The Comfort of Creamy Blackened Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
There are some dishes that wrap you up like a warm, familiar blanket, and my Creamy Blackened Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly that kind of comfort. I love how it brings together tender cheese tortellini, shredded chicken, and kale in a rich, velvety broth with a subtle kick from blackened seasoning. It’s the perfect bowl to savor on a calm weekend afternoon or any time you need a little culinary hug.
What strikes me most is how this soup balances layers of creamy indulgence with lively, aromatic spices. You’ll notice the mellow tang of white wine blending seamlessly with the sharpness of Parmesan and cheddar, creating a deeply satisfying taste experience that’s both nourishing and a bit adventurous. If you’ve ever wondered how to elevate a simple soup night, this recipe is your answer.
Every time I make this, the aroma of garlic and blackened seasoning sizzling in olive oil fills the kitchen, inviting you to slow down and enjoy the process just as much as the final bowl. Plus, the ease of putting it all together makes it a favorite weekday or weekend meal.
What Makes It Irresistible
- Layered flavor: Comforting, rich, and beautifully balanced.
- Easy method: Steps designed for any skill level.
- Adaptable: Works with pantry swaps and seasonal twists.
- Prep-friendly: Can be made ahead without losing quality.
Ingredient Guide
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a fruity, aromatic base for sautéing garlic and spices.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds warmth and depth, blooming beautifully when sautéed.
- Organic cheese tortellini (8 oz.): Pillowy pockets that soak up the soup’s creamy broth—feel free to try spinach or mushroom-filled varieties.
- Shredded chicken breasts (2 cups): Lean protein that blends perfectly with the soup’s textures.
- Organic all-purpose flour (3 Tbsps): Thickens the soup to a luscious, velvety finish without heaviness.
- Blackened seasoning (1-2 Tbsps): The star spice that gives this soup its bold, smoky kick—adjust to your spice comfort level.
- Vegetable or chicken stock/broth (4 cups): The savory backbone that carries all flavors—homemade or low sodium versions work great.
- Organic heavy cream (1 cup): Adds richness and silkiness, helping all ingredients meld beautifully.
- White cooking wine (3 Tbsps): Brings a subtle acidity that brightens the creamy broth.
- Chopped kale (1 cup): Earthy, vibrant green that adds texture and nutrition; you can swap for spinach or chard.
- Freshly-grated Parmesan (1 cup): Sharp, nutty notes that melt into the soup for depth.
- Mild or sharp cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups): Creamy, melty cheese that fattens up the broth in the most comforting way.
Prep Before You Begin
Before diving into this Creamy Blackened Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe, take a few minutes to gather and measure your ingredients. I find it saves so much stress when everything is ready to go—what chefs call mise en place. You won’t need an oven for this one, but having your burner set to medium-high heat and a good, sturdy dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot will make the process smoother.
Tools & Setup
Here’s what you’ll want on hand so your Creamy Blackened Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe comes together smoothly—plus optional extras that make the process even easier.
How to Make Creamy Blackened Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized dutch oven over medium-high heat. Watch carefully as the oil shimmers—you’ll want it ready to bloom your garlic perfectly.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes aromatic and just golden, about 1-2 minutes. You’ll smell that soft but intense scent that sets the tone for the soup.
- Sprinkle in blackened seasoning and flour, stirring constantly to combine. This step spices and thickens the base, giving the soup that signature creamy body with a subtle smoky edge.
- Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, stirring frequently to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the broth starts to thicken slightly—this is the magic where texture begins to build.
Expert Tips to Nail It
Small adjustments that make a big difference in texture, timing, and flavor so your Creamy Blackened Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe turns out reliably amazing.
- Stir in the tortellini, heavy cream, white cooking wine, shredded chicken, and chopped kale. Be gentle in folding these ingredients to keep the tortellini delicate and avoid toughing up the chicken. The kale adds just the right earthy crunch to balance the creaminess.
- Simmer the soup gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the soup to thicken nicely while the tortellini cooks through, becoming tender and pleasingly soft to the bite.
- Finally, stir in the freshly-grated Parmesan and cheddar cheeses until they melt into a smooth, glossy sauce. This is when the soup truly comes alive with decadence—you’ll want to sample a spoonful here!
- Remove from heat and serve right away. I love topping mine with an extra dusting of Parmesan and a thick slice of crusty bread for soaking up those golden, cheesy drips.
Creative Variations for Creamy Blackened Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy burst that complements the smoky seasoning.
- Swap kale for baby spinach or Swiss chard to vary the texture and color.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cheese—still creamy, just a different vibe.
- Try replacing chicken with cooked sausage slices for a richer, meatier flavor profile.
- Elevate with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary stirred in at the end for an aromatic lift.
- Make it spicy by sneaking in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes along with the blackened seasoning.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Soup freezes well—leave out the tortellini before freezing and add fresh cooked tortellini when reheating to prevent mushiness. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to avoid scorching. Add a splash of stock or cream if it thickens too much.
- Best practice: For optimal texture, cook tortellini fresh when reheating frozen soup base.
Creamy Blackened Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe FAQs
- Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes! Just add a couple extra minutes to the simmering time since frozen pasta takes a bit longer to cook.
- What if I don’t have blackened seasoning? You can substitute with a mix of smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme for a close match.
- Is kale necessary? Not at all. Spinach or Swiss chard make great alternatives and cook down quickly.
- Can I make this vegetarian? Yes, swap chicken for extra mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- How can I thicken the soup more? If you want it thicker, add a slurry of flour and cold water near the end, simmering until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Creamy Blackened Chicken Tortellini Soup Recipe
Creamy Blackened Chicken Tortellini Soup is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken, cheese tortellini, and a medley of cheeses in a creamy, blackened-spiced broth. Enhanced with kale and garlic, this comforting soup is perfect for a hearty meal that is quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (8 oz.) package organic cheese tortellini
- 2 cups shredded chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons organic all-purpose flour
- 1-2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken stock/broth
- 1 cup organic heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons white cooking wine
- 1 cup chopped kale, organic
- 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups mild or sharp cheddar cheese, organic
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Garlic: In a medium-sized dutch oven pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add Blackened Seasoning and Flour: Stir in the blackened seasoning and organic all-purpose flour, mixing well until combined to create a flavorful base.
- Incorporate Stock and Thicken: Gradually add the vegetable or chicken stock, stirring frequently to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add Tortellini, Cream, Wine, Chicken, and Kale: Pour in the cheese tortellini, heavy cream, white cooking wine, shredded chicken, and chopped kale. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the soup thickens nicely and the tortellini are fully cooked and tender.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Stir in the freshly-grated parmesan and the mild or sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into prepared bowls. Optionally, top with extra freshly-grated parmesan and serve with a side of bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust blackened seasoning amount according to your preference for spice and flavor.
- Use chicken or vegetable stock according to dietary preference.
- For a thicker soup, add an extra tablespoon of flour during the seasoning step.
- Fresh kale adds nutrition and texture, but spinach may be substituted if desired.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the cheesy, creamy texture at its best.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
