As summer fades and the crisp air of fall begins to settle in, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup. Just like the original author, I find myself turning to soup as a way to embrace the changing seasons. And who better to inspire a delicious and comforting soup than The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond? Her take on chicken tortellini soup is a delightful and easy recipe that’s perfect for a cozy evening.
Soup truly is a magical dish. It’s simple yet deeply satisfying, capable of warming you from the inside out. Whether it’s a creamy bisque or a light broth, the act of enjoying a spoonful of soup is inherently comforting. When I stumbled upon The Pioneer Woman’s chicken tortellini soup recipe, I knew I had to try it and share why it’s such a fantastic choice for anyone craving a taste of home-cooked goodness.
This recipe starts with the foundational flavors of carrots, onions, and celery, sautéed to bring out their sweetness. Garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning are then added to build a fragrant and savory base before chicken broth is poured in to create the soup’s flavorful liquid. The magic happens when shredded rotisserie chicken and cheese tortellini are stirred into the simmering broth. A final touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevates the dish, creating a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
Why Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup is Perfect for Fall
This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s The Pioneer Woman chicken soup, and it’s specifically designed for those cooler days when you crave something both hearty and easy to prepare. Here’s why this recipe shines:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Chicken soup is a classic comfort food, and the addition of cheese tortellini elevates it to another level of cozy satisfaction. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside and makes you feel instantly better.
- Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Thanks to the use of rotisserie chicken and refrigerated tortellini, this soup comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can have a delicious and nourishing meal on the table in about 30 minutes.
- Flavorful and Family-Friendly: The combination of savory vegetables, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and cheesy tortellini is a crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters will enjoy the comforting and familiar flavors of this soup.
- Customizable and Versatile: The recipe is easy to adapt to your preferences. You can add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or use different types of tortellini. It’s a great base recipe to make your own.
Key Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Soup
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this Pioneer Woman chicken soup recipe so special:
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, olive oil adds a touch of richness and flavor.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion: The holy trinity of soup vegetables, these form the aromatic base of the soup, providing sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Essential for adding pungent and savory notes.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian touch, complementing the tortellini.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes provides a subtle warmth without making the soup spicy.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The liquid base of the soup, choose low-sodium to control the saltiness.
- Rotisserie Chicken: A shortcut ingredient that saves time and adds flavorful, pre-cooked chicken to the soup.
- Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Quick-cooking pasta that adds a delightful cheesy element and heartiness to the soup.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami finish.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness.
- Optional Parmesan Rind: Adding a Parmesan rind to the simmering broth enhances the umami flavor even further.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortellini Soup
Follow these simple steps to create your own comforting bowl of Pioneer Woman chicken soup:
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced carrots, celery, and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 8 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in finely chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add Chicken and Tortellini: Reduce heat to a simmer and add shredded rotisserie chicken and refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the tortellini are tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.
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- Finish with Lemon and Garnishes: Remove the pot from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Optional Flavor Boost: For a richer, more developed flavor, simmer the broth with a Parmesan rind (removed before serving) for an extra 20 to 30 minutes before adding the chicken and tortellini.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Chicken Soup
To make your Pioneer Woman chicken soup even better, consider these helpful tips:
- Don’t Skip the Parmesan Rind: If you have a Parmesan rind on hand, adding it to the simmering broth truly elevates the umami flavor of the soup. Just remember to remove it before serving.
- Brighten with Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end is crucial for balancing the flavors and adding a touch of brightness. Don’t be shy with the lemon!
- Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to make the soup heartier. Spinach, zucchini, or diced tomatoes would all be delicious additions.
- Choose Quality Tortellini: The quality of your tortellini matters. Opt for a brand you enjoy, as bland tortellini can make the soup feel less exciting.
- Add a Touch of Butter (Optional): For an extra layer of richness and luxury, stir in a tablespoon or two of butter at the very end.
Serving Suggestions
Pioneer Woman chicken tortellini soup is a complete meal in itself, but you can enhance your dining experience with these serving suggestions:
- Garnish: Besides Parmesan and parsley, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat or a dollop of pesto for added flavor.
- Side Dishes: Serve with crusty bread for dipping, a simple side salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting and satisfying meal.
As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler, The Pioneer Woman Cooks Chicken Soup – and it’s the perfect recipe to welcome the fall season. This hearty and flavorful chicken tortellini soup is easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to bring comfort to your table. Give this recipe a try and experience the warmth and deliciousness of homemade soup inspired by Ree Drummond herself!
