I came up with this chicken tortellini soup while standing in the grocery store, trying to figure out what to make for dinner.
I was in the mood for homemade chicken noodle soup, but I wanted something a little different. Then, while walking through the refrigerated section, I spotted a package of cheese tortellini.
Aha! Why not use tortellini instead of noodles?
So that’s exactly what I did. And it turned out to be a pretty good idea, if I do say so myself.
Now, the first time I made this soup, some of my tortellini fell apart. Apparently, those cooking instructions on the package are there for a reason. Who knew?
But the soup was good, and it’s become one of those dinners worth keeping in my back pocket. It’s hearty, uses familiar ingredients, and doesn’t require anything complicated.
Why This One Earned a Spot in My Back Pocket
A Back Pocket Dinner doesn’t have to be the fastest recipe in the world. It just has to be something I can count on when I need a good dinner without making things more complicated than necessary.
This chicken tortellini soup earns its spot because:
- It’s a complete meal. Chicken, vegetables, and cheese tortellini make it filling enough for dinner.
- The ingredients are easy to find. Nothing unusual or difficult to track down.
- It’s straightforward to make. Cook the chicken and vegetables, add the broth and seasonings, and finish with tortellini.
- It’s a little different from regular chicken noodle soup. The cheese tortellini makes it feel like something new without adding much extra work.
- It’s worth repeating. Even with my original tortellini mishap, this recipe was a keeper.
What You’ll Need
Chicken thighs: These make the soup hearty and give it plenty of chicken in every bowl.
Carrots, celery, and onion: The familiar vegetables that belong in a good pot of chicken soup.
Chicken and beef broth: I use both. The beef broth gives the soup a little more depth than chicken broth alone.
Onion soup mix: An easy shortcut for adding flavor.
Cheese tortellini: The ingredient that makes this soup different from regular chicken noodle soup. Refrigerated or frozen both work, but pay attention to the cooking instructions.
Black pepper and garlic salt: Simple seasonings that bring everything together.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, if you want a little extra heat.
A Few Tips Before You Start
Read the tortellini package. I’m speaking from experience here. Different tortellini have different cooking times, and overcooking them can leave you with a pot of mushy pasta.
Don’t skip the beef broth. The combination of chicken and beef broth is part of what gives this soup its flavor.
Taste before adding extra salt. Between the broth, onion soup mix, and garlic salt, there’s already plenty of seasoning.
Keep a little extra broth handy. The tortellini will absorb some of the liquid, especially if you have leftovers.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, skin removed
- 4-5 each carrots, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 2 cans low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans low sodium beef broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1 package cheese tortellini, approx. 2.5 cups
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- Red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Cook the chicken thighs in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, adding a little water as needed to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken and chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and add the carrots, onion, and celery. Cook for approximately 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- In a large soup pot, combine the chicken broth, beef broth, onion soup mix, black pepper, garlic salt, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add the chicken and vegetables. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for approximately 10 minutes.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to the package directions until tender.
- Serve hot with crackers, crusty bread, or garlic bread.
Nutrition
What to Serve With It
This soup is filling enough that you really don’t need much else. A loaf of crusty French bread or some garlic bread is plenty.
Crackers work, too. No need to complicate dinner.
Another Dinner for the Back Pocket
This is the kind of recipe I like having around when I need something dependable for dinner. It doesn’t require fancy ingredients, it’s hearty enough to feed everyone, and it’s a nice change from the usual chicken noodle soup.
And if nothing else, it’s a reminder that sometimes a pretty good dinner idea comes from wandering around the grocery store trying to figure out what to cook.
Just remember to read the tortellini package.
Trust me.
More Easy Soup Recipes
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