If you're searching for a cozy, soul-warming dish that combines the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with a delightful twist, look no further than our Chicken Tortellini Soup with Sage Pesto! This hearty soup is not only quick to prepare—ready in just 35 minutes—but it also bursts with rich, aromatic flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine tender tortellini swimming in a savory chicken broth, complemented by the earthy notes of sage pesto. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Dive into the full recipe and discover how to create this culinary masterpiece that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 package tortellini
- 1/4 cup sage pesto
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until vegetables become soft and onions turn translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the vegetables to soften further and infuse the broth with their flavors.
- Add shredded cooked chicken to the simmering broth. Stir to distribute the chicken evenly throughout the soup.
- Carefully add the tortellini to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, typically 7-9 minutes, until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to ensure even seasoning.
- Once tortellini is cooked, remove the soup from heat. Swirl in the sage pesto, allowing it to blend into the soup and create a rich, aromatic flavor profile.
- Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh sage leaves or a drizzle of extra sage pesto for enhanced presentation.
- Serve immediately while hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all your vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This will streamline your cooking process and make it even quicker to whip up the soup.
- Use Homemade Broth: If you have the time, consider using homemade chicken broth for an extra depth of flavor. It can elevate the soup and make it even more delicious.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the soup for added nutrition and color. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: To prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy, add it to the pot towards the end of the cooking time. This way, it will cook perfectly al dente.
- Garnish for Flair: Don’t skip the garnish! A few fresh sage leaves or an extra drizzle of sage pesto on top of each bowl not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of flavor.
- Serve with Bread: Pair your soup with some crusty bread or a fresh side salad to round out the meal. It’s the perfect way to soak up all that delicious broth!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
