Summer’s farewell might bring a touch of melancholy, but the arrival of fall heralds the season of comforting soups. Inspired by Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman, I dove into creating the perfect fall soup – her Chicken Tortellini Soup. This recipe, featuring the convenience of rotisserie chicken, is a heartwarming bowl of goodness that’s both simple to make and deeply satisfying. If you’re searching for easy and flavorful Pioneer Woman Rotisserie Chicken Recipes, this soup is a fantastic starting point.
Soup, in its essence, is pure comfort food. The simple act of spooning up a creamy butternut squash bisque or a light miso broth can be incredibly soothing. It’s the magic of transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. That’s precisely what drew me to The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe – its promise of deliciousness with minimal fuss, leveraging the shortcut of rotisserie chicken.
The foundation of this soup is a classic aromatic base: carrots, onion, and celery sautéed until tender. Then comes the flavor boost – garlic, red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth, and Italian seasoning for that signature savory depth. Chicken broth forms the rich liquid base, brought to a simmer before the stars of the show are added: shredded rotisserie chicken and cheese tortellini. A final flourish of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevates it from simple to sublime.
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Rotisserie Chicken 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 – flavorful, approachable, and satisfying. The use of rotisserie chicken is a game-changer, cutting down on prep time significantly and infusing the soup with pre-cooked, delicious chicken flavor. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The tortellini adds a delightful chewiness and cheesy filling, making it more substantial and comforting than your average chicken noodle soup. It’s a balanced meal in a bowl, hitting all the right notes of flavor and texture.
Making This Rotisserie Chicken Soup Recipe My Own
While The Pioneer Woman’s recipe is fantastic as is, I couldn’t resist adding a few personal touches to enhance it further and truly make it my own go-to rotisserie chicken soup recipe.
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Parmesan Rind for Umami Depth: If you’re a Parmesan lover, don’t toss that rind! Adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers with the broth is a secret weapon for boosting flavor. It slowly releases a salty, umami richness that takes the broth to another level. Just remember to fish it out before serving.
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Brighten it Up with Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end is essential for adding a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the soup. It awakens the flavors and prevents it from feeling heavy. If you don’t have lemons, a splash of red or white wine vinegar will also do the trick. Start with a tablespoon and add more to taste until it has a pleasant brightness.
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Veggies, Veggies, Veggies: While the original recipe has a good amount of vegetables, I’m a firm believer in loading up on them. I added an extra stalk of celery and two more carrots for added heartiness and nutrition. Feel free to customize with your favorites – spinach is a classic addition that wilts in beautifully at the end. Just remember to adjust cooking time slightly if you add a significant amount more veggies.
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Choose Quality Tortellini: Tortellini can vary greatly in taste and quality. Opt for a brand you enjoy; the better the tortellini, the more enjoyable the soup. A bland tortellini can make the whole soup feel a bit lackluster.
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Butter for Extra Luxuriouness (Optional but Recommended): For an extra touch of indulgence, stir in a tablespoon or two of butter at the very end. It adds a velvety richness and smooths out the flavors, making the soup feel even more comforting and luxurious. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe (Adapted)
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Sara Haas
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
Directions:
- 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.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- 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. Portion into bowls and garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Rotisserie Chicken Soup:
- Simmer for Deeper Flavor: For an even richer and more developed flavor, let the soup simmer (before adding the chicken and tortellini) over low heat with the lid on for an extra 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the vegetables and seasonings to meld beautifully. Don’t forget to add that Parmesan rind during the simmering process! Remove it before serving.
- Make it Ahead: This soup is even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It’s perfect for meal prepping or making ahead for a dinner party.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables you love, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serves 6
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman
This Pioneer Woman rotisserie chicken soup recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. The ease of rotisserie chicken combined with the comforting flavors of vegetables, pasta, and a flavorful broth makes it a winner for any occasion. Give it a try and experience the magic of The Pioneer Woman’s simple yet delicious cooking!
