As summer fades into fall, the craving for comforting, warm dishes naturally returns. While summer’s fresh produce and long days are dearly missed, the arrival of autumn brings its own joys, notably the season of soup. For those seeking the perfect transition into fall flavors, The Pioneer Woman offers a wealth of inspiration, and her Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe is an excellent place to start. Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman herself, has a knack for creating recipes that are both approachable and deeply satisfying, and this soup is no exception.
Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience. There’s something inherently soothing about the simple act of enjoying a spoonful of creamy butternut squash bisque or a light, flavorful miso soup. The magic of soup lies in its ability to be both simple and incredibly special, often depending on the nuances of preparation and the quality of ingredients.
Inspired by this comforting notion, The Pioneer Woman’s version of Chicken Tortellini Soup immediately caught my attention. Knowing Ree Drummond’s reputation for delicious, family-friendly recipes, I was eager to try her take on this classic soup.
The recipe begins with a foundational sauté of aromatic vegetables – carrots, onion, and celery. These are cooked until softened, creating a sweet and savory base. Then comes the aromatic boost: garlic, red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth, and Italian seasoning to build that classic comforting flavor profile. Chicken broth is added to create the soup’s body, brought to a boil, and then gently simmered to deepen the flavors. The heart of the soup is added next: tender pieces of rotisserie chicken, making it incredibly convenient, and refrigerated cheese tortellini, which plump up in the broth, adding delightful little pockets of cheesy goodness. Finally, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley brightens the finished soup, adding a salty, herbaceous finish.
What Makes This Chicken Tortellini Soup So Good
This Pioneer Woman soup recipe stands out for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight meal. The use of rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut, saving time and effort without sacrificing flavor. The combination of vegetables is classic and comforting, while the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes add layers of flavor that elevate it beyond a basic chicken soup. The cheese tortellini adds a satisfying chewiness and cheesy richness that makes it a complete and fulfilling meal. It’s a soup that manages to be both hearty and light, flavorful and simple – a true testament to The Pioneer Woman’s recipe style.
How to Make This Soup Recipe Your Own
While The Pioneer Woman’s recipe is fantastic as is, there are several ways to customize it to your taste and elevate it even further. Here are a few suggestions to personalize your Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortellini Soup:
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Enhance the Broth with a Parmesan Rind: If you’re a fan of deep, savory flavors, adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers is a game-changer. If you use Parmesan regularly, save the rinds in the freezer. Adding a rind while the broth simmers infuses a rich, umami depth into the soup. Just remember to remove it before serving. This simple addition intensifies the overall flavor and adds a subtle saltiness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
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Brighten with a Squeeze of Lemon: A touch of acidity can transform a soup, and lemon juice is the perfect way to brighten this Chicken Tortellini Soup. After tasting the finished soup, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a necessary zing that cuts through the richness and enhances all the other flavors. Start with a tablespoon and add more to taste, until the soup has a pleasant brightness. If you don’t have lemons, red wine vinegar or white vinegar can also work in a pinch, offering a different kind of tang.
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Boost the Veggie Power: The original recipe includes a good amount of vegetables, but adding more is a great way to make the soup even heartier and more nutritious. Consider adding an extra stalk of celery and a couple more carrots, as suggested in the original article. More vegetables mean more flavor and texture. Remember that adding more vegetables might require a slightly longer initial cooking time to ensure they are softened. Spinach is another excellent addition; about 3 cups of fresh spinach can be stirred in at the end, along with the chicken and tortellini, for added color and nutrients.
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Choose Quality Tortellini: The quality of tortellini you use can significantly impact the final dish. Some brands of refrigerated tortellini can be quite bland, which can make the soup feel underwhelming. Opt for a brand that you enjoy and that has good flavor. Fresh or high-quality refrigerated tortellini will make a noticeable difference, adding a more enjoyable texture and taste to the soup.
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Finish with a Touch of Butter: For an extra touch of richness and luxury, consider stirring in a tablespoon or two of butter at the very end. This is an optional step, but it adds a beautiful velvety texture and enhances the overall flavor profile, making the soup feel even more decadent and comforting. It’s a perfect finishing touch for a truly special bowl of soup.
The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
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A pot of comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Tortellini Soup, ready to be served. The soup is vibrant with visible carrots, celery, and tortellini, garnished with fresh parsley.
Recipe by Ree Drummond, adapted for home cooks.
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 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 warmed 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 freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Soup:
For an even richer flavor, allow the soup to simmer over low heat with the lid on for an extra 20 to 30 minutes before adding the chicken and tortellini. This extended simmer time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. If you’re using a Parmesan rind, add it during this simmering stage and remember to remove it before serving.
Serves 6
Recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman
As fall approaches and the desire for comforting meals grows, turn to The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup. Easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and utterly delicious, this soup is the perfect way to embrace the cozy season and enjoy a taste of Ree Drummond’s home-style cooking.
