Cozy Homemade Chicken Pie with Creamy Veggie Filling
If you’re craving a bowl of comfort that feels homemade and soul-satisfying, this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is a true winner. Combining tender shredded chicken with cheesy tortellini swimming in a fragrant, herb-filled broth, this soup brings together vibrant flavor and cozy textures in every spoonful. It’s the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside out and is perfect for any day you want to feel cared for by your food. Plus, it’s easy to customize and comes together with ingredients you likely already have on hand. Let me show you how to bring this comforting classic to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this soup lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and a velvety texture. You’ll find herbs lending an aromatic lift, fresh vegetables adding sweetness and crunch, plus tortellini and chicken making every bite hearty and satisfying.
- Bone-in chicken breast (1 1/4 lb.): Adds rich flavor and moisture when shredded into the soup.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all the other elements.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A blend of herbs that gives a classic Italian flair.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for searing chicken and softening vegetables with a mellow richness.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds a silky undertone and helps build the base flavor.
- Yellow onion (1, diced): Provides a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- Carrots (3/4 cup, diced): Adds natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- Celery (2 ribs, diced): Balances other flavors with a little earthiness and crunch.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant punch to brighten the whole soup.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): The hearty liquid foundation that carries every flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 teaspoon): Brings umami depth and a subtle tang.
- Hot sauce (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the soup.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Offers a sweet, peppery aroma.
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon): Freshens the flavor profile with herbal brightness.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Complements the Italian flavor notes with a mild bitterness.
- Mustard powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle tanginess that rounds out the spice blend.
- Ground sage (¼ teaspoon): Warms the flavor with earthy undertones.
- Freshly ground pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a hint of spice and complexity.
- Refrigerated tortellini (10 oz., about 2 cups): Cheesy pockets that soak up the broth for satisfying bites.
How to Make Cozy Homemade Chicken Pie with Creamy Veggie Filling
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken a flavorful crust to lock in juices and build delicious brown bits on the pan. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pot and cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and let it rest for about 10 minutes—it’s important so the juices redistribute and shredding becomes effortless. Use two forks to pull the chicken into tender shreds. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked inside; it will finish cooking once it simmers in the broth.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
In the same pot, melt the butter and use a silicone spatula to scrape up all those fantastic browned bits left behind from searing the chicken. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking them together over medium heat for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic along with Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and your carefully combined seasonings—dried basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, ground sage, and pepper. Let these meld for a minute longer so your kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Chicken
Pour in your chicken broth and add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a very gentle bubble; avoid a rolling boil as that can toughen the chicken. Cover partially and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. This slow heat lets the flavors harmonize beautifully and ensures your chicken remains tender and moist.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Finally, drop in the refrigerated tortellini and cook them according to the package instructions—usually just 3 minutes for fresh varieties like Rana. The tortellini will soak up the broth’s flavors while adding their own cheesy richness to the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding up to ½ teaspoon of salt if it needs a little extra love. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Cozy Homemade Chicken Pie with Creamy Veggie Filling
Garnishes
Elevate your serving by adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a bright, fresh contrast. A generous shaving of Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can add creamy and fruity notes that complement the soup perfectly. If you like a little heat, a few red pepper flakes make a wonderful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a rustic crusty bread or warm garlic breadsticks to soak up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance, especially if you want something light and fresh alongside your comforting bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve this soup in attractive, deep bowls garnished with herbs and cheese for a polished look. You can also hollow out some small sourdough loaves and ladle the soup inside for a fun, edible bowl experience. Another idea is layering the soup over a bed of sautéed greens on your plate for a vibrant and hearty presentation that feels special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Chicken Tortellini Soup cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays delicious for up to 3 days, though the tortellini may soak up some broth over time, softening the texture slightly.
Freezing
Freezing the soup is possible but with a little caution: pasta tends to get mushy after freezing and thawing. To preserve texture, freeze the broth and shredded chicken separately from the tortellini if you can. You can add fresh tortellini when reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Warm your stored soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. To freshen the texture of the tortellini, you can reheat the soup and cook a handful of fresh tortellini separately to add just before serving. This method helps keep the comforting, satisfying texture that makes this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe so beloved.
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using cooked chicken can save time, especially shredded rotisserie chicken. Just add it during the last few minutes of simmering to warm through without overcooking.
What types of tortellini work best for this soup?
Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini works wonderfully since it cooks quickly and melts into the broth nicely. You can also experiment with meat or herb-filled varieties if you like.
Is it okay to skip searing the chicken?
Yes, searing is optional but highly recommended. It adds a deeper flavor and appealing color. If you’re short on time, adding raw chicken straight to the broth will still make a tasty soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use cheese tortellini or another stuffed pasta without meat. Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a hearty option.
How spicy is this Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe?
The hot sauce adds just a gentle kick that enhances flavor without overwhelming the soup. You can adjust the amount or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder taste.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for cozy nights or anytime you want to impress your family with something easy but memorable. The balance of tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and herby broth is simply irresistible. I encourage you to give it a try—it might just become your new go-to comfort meal!
Print
Cozy Homemade Chicken Pie with Creamy Veggie Filling
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chicken Tortellini Soup is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines tender shredded chicken, Italian herbs, fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini in a rich chicken broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe balances hearty protein and vegetables with delicate pasta, enhanced by a touch of Worcestershire and hot sauce for depth and warmth.
Ingredients
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground sage
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Soup
- 1¼ lb bone-in chicken breast
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- ¾ cup diced carrots
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (split as needed)
- 10 oz refrigerated tortellini (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Season and sear the chicken: Season each side of the bone-in chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a 4½-quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and developing a fond on the pot’s surface. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest for 10 minutes.
- Shred the chicken: Once rested, shred the chicken using two forks. If the chicken isn’t fully cooked inside, it will finish cooking during simmering.
- Prepare the seasoning mix: Combine dried basil, parsley, oregano, mustard powder, ground sage, and pepper in a small bowl and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables and aromatics: In the same pot, melt butter and use a spatula to scrape the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery and cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and the prepared seasonings. Cook for an additional minute to release aromas.
- Add broth and chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken. Bring soup to a gentle simmer—avoid boiling as this may toughen the chicken. Cover partially and let simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook the tortellini: Add the refrigerated tortellini and simmer according to package instructions until tender, approximately 3 minutes for Rana brand.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and add salt or additional seasonings as needed, up to ½ teaspoon salt. Serve hot for a satisfying dinner.
Notes
- Searing the chicken is optional—it builds flavor and adds color but you can add raw or pre-cooked chicken directly to the broth.
- Use bone-in chicken breast for extra flavor; you can substitute boneless if desired.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity to your heat preference.
- Rana refrigerated tortellini cooks very quickly; if using other brands, follow package timing.
- Partially covering the pot during simmering helps keep moisture while allowing excess steam to escape for a more concentrated flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Searing and simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Chicken tortellini soup, Italian soup, chicken soup, easy dinner soup, tortellini recipe
