Summer’s warmth and endless daylight are wonderful, but as fall approaches, the comforting embrace of soup becomes essential. For my first soup of the season, I turned to none other than The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, for inspiration. Soup is truly my happy place – a warm, comforting bowl can soothe the soul. There’s something incredibly satisfying about enjoying a spoonful of creamy butternut squash bisque or a brothy miso soup. It’s amazing how something so simple can be so incredibly special and heartwarming.
The secret to exceptional soup lies in the preparation, and that’s why The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe immediately caught my eye. I knew I had to try her take on this classic dish.
The recipe begins with a quick and easy sauté of classic soup vegetables – carrots, onion, and celery. Once these are softened to perfection, fragrant garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth, and Italian seasoning are added, briefly cooked to release their aromas before the chicken broth is poured into the pot. The mixture is brought to a boil and then gently simmered, creating a flavorful base. Shredded rotisserie chicken, a convenient and flavorful protein boost, and refrigerated cheese tortellini are then added to transform the broth into a hearty soup. Finally, a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevate the dish with cheesy, herbaceous notes.
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What Makes This Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortellini Soup Special?
This isn’t just any chicken tortellini soup; it’s the Pioneer Woman’s version, which means it’s packed with flavor and designed for real-life cooking. The recipe is straightforward, using readily available ingredients and simple techniques, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. The use of rotisserie chicken is a genius shortcut, saving time without compromising on taste. The addition of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes provides a lovely depth of flavor that elevates it beyond a basic soup. And the cheesy tortellini? They turn a light broth into a satisfying and comforting meal. It’s a balanced recipe that hits all the right notes – savory, a little spicy, cheesy, and fresh.
Making Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup My Way
While The Pioneer Woman’s recipe is fantastic as is, I couldn’t resist putting my own spin on it, drawing on my cooking experience to enhance it even further. Here are a few tweaks I made to personalize this already delicious soup:
- Parmesan Rind Boost: Whenever I have a block of Parmesan, I always save the rind. Adding the Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers alongside the broth infuses a deeper, saltier, umami richness. Just remember to remove it before serving. This simple step adds a layer of flavor that’s truly transformative.
- Lemon Juice Zest: After tasting the finished soup, I felt it needed a touch of brightness. Lemon juice was my go-to acid, but red wine vinegar or white vinegar would also work beautifully. Start with a tablespoon of lemon juice and adjust to your preference, adding more until the soup has a lovely savory zing.
- Veggies Amplified: The original recipe has a good amount of vegetables, but I wanted to make it even heartier and more nutritious. I added one extra stalk of celery and two more medium carrots. If you increase the veggies, just keep in mind that they might require a little extra cooking time to soften fully. Spinach is also a fantastic addition – about 3 cups stirred in when you add the chicken and tortellini wilts down perfectly and adds a boost of greens.
- Tortellini Quality Matters: Not all tortellini are created equal. Using a high-quality tortellini makes a big difference in the overall taste and texture of the soup. Opt for a brand you love; otherwise, bland tortellini can make the soup feel underwhelming.
- Butter for Richness (Optional): For an extra touch of luxury, stir in a tablespoon or two of butter at the very end. It’s not essential, but it adds a beautiful richness and velvety texture that takes the soup to the next level.
The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe Card
This is the original recipe from The Pioneer Woman, with my recommended tweaks incorporated into the tips section.
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.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken and cheese tortellini, and cook, stirring occasionally until chicken is heated through and tortellini are tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Optionally, stir in butter for extra richness.
- Portion into bowls and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Pro-Tips for an Even Better Soup
Try this for enhanced flavor: After adding the broth and bringing it to a boil (before adding the chicken and tortellini), reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer gently for an extra 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen beautifully. For even more umami depth, add a Parmesan rind to the soup during this simmering time. Just remember to remove the rind before serving.
Serves 6
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman
In conclusion, The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup is a winner. It’s a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for fall evenings or any time you crave a satisfying bowl of goodness. With a few simple tweaks, you can customize it to your liking and make it your own family favorite. Give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
