As summer fades and the cooler days of fall roll in, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup. Just like the original author, I find myself turning to soup as the perfect transitional dish, bridging the gap between summer salads and heavier winter fare. And who better to inspire the first soup of the season than the queen of comfort food herself, The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond?
Soup truly is a magical dish. It’s simple yet deeply satisfying, capable of warming you from the inside out. Whether it’s the creamy richness of a butternut squash bisque or the light broth of a miso soup, there’s a soup for every mood and occasion. When I stumbled upon The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe, I knew I had to try it. Her recipes are known for being approachable, flavorful, and perfect for family meals, and this soup seemed to tick all the boxes.
The base of this delightful tortellini soup starts with the classic aromatic trio: carrots, onion, and celery, sautéed until tender. Then comes the flavor boost – garlic, red pepper flakes for a gentle warmth, and Italian seasoning to bring that signature comforting Italian-American taste. Chicken broth forms the heart of the soup, creating a rich and savory liquid base. The magic happens when shredded rotisserie chicken and cheese tortellini are added to the simmering broth. Finally, a touch of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley elevate the dish, adding a salty, cheesy finish and a pop of freshness.
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Tortellini Soup Recipe a Must-Try?
This isn’t just any chicken tortellini soup; it’s the Pioneer Woman’s version, which means it’s designed to be delicious and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch. What stands out about this recipe is its simplicity and depth of flavor. Using rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut that saves time without compromising on taste. The combination of classic Italian seasonings, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley creates a familiar yet comforting flavor profile that appeals to everyone. It’s a crowd-pleasing soup that’s both hearty and satisfying, making it ideal for a family meal. The tortellini adds a delightful chewiness and cheesy filling, turning a simple soup into a more substantial and exciting dish.
Taking Pioneer Woman’s Tortellini Soup to the Next Level
While The Pioneer Woman’s original recipe is fantastic as is, there are a few simple tweaks you can make to truly customize and enhance this tortellini soup, drawing from the original author’s insightful suggestions:
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Unlock Deeper Flavor with a Parmesan Rind: This is a game-changer for any soup, especially one with Italian flavors. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, save the rind! Adding it to the soup while it simmers infuses a wonderful salty, umami depth that you can’t get any other way. Just remember to remove it before serving. This simple addition elevates the broth and adds a layer of complexity.
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Brighten it Up with Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end is essential to balance the richness of the soup and add a touch of brightness. Acidity cuts through the savory flavors and awakens the palate. If you don’t have lemon, red wine vinegar or white vinegar can also work, but lemon provides a particularly lovely flavor pairing with the Italian herbs and Parmesan. Start with a tablespoon and add more to taste until you achieve the perfect balance.
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Load it Up with Veggies: The original recipe has a good amount of vegetables, but adding more is a fantastic way to make it even heartier and healthier. Consider adding extra carrots and celery, as suggested, or even incorporating other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or diced bell peppers. Spinach wilts beautifully into the hot soup, adding nutrients and color. If you increase the vegetables, you might need to sauté them for a few extra minutes to ensure they soften properly before adding the broth.
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Choose Quality Tortellini: Not all tortellini are created equal. Opt for a brand you enjoy, preferably refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best flavor and texture. Using high-quality tortellini makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste of the soup. Bland tortellini can make the soup feel underwhelming, so choose wisely!
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The Luxurious Touch of Butter: For an extra touch of richness and velvety texture, stir in a tablespoon or two of butter at the very end. This is optional but highly recommended if you want to take this soup to the next level of indulgence. Butter adds a subtle richness and enhances the overall mouthfeel, making it feel even more comforting.
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A comforting pot of Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup, ready to be served.
The Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe: Your Go-To Fall Soup
Ready to make this comforting and flavorful soup yourself? Here’s the recipe, adapted from The Pioneer Woman, with a few helpful tips for success.
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 heated through and tortellini are tender, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice. Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Pioneer Woman Tortellini Soup:
- Simmer for Deeper Flavor: For an even richer and more flavorful broth, let the soup base (before adding chicken and tortellini) simmer over low heat with the lid on for an extra 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Add a Parmesan rind during this simmering time for extra umami! Remember to remove the rind before serving.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste the soup before adding lemon juice and Parmesan and add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes as needed.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and aroma. These fresh garnishes really elevate the final dish.
This Pioneer Woman Tortellini Soup recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to welcome the fall season. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy to customize to your liking. Enjoy!
