How to make This Soup From the Pioneer Woman Is My New Go-to Comfort Food Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini (9 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
Directions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Next, toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook these for about 5 minutes until they are slightly tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, and dried basil.
- Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes until the tortellini is cooked through.
- Finally, stir in the baby spinach until it wilts.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Why You’ll Love This Soup From the Pioneer Woman
This soup is one of those recipes that warms you from the inside out. It’s rich in flavors and packed with nutrients. The blend of vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy cheese tortellini creates a delightful combination. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of some comfort, this soup hits the spot. It’s simple to make and uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Not only is it tasty, but it’s also very filling. So, you won’t feel hungry shortly after a bowl. Plus, making this soup at home allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier choice compared to canned or restaurant soups.
Nutritional Benefits
This comforting soup is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits:
- Chicken provides lean protein that is great for muscle health and can help in recovery.
- Spinach is loaded with vitamins A and C, along with iron and calcium. It’s great for boosting your immune system.
- Carrots add a natural sweetness and are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is good for your eyes.
- Celery is high in fiber and low in calories, making it good for digestion.
- Onion and garlic contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
The combination of these ingredients makes for a balanced meal that’s full of vitamins and minerals.
What to Serve With This Soup
Serving suggestions can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
| Food Pairing | Description |
|————————–|—————————————————-|
| Crusty Bread | Perfect for dipping into the soup. |
| Grilled Cheese Sandwich | A classic pairing that everyone loves. |
| Side Salad | A light option to complement the warmth of the soup. |
| Crackers | Add some crunch if you like a bit of texture. |
How to Store This Soup
Leftover soup can be easily stored for later. Here’s how you can do it:
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze: If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze the soup. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm it up on the stove or in a microwave.
Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skip the sautéing: Sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery first helps build the flavors. This step is important.
- Avoid overcooking the tortellini: Keep an eye on the tortellini while it cooks. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy.
- Fresh ingredients matter: Using fresh spinach and vegetables will enhance the taste and texture of your soup.
Variations
Feel free to customize this soup to fit your taste or ingredient availability. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Use different proteins: Swap out the chicken for shredded rotisserie turkey or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add different veggies: You can add peas, zucchini, or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrition.
- Spice it up: For those who love a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.
2. Is it okay to use frozen chicken?
You can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully cooked before shredding and adding it to the soup. Cooking frozen chicken in the broth can also work.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have tortellini, any small pasta, such as shells or ditalini, will work. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
This soup is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation, and once you try it, you will understand why it is a go-to comfort food recipe! Enjoy your cooking!
Print
Easy Comfort Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A warm and tasty chicken tortellini soup packed with vegetables and flavor, perfect for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 carrots (peeled and sliced)
- 2 celery stalks (sliced)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini (9 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Next, toss in the sliced carrots and celery. Cook these for about 5 minutes until they are slightly tender.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, and dried basil.
- Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes until the tortellini is cooked through.
- Finally, stir in the baby spinach until it wilts.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Enhance the recipe with variations to fit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
