As the days get shorter and the chill of fall sets in, there’s nothing quite like a bowl of warm, hearty soup to make you feel cozy and content. If you’re looking for a new comfort dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make, this creamy Italian tortellini soup with chicken tenderloin is a fantastic choice. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth, this soup delivers on flavor and warmth in every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Italian-inspired tortellini soup combines the savory goodness of chicken and tortellini with a creamy, comforting broth that’s perfect for chilly nights. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it’s a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but hearty enough to impress at a cozy family gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this soup is how it uses basic pantry ingredients while still offering complex flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Chicken tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces, to add a rich protein base
- Fresh onion and garlic for an aromatic flavor
- Carrots and celery for a nutritious vegetable boost
- Dried Italian herbs to infuse the soup with classic Italian flavors
- Chicken broth for depth and warmth
- A can of diced tomatoes to add acidity and color
- Cheese tortellini to make the soup filling and flavorful
- Fresh spinach for a touch of greens and added nutrients
- Heavy cream to give the soup its creamy texture
- Salt and pepper to taste, along with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for garnishing
How to Make This Cozy Italian Tortellini Soup
This recipe takes just a few simple steps to create a delicious meal that’s bursting with Italian flavors:
- Sauté the Chicken: Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken tenderloin pieces on all sides, then remove them and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and their natural flavors come through.
- Add Herbs: Stir in the dried Italian herbs and let them cook for an additional minute, enhancing their aroma and infusing the soup with a hint of Mediterranean warmth.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Once it comes to a boil, return the browned chicken to the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer together for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Cook the Tortellini and Spinach: Add the cheese tortellini and spinach to the pot, cooking until the tortellini is tender. The spinach will add a nice pop of color and a fresh taste to the soup.
- Add the Cream and Season: Stir in the heavy cream to create that dreamy, velvety texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, balancing the flavors to your preference.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, top with grated Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips for Perfecting This Italian Tortellini Soup
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic, carrots, celery, and spinach to bring a vibrant taste and texture to your soup.
- Experiment with Tortellini Varieties: Cheese tortellini works wonderfully, but you can try meat or spinach-filled tortellini for a twist.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers if you want to make the soup even more nutritious.
- Make It Ahead: This soup can be prepared ahead of time; just leave out the tortellini and cream until you’re ready to serve. Reheat the soup, add the tortellini, and then stir in the cream for a fresh finish.
Why This Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or hosting friends and family, this creamy Italian tortellini soup brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of indulgence to the table. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it ideal for anyone who loves the essence of Italian comfort food.
So, get cozy, grab a ladle, and serve up a big bowl of this creamy Italian tortellini soup. It’s sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for cozy nights at home!
Creamy Italian Tortellini Soup with Chicken Tenderloin
Description
This hearty and delicious creamy Italian tortellini soup is perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with flavors and easy to make, it features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini. Make this comforting dish in just a few simple steps!
Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 pound chicken tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenderloin and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Saut for 5 minutes or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the dried Italian herbs and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
5. Return the browned chicken to the pot and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Add the cheese tortellini and spinach to the pot and cook according to the tortellini package instructions until tender.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.