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There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out. This flavor-packed recipe brings together tender chicken, meaty mushrooms, and a punch of roasted garlic, all simmered with plump tortellini. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Begin by roasting your garlic. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the top off a whole head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Place it in the oven for about 30 minutes, until the cloves are soft and lightly browned. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the roasted cloves from their skins and set them aside.
Warm the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and celery for around 5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another few minutes to develop their rich flavor.
Stir in the chicken pieces and let them cook until they start turning golden on the outside. At this point, add the roasted garlic cloves, gently mashing them with the back of a spoon to release their sweetness.
Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a steady simmer. Carefully drop in the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically for 5 to 7 minutes, until they float to the surface.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil if you like an extra pop of color.
In the end, you’ll have a hearty and soul-warming soup that’s versatile, satisfying, and easy to tailor to your needs. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing meal after a long day or serving a comforting dish to friends and family, this recipe has you covered. Using low-sodium broth is a great way to control salt levels, and you can easily swap in turkey, use vegetable-filled tortellini, or boost the veggie quotient with extra carrots and spinach. Each spoonful is brimming with cozy flavors—an irresistible bowl of comfort just waiting to be enjoyed.
