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Lemon Pepper Chicken Tortellini Soup

A creamy, cozy chicken + tortellini soup with a bright, delicate finish.
Course Main Course, Soup
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
  • Kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 shallot minced
  • 2 carrots sliced into rounds
  • 2 celery ribs chopped (+ save some of the leaves for garnish!)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 1 Parmesan rind
  • 10 oz cheese tortellini
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • Garnishes: fresh chives, celery leaves, lemon slices, a drizzle of olive oil, and/or freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  • Take the chicken breasts out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking. Pat dry, then season with the lemon pepper seasoning and a light pinch of salt.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden. Transfer to a plate; the chicken will finish cooking in the broth later on, but a quick sear helps build so much flavour.
  • Add the butter to the same pot. Once melted, add the shallot, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened.
  • Add the garlic to the pot, along with a pinch of red pepper flakes if using, and stir for another minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the white wine to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Simmer for about 2 minutes, until mostly reduced.
  • Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a gentle boil. Add the Parmesan rind and seared chicken breasts, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Partially cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Discard the Parmesan rind, then transfer the chicken to a plate and shred with two forks.
  • Return the chicken to the pot along with the tortellini. Simmer according to package instructions, or until the tortellini is cooked through and floats to the top.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Remove the pot from the heat, then stir in the lemon zest and juice.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with chives, celery leaves, lemon slices, and a drizzle of olive oil. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and/or an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if you like.