– **Title**: Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 package (9 ounces) tortellini (fresh or frozen)
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add them to the pot. Cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, then shred or dice it.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with juices), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and tortellini. Cook according to package instructions until the tortellini are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the cooked chicken and spinach to the pot. Stir and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for cooking due to its flavor and health benefits. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use vegetable oil or butter. Each brings its unique taste.
Chicken: I love using cooked and shredded chicken for easy prep. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here. You can also use turkey or even tofu for a meatless option!
Onion: Fresh onions add depth to the soup. If you’re not a fan, you could use shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.
Tortellini: The type of tortellini adds flavor. Cheese or chicken tortellini are my favorites. You can also use any pasta you have on hand – just adjust the cooking time!
Heavy Cream: For a rich flavor, heavy cream is ideal. If you’re watching your calories, you can substitute half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter touch.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a nice pop of color and nutrition. Kale is a sturdy alternative if you prefer it. You can also use frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain it first.
How Can You Get the Most Flavor from Your Soup?
Making the soup tasty is all about layering flavors. Start with sautéing the onions well until they’re translucent. This brings out their sweetness! Then, add garlic for aroma, cooking just until fragrant.
- Use medium heat for sautéing to avoid burning.
- Mix in the broth, chicken, and tomatoes, letting them simmer to blend the flavors.
- When adding tortellini, check the packaging for cooking time to get them just right.
Finally, when adding cream and spinach, keep the heat low to avoid boiling, which can separate the cream. Taste before serving to adjust the seasoning for more flavor!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with their juice
- 1 bag (9-12 ounces) tortellini (cheese or chicken)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and heartwarming dish that you can enjoy on a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This adds a lovely flavor base to your soup!
2. Add Garlic for Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter!
3. Build the Soup Base:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken along with the diced tomatoes including their juice. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. It’s starting to smell wonderful!
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and then add the tortellini, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Follow the cooking instructions on the tortellini package, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they are tender and floating!
5. Finish It Off:
Once the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Next, add in the fresh spinach and cook just until it wilts. This adds a nice color and nutrition to your soup!
6. Taste and Serve:
Take a moment to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once everything is perfect, serve your comforting bowl of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil, if you’d like. Enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Different Types of Tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese or chicken tortellini work great, you can also use vegetable tortellini for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful of the cooking time; check the package instructions for the best results!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra veggies like carrots or mushrooms for added flavor and texture! A can of white beans would also be a great protein substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to leave out the cream and spinach until reheating, as they can change in texture. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just chop them into small pieces and add them when you add the broth to ensure they have enough time to cook and become tender!
