Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! This Chicken Tortellini Soup recipe, slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crockpot, is the ultimate answer for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend afternoons. Forget complicated recipes and long cooking times; this healthy meal is ready when you are, delivering big on flavor without demanding much effort. It’s the perfect example of homemade cooking made simple!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds depth of flavor to your soup.
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Crockpot assembly: Transfer the sautéed vegetables and chicken breasts to your slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
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Shred and stir: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
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Add tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini. Cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through. Don't overcook, or they'll become mushy!
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner idea, and the leftovers are even better the next day!
Tips for the Best Chicken Tortellini Soup:
- For extra flavor: Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. This simple swap elevates the entire dish.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Vegetable variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. Experiment to find your perfect combination!
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Prepare it ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on ingredients used)
This delicious and healthy meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting weekend lunch, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The best recipes are often the simplest, and this chicken tortellini soup is a shining example.
Variations:
- Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with extra vegetables or white beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Herby: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
This Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a testament to the ease and deliciousness of homemade cooking. Enjoy!