Easy Chicken and Escarole Soup Recipe with Tortellini
This Easy Chicken and Escarole Soup Recipe with Tortellini is one of my favorites during winter. This hearty soup is made extra flavorful with the warmth of chicken broth and fresh garlic. With a few simple ingredients and fresh cheese tortellini, you’ll have a delicious chicken soup perfect to warm you up on a cold night! If you’re looking for another big pot of soup, check out one of my favorites, my Pumpkin Tortellini Soup!
This escarole soup recipe is full of hearty vegetables and fresh rotisserie chicken. I might have even included too many vegetables in this recipe! Although this is a simple recipe, it’s super flavorful! Lemon juice, minced garlic, chicken stock (and if you have it – a parmesan rind), all step this soup up a notch. Trust me, this soup will be your favorite variation of a traditional chicken soup! Plus, there’s nothing like the addition of fresh escarole to add brightness to an otherwise not-so-pretty soup!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great way to use leftover veggies – Chicken escarole soup is a versatile recipe that allows you to use any leftover vegetables at the end of the week. Whether it’s carrots, celery, or other veggies, they can all find a home in this delicious and nutritious soup.
- Hearty and healthy – This soup is not only satisfyingly hearty but also a healthy choice. Packed with nutritious ingredients like escarole, chicken, and various vegetables, it provides a well-balanced and filling meal that is good for your body.
- Inexpensive ingredients – The ingredients required for chicken escarole soup are often budget-friendly. You can create a flavorful and nourishing soup without breaking the bank with simple and readily available items like chicken, escarole, and common vegetables.
- Easily customizable – One of the beauties of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or use whatever ingredients you have. Add herbs, spices, or even pasta to make it uniquely yours.
- Great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken – If you have leftover chicken or a whole chicken (rotisserie, for instance) this soup is an excellent way to give them a second life. The flavors of the chicken enhance the broth, creating a comforting and savory base for the soup.
Ingredients
- Garlic – A key aromatic ingredient, garlic enhances the overall taste of the soup with its savory and slightly spicy flavor, contributing to the depth of the broth.
- Onion – Onions provide a sweet and savory undertone to the soup, adding complexity to the flavor profile and serving as a foundational ingredient in many savory dishes.
- Leeks – With a mild onion-like taste, leeks contribute a subtle and slightly sweet flavor to the soup, complementing the other ingredients and enhancing the overall taste.
- Celery – Adding a refreshing and crisp element, celery brings a delightful crunch to the soup, while its mild flavor blends well with the other vegetables.
- Scallions – These green onions add a fresh and oniony kick to the soup, providing a burst of flavor.
- Chicken broth – A fundamental component, chicken broth forms the flavorful base of the soup, infusing it with a comforting and savory essence.
- Lemon juice – A splash of lemon juice brightens up the soup, adding a hint of acidity that balances the broth’s richness and enhances the freshness.
- Cooked chicken meat – Whether it’s leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken breast, the cooked chicken meat adds protein and a rich, savory flavor to the soup. Make sure the chicken is cut or pulled into bite-size pieces.
- Escarole – A leafy green vegetable, escarole contributes a slightly bitter note and a hearty texture to the soup, making it a nutritious and substantial addition. Fresh greens also add a pop of color!
- Cheese tortellini – The cheese-filled pasta adds a delightful and comforting element to the soup, making it a more satisfying and complete meal. The tortellini also absorbs the flavors of the broth, enhancing its overall taste.
Substitutions and Additions
- Make it gluten-free – If you want to make the soup gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta or rice instead of cheese tortellini. Alternatively, omit the pasta altogether for a low-carb option.
- Make it vegetarian – Skip the chicken and add white beans plus, use extra leafy greens and a vegetarian soup broth. A simple meatless version of this delicious soup would be great!
- Give it a kick – Add some red pepper flakes to give this soup a little heat.
- Add a cheese rind – My favorite tip when making soup is to toss in a Parmigiano Reggiano rind for added flavor. You can also use a parmesan cheese rind! And definitely add grated Parmigiano cheese on top when you serve – yum!
- Escarole – If escarole is not available, you can substitute it with kale, spinach, or Swiss chard for a similar leafy green texture.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: The first step is to heat olive oil and butter in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat.
Step 2: Once the butter glistens, add minced garlic, chopped onion, sliced leeks, diced celery, and chopped scallions.
Step 3: Sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a slow simmer. Stir in lemon juice and season the soup with kosher salt and black pepper according to your preferences. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 5: If you have a cheese rind, now is the time to add it! Allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Add the cooked chicken meat to the pot. This can be leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken breast. Stir well to incorporate the chicken into the broth.
Step 7: Gently fold in the chopped escarole, allowing it to wilt into the soup. Cook for 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat until the escarole is tender.
Step 8: Just before serving, add the cheese tortellini directly into the simmering soup. Allow it to cook in the soup for the time indicated on the Tortellini package instructions or until tender.
Tips and Notes
- Fresh ingredients – Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh garlic, onions, and vegetables contribute to the overall freshness of the soup.
- Soup broth options – Choose a good-quality chicken broth or make your own for a more personalized touch. If you prefer a vegetarian version, opt for vegetable broth.
- Tortellini cooking time – Pay attention to the cooking time of the tortellini. Adding them just before serving ensures they remain al dente and don’t become overly soft.
- Seasoning adjustments – Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Lemon juice, salt, and pepper can be fine-tuned to suit your preferences.
- Versatility – Feel free to customize the soup with additional herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add depth to the flavors.
- Texture variation – Consider adding a handful of spinach or kale along with the escarole for added texture. This introduces a mix of leafy greens for a more dynamic eating experience.
Recipe FAQs
Serving Suggestions
- Wine pairing – Pair this Chicken Escarole Soup with a light and crisp white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the freshness of the soup, while a Chardonnay adds a touch of richness. If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir can also work well with the savory elements of the dish.
- Crusty bread – Serve the Chicken Escarole Soup with a side of warm crusty bread or garlic bread. The bread is perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Fresh salad – Accompany the soup with a light and fresh salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad would be excellent choices.
- Grated cheese – Set out a bowl of freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for individuals to sprinkle over their soup. The added richness enhances the overall taste.
- Fresh herbs – Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or chives for a burst of color and additional flavor.
- Lemon wedges – Place lemon wedges on the side for those who want an extra hint of citrus in their soup.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage
- Separate storage for broth and ingredients – To maintain optimal texture, consider using a slotted spoon to separate the solid ingredients (chicken, vegetables, and tortellini) from the broth before storing. This helps prevent the ingredients from becoming overly saturated and mushy.
- Refrigeration – Allow any leftover Chicken Escarole Soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating
- Stovetop method – For best results, reheat the Chicken Escarole Soup on the stovetop over medium heat. If the broth has thickened, you can add a bit of additional chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add a pinch of salt and pepper to refresh the flavors.
- Microwave option – If using a microwave, reheat the soup in short intervals, stirring between each interval. This ensures even heating and prevents any unevenly heated spots.
By following these storage and reheating instructions, you can enjoy your Chicken Escarole Soup with its original flavors and textures intact. Enjoy your reheated soup with a side of fresh bread or a crisp salad!
Please leave a review below if you make this recipe! And, don’t forget to follow @seasonedandsalted on Instagram!
Easy Chicken and Escarole Soup Recipe with Tortellini
Equipment
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves minced
- 6 scallions chopped
- 1 leek sliced
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 celery stalks diced
- 8 cups of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 pound cooked skinless boneless chicken
- 1 head of escarole chopped
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Instructions
- The first step is to heat olive oil and butter in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat.
- Once the butter glistens, add minced garlic, chopped onion, sliced leeks, diced celery, and chopped scallions.
- Sauté until the vegetables are softened and aromatic
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a slow simmer. Stir in lemon juice and season the soup with kosher salt and black pepper according to your preferences. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If you have a cheese rind, now is the time to add it! Allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.
- Add the cooked chicken meat to the pot. This can be leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken breast. Stir well to incorporate the chicken into the broth.
- Gently fold in the chopped escarole, allowing it to wilt into the soup. Cook for 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat until the escarole is tender.
- Just before serving, add the cheese tortellini directly into the simmering soup. Allow it to cook in the soup for the time indicated on the Tortellini package instructions or until tender.
- Ladle the Chicken Escarole Soup with cheese tortellini into bowls and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with additional scallions or a sprinkle of grated cheese.
Notes
- Soup broth options – Choose a good-quality chicken broth or make your own for a more personalized touch. If you prefer a vegetarian version, opt for vegetable broth.
- Tortellini cooking time – Pay attention to the cooking time of the tortellini. Adding them just before serving ensures they remain al dente and don’t become overly soft.
Wow! I just made this for my son who is under the weather and he LOVES it (only 2.5 so a challenge to get him to eat anything) and so do I. Incredible flavor and very simple to follow.
This was REALLY good! I doubled the batch and I’m so glad that I did!