Creamy Spinach Chicken Tortellini Soup
This Creamy Spinach Chicken Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any gathering, especially perfect for a cozy girl's night in. It combines the rich flavors of rotisserie chicken, fresh baby spinach, and cheese tortellini in a luscious blend of chicken broth and creamy Alfredo sauce. Surprisingly simple to make, this dish delivers a gourmet taste without any fuss in the kitchen. With hints of sun-dried tomatoes adding a touch of sweetness and depth, each bowl invites delightful conversations and laughter. Whether you're impressing friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this soup promises satisfaction with every spoonful.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini
18 ounces (fresh or frozen)
Chicken Broth
56 ounces (store-bought or homemade)
Alfredo Sauce
20 ounces (store-bought or homemade)
Rotisserie-cooked Chicken
4 cups (shredded)
Sun-dried Tomatoes
1 cup (packed in oil, drained)
Fresh Baby Spinach
6 cups (lightly packed)
Parmesan Cheese
2 ounces (shaved or shredded)
Heavy Cream
to taste (optional, for desired consistency)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
2
In the same stockpot, combine the chicken broth and Alfredo sauce. Whether using store-bought or homemade, both options yield delicious results. Stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken and drained sun-dried tomatoes. Heat this mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
3
Next, gently fold in the cooked tortellini and fresh baby spinach. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the spinach wilts and the tortellini is heated through. If the soup appears too thick, gradually stir in heavy cream, milk, or extra broth until you achieve your desired consistency.
4
Once ready, ladle the soup into bowls and generously sprinkle with shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately with warm garlic bread on the side for the perfect finishing touch.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main components of the Creamy Spinach Chicken Tortellini Soup?
The main components are shredded rotisserie chicken, fresh baby spinach, cheese tortellini, chicken broth, and Alfredo sauce.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 18 ounces of cheese tortellini, which can be either fresh or frozen.
Can I use homemade ingredients for this soup?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade versions of both the chicken broth and the Alfredo sauce.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The recipe recommends using 4 cups of rotisserie-cooked chicken that has been shredded.
How do I prepare the sun-dried tomatoes?
Use 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, and ensure they are drained before adding them to the soup.
How much spinach is required for the soup?
The recipe requires 6 cups of lightly packed fresh baby spinach.
What is the first step in making this soup?
The first step is to cook the cheese tortellini in a large stockpot according to the package directions, then drain and set it aside.
How long should the broth and sauce mixture simmer?
After reaching a boil, reduce the heat and let the mixture of broth, sauce, chicken, and tomatoes simmer uncovered for 5 minutes.
When do I add the spinach to the soup?
Add the fresh baby spinach along with the cooked tortellini after the initial 5-minute simmer, then let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
What should I do if the soup is too thick?
You can gradually stir in heavy cream, milk, or extra chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
What kind of cheese is used for garnish?
The soup is served with 2 ounces of shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
What is a recommended side dish for this soup?
Warm garlic bread is recommended as the perfect finishing touch to serve alongside the soup.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as surprisingly simple to make, delivering a gourmet taste without fuss.
Why are sun-dried tomatoes added to the recipe?
Sun-dried tomatoes are included to add a touch of sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies that you can use either fresh or frozen cheese tortellini.
Is heavy cream mandatory for this recipe?
No, heavy cream is optional and should be used to taste if you want to adjust the soup's consistency.
What is the total amount of chicken broth needed?
The recipe calls for 56 ounces of chicken broth.
How much Alfredo sauce is used?
The recipe requires 20 ounces of Alfredo sauce.
Is the soup cooked covered or uncovered?
The instructions specify simmering the soup uncovered.
What makes this soup ideal for a 'girl's night'?
It is described as a luscious, gourmet-tasting comfort food that invites delightful conversations and laughter.
Can I use any type of chicken?
While the recipe specifies rotisserie-cooked chicken for convenience and flavor, any shredded cooked chicken would likely work.
How long is the total simmering time?
The total simmering time is approximately 10 minutes (5 minutes for the base and 5 minutes after adding spinach and tortellini).
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
The provided ingredient list does not explicitly list salt and pepper, as flavor comes from the Alfredo sauce, broth, and sun-dried tomatoes.
How much Parmesan cheese do I need?
You will need 2 ounces of Parmesan cheese.
What type of spinach is recommended?
Fresh baby spinach is recommended for its ability to wilt quickly into the soup.
Should the tortellini be cooked in the soup?
No, the tortellini should be cooked separately according to package directions and then folded in at the end.
What provides the 'creamy' texture in this soup?
The creaminess comes primarily from the Alfredo sauce, supplemented by optional heavy cream or milk.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, the recipe notes that milk can be used to achieve the desired consistency if the soup is too thick.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is this soup served hot?
Yes, the recipe suggests serving the soup immediately after it has finished simmering.