahead: This soup is even more flavorful the next day, making it great for meal prepping.
Serves 6
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman
Embrace the cozy season with this delightful Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
