Summer’s farewell might bring a touch of melancholy, but the arrival of fall heralds the season of ultimate comfort food: soup. And who better to guide us into soup season than The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond? Her recipes are synonymous with heartwarming, family-friendly meals, and her Chicken Tortellini Soup is no exception. This Ree Drummond-approved dish is the perfect way to embrace the cooler weather and nourish your soul.
Soup has an undeniable magic. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The simple act of spooning up a creamy butternut squash bisque or a flavorful miso broth can be incredibly comforting and satisfying. This inherent ability to soothe and satisfy is what makes soup a timeless classic.
When it comes to crafting the perfect soup, the details matter. That’s why when The Pioneer Woman’s version of chicken tortellini soup caught my eye, I knew I had to try it. This recipe, a delightful twist on classic Pioneer Chicken Recipes, promises a flavorful and easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.
The foundation of this Pioneer Woman chicken tortellini soup is a simple yet aromatic sauté of carrots, onion, and celery. Once these vegetables soften, garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning are added, infusing the base with layers of flavor. Chicken broth is then poured into the pot, brought to a boil, and then gently simmered. The magic happens when shredded rotisserie chicken and cheese tortellini are stirred in, creating a hearty and satisfying soup. A final flourish of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevates the dish, adding a touch of richness and freshness.
What Makes This Chicken Tortellini Soup a Pioneer Favorite?
This isn’t just any chicken soup recipe; it’s a Pioneer Woman chicken recipe, which means it’s designed to be both delicious and approachable. The use of rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut, saving time without compromising on flavor. The addition of cheese tortellini transforms a simple chicken soup into a more substantial and exciting meal. The seasonings are classic Italian, creating a familiar and comforting flavor profile that appeals to everyone. It’s a recipe that embodies the spirit of Pioneer cooking – hearty, flavorful, and made with love.
Elevating Your Pioneer Chicken Soup Experience
While The Pioneer Woman’s original recipe is fantastic, there are a few simple tweaks to make it even more exceptional, turning it into your own signature pioneer chicken recipe. Here are my personal recommendations to enhance this already delightful soup:
- Unlock Umami with a Parmesan Rind: If you’re a Parmesan enthusiast, don’t discard the rind! Adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers with the broth infuses it with a deep, savory umami flavor. 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 elevate the flavors of any soup, and this chicken tortellini soup is no exception. Fresh lemon juice adds a delightful brightness that cuts through the richness of the soup. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to your taste, or experiment with red or white wine vinegar for a different kind of tang.
- Boost the Veggie Power: While the original recipe includes a good amount of vegetables, adding even more makes the soup heartier and more nutritious. I like to add an extra stalk of celery and a couple more carrots. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables – spinach, as suggested on the original recipe site, also wilts in beautifully at the end. Remember to adjust cooking time if you add significantly more vegetables.
- Choose Quality Tortellini: Tortellini is a key component of this soup, so choose a brand you enjoy. High-quality cheese tortellini will have better flavor and texture, making the soup more satisfying overall. Bland tortellini can make the entire soup feel lackluster.
- Finish with a Touch of Butter (Optional): For an extra layer of richness and indulgence, stir in a tablespoon or two of butter at the very end. This creates a luxurious mouthfeel and enhances the overall flavor profile, but it’s entirely optional depending on your preference.
Get Cooking: The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ready to create your own comforting bowl of Pioneer Woman chicken tortellini soup? Here’s the recipe, adapted from Ree Drummond herself, with all the details you need to succeed.
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A comforting and flavorful bowl of Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortellini Soup, ready to warm you up.
Recipe by Sara Haas, Inspired by 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.
- Optional: For deeper flavor, add Parmesan rind and reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken and 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 and optional butter. Portion into bowls and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Chicken Soup:
- Flavor Boost: Simmering the broth with the vegetables and a Parmesan rind (before adding chicken and tortellini) for an extra 20 to 30 minutes significantly deepens the soup’s flavor. Don’t skip this step for a truly exceptional pioneer chicken recipe! Remember to remove the rind before serving.
- Serving Suggestion: This recipe comfortably serves 6 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman
Embrace the comforting flavors of fall with this delightful Pioneer Woman chicken recipe. This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful addition to your collection of go-to soup recipes. Enjoy!
