As summer gently fades, and the crisp air of fall begins to settle in, there’s a natural yearning for warmth and comfort. For many, including myself, this seasonal shift often brings a touch of melancholy as we bid farewell to long, sun-drenched days. Fortunately, there’s a delightful way to embrace the cozier months: soup. And what better way to kick off the fall soup season than with a recipe inspired by the queen of comfort food herself, Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman?
Soup, in its essence, is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The simple act of spooning up a velvety butternut squash bisque or a delicate miso broth can be incredibly soothing and soul-satisfying. It’s remarkable how something seemingly so straightforward can evoke such profound feelings of comfort and contentment.
This is precisely why when I stumbled upon The Pioneer Woman’s version of chicken tortellini soup on Allrecipes, I knew I had to try it. The promise of a hearty, flavorful soup, crafted with Ree Drummond’s signature home-style touch, was simply irresistible.
The recipe begins with a classic foundation: a quick sauté of aromatic vegetables. Diced carrots, onions, and celery are softened in olive oil, creating a fragrant base. Then comes the flavor boost: minced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth, and Italian seasoning to infuse that comforting, familiar taste. Chicken broth is then added to the pot, bringing the mixture to a simmer, ready to welcome the heart of the soup.
Shredded rotisserie chicken, a brilliant shortcut for busy weeknights, and refrigerated cheese tortellini are stirred into the simmering broth. These additions transform the simple vegetable broth into a satisfying and substantial meal. Finally, a touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley are sprinkled over the top, adding a salty, cheesy finish and a pop of fresh herbaceousness.
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Elevating the Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup: Personal Touches for Extra Flavor
While The Pioneer Woman’s original recipe is undeniably delicious, there’s always room to personalize and enhance a dish to truly make it your own. Through my own experience making this soup, I discovered a few simple tweaks that elevate the flavors and textures to new heights.
Unlock Deep Flavor with a Parmesan Rind: If you’re a fan of Parmesan cheese, don’t discard the rind! This often-overlooked piece is a treasure trove of umami flavor. By adding a Parmesan rind to the soup pot along with the chicken broth, you infuse a deeper, more savory dimension into the broth. Remember to remove it before serving, but the flavor it imparts is truly transformative.
Brighten with a Squeeze of Lemon: A touch of acidity can work wonders in balancing rich, savory flavors. After tasting the finished soup, I found that a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice provided the perfect brightness. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to your preference, adding more until the soup sings with savory, zesty notes. If lemon isn’t your preference, red or white wine vinegar can also offer a similar tangy lift.
Boost the Veggie Power: The original recipe calls for a good amount of vegetables, but for those who love a heartier, more vegetable-packed soup, feel free to add more. I opted to include an extra stalk of celery and two more medium carrots, which contributed both texture and sweetness. Just be mindful that adding more vegetables might extend the initial cooking time slightly to ensure they soften properly. Spinach is also a fantastic addition, stirred in at the end with the chicken and tortellini for a boost of greens.
Choose Quality Tortellini Wisely: Not all tortellini are created equal. The quality of your tortellini directly impacts the overall taste of the soup. Opt for a brand you know and love, one with flavorful filling that will complement the other ingredients. Using bland tortellini can result in a less exciting soup experience.
Finish with a Whisper of Butter: For a touch of indulgence and luxuriousness, consider stirring in a tablespoon or two of butter at the very end. This simple step adds richness and a velvety mouthfeel to the soup, making it feel extra special. While entirely optional, it’s a delightful finishing touch for those seeking ultimate comfort.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe: Detailed Instructions
This adapted recipe incorporates the core elements of The Pioneer Woman’s original, along with the personal enhancements mentioned above, to create a truly exceptional and comforting soup.
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, but highly recommended)
- 3 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon), or to taste
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- 1-2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)
Directions:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add Broth and Parmesan Rind (if using): Pour in chicken broth and add Parmesan rind (if using). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes to develop deeper flavor.
- Add Chicken and Tortellini: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken and tortellini. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is warmed through and tortellini are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Remove Parmesan rind (if used). Stir in lemon juice and butter (if using). Taste and adjust lemon juice and seasonings as needed. Portion into bowls and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Tortellini Soup:
- Flavor Development: Simmering the broth with the vegetables and Parmesan rind (if used) for a longer period truly enhances the soup’s depth of flavor. Don’t rush this step!
- Freshness Matters: Fresh parsley and lemon juice at the end are key to brightening the soup and adding a vibrant finish.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables you enjoy, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Make it Ahead: The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld together even more beautifully overnight. Add the tortellini closer to serving time to prevent them from becoming too soft if reheating.
Serves 6
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman and inspired by Allrecipes
This Pioneer Woman inspired chicken tortellini soup is a bowl of pure comfort, perfect for welcoming the fall season or any time you crave a warm, satisfying meal. Enjoy the process of creating this delicious soup and savor every spoonful!
