Chicken/ Recipes/ Soup

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup with Kale

YouΒ  guys…..you guys.

I feel like I can speak for Adam as well when I say thank you so much for all your sweet comments, emails, texts, tweets, messages….we are blown away. Thank you! We are excited — very, very excited! We are thinking of a wedding in late May or early June in Texas…I guess that means I need to crackin’ with all the planning! As this is a totally new experience for me, I am relying heavily on lots of help from friends who know more of what they’re doing. I’m determined that this wedding will make me crafty! Thank goodness for Pinterest, huh? I’m attempting my first little DIY project this weekend so I’ll have to let y’all know how that turns out. I don’t have the best record with DIY projects but there are a few I’d love to do for the wedding, so I’m trying to train myself to be better.

Now we can get back to our normally scheduled food post. This is the first meal I made for my fiancΓ©. That feels fun to say. He came over for dinner on Wednesday night and I wanted to make something easy and comforting since it was cold and drizzly outside. So, I lit a bunch of candles and a fire in the fireplace and made this soup. We loved it.

This creamy soup is made easy with a delicious rotisserie chicken from the grocery store. Seriously, I love those things — they save SO much time! I just shredded up the chicken and tossed it in some broth, along with veggies, whole wheat cheese tortellini, a touch of cream and some bright green kale. Dinner was ready in under thirty minutes. Boom.

Adam said this soup was delicious and tasted almost like chicken n’ dumplings, his favorite meal. I took that as a good sign.

Enjoy your weekend, guys!! And thanks again for all your engagement well wishes…it means the world to us!

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup with Kale

serves 4

Print this Recipe!

Ingredients:

1/2 yellow onion, minced

1 large stalk celery, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 tbsp olive oil or butter

2 tbsp flour

2 cups roughly chopped cooked rotisserie chicken

2 quarts chicken stock

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1 large bunch kale, roughly chopped

9 oz package fresh cheese tortellini

1/2 cup heavy cream or half & half

1.5-2 tsp salt

pepper to taste

freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions:

Heat the oil or butter in a heavy bottomed-pot over medium heat. When hot, add the onion, celery and carrot. Saute until veggies are just tender and the onion is translucent.Β  Sprinkle in the flour and mix well to coat all the veggies. Continue sauting for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Slowly pour in the chicken stock, reserving about two cups. Add the chopped chicken, garlic powder, tortellini and salt and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about five minutes until veggies are tender and pasta is plump and soft.

Stir in the cream and the kale. Continue simmering for another couple minutes until kale wilts in the soup. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If your soup appears too thick, add the remaining stock. Sprinkle Parmesan on top before serving. Since there’s pasta in this soup, it will thicken up a lot as it cools and the pasta retains more and more liquid. The extra stock comes in handy when re-heating leftovers!

Time:

30 minutes

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  • Lesley
    November 9, 2012 at 3:04 am

    Definitely sounds nice and easy for a weekday dinner. Will give it a try! Again, congrats – love your engagement story!

    • jenna
      November 9, 2012 at 6:52 am

      Thank you, Lesley!!

  • Mila
    November 9, 2012 at 3:35 am

    Congrats, Jenna! The story was beautiful and so are you two – wishing you two all the best πŸ™‚

  • Joelle (on a pink typewriter)
    November 9, 2012 at 4:25 am

    This looks so yummy! Cute bowl, too!!

  • Heather @ Girlyeverafter
    November 9, 2012 at 4:29 am

    Being engaged is such a fun time so enjoy every minute and remember that nothing is worth stressing over because you have each other and that’s all that matters. I love chicken and dumplings too so anything that tastes like it is an automatic favorite!

  • amy walters, aDESIGNdock
    November 9, 2012 at 4:57 am

    Mmm…a bowl of hot soup, candles and a fire – what a perfectly cozy evening.
    I’ve never bought tortellini before…is there a certain brand to watch out for?

    • jenna
      November 9, 2012 at 6:52 am

      I THINK this was “nature’s way” tortellini and it was just okay. Next time I’ll use a different brand — at Whole Foods they have a lot in the cheese and lunch meat section. I know Bertolli also makes some!

    • Atti
      November 9, 2012 at 2:40 pm

      Aldi has delicious meatless tortellini (not whole wheat, though).

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat
    November 9, 2012 at 5:02 am

    I bet “your fiance was thinking”, ‘Yep, she’s a keeper!’ when you made this for him! I’m so so excited for you Jenna, and to see how all the wedding things come together too. I can’t wait to see what’s on your wedding menu!!!

  • Kim
    November 9, 2012 at 5:04 am

    GreenWeddingShoes.com is also a great resource. Besides, I think you should submit your engagement story to them anyway πŸ™‚

  • Tami@nutmegnotebook
    November 9, 2012 at 5:37 am

    Congratulations on your engagement. My daughter got married this past summer and it was an almost perfect day. Two people gave us some good advice during the planning stages. The catering coordinator told us to keep things reasonable as no one ever says oh that reception would have been perfect if only they would have had more cheese! The florist said pretty much the same thing about the flowers, choose the flowers and colors you love, and the size of the arrangements changes the cost, you can use more greenery if your flower choices are more pricey.

    A good friend told me not to sweat the small stuff. She said to remember that the most important thing was that the happy couple get married and all you need for that is the marriage license, the pastor and the couple, everything else is icing on the cake!

    • Kellie
      November 9, 2012 at 5:50 am

      This is GREAT ADVICE!

    • jenna
      November 9, 2012 at 6:50 am

      Great advice — don’t sweat the small stuff! πŸ™‚

  • Abby@ The Frosted Vegan
    November 9, 2012 at 5:38 am

    Congrats again! What a wonderful proposal : )

  • Gennin
    November 9, 2012 at 5:42 am

    Your bowl is happy to have another bowl in the picture. πŸ™‚

    And, what’s in the bowls looks quite tasty!

  • Urban Wife
    November 9, 2012 at 6:04 am

    Comfort food at its finest! I’m all for shorter engagements. My husband and I were engaged for 6 months and it was the perfect amount of time to plan, not feel overwhelmed and not feel like the wedding was so far away either. This time will fly by so enjoy it – marriage is even more awesome. πŸ™‚

  • Rachel (Two Healthy Plates)
    November 9, 2012 at 6:20 am

    Jenna, this looks so delicious. I love using pre-made tortellini in soup – such a simple thing that adds so much.

    Also, I just got to catch up this morning and read your engagement story – so sweet! Congratulations!

  • MichSmith
    November 9, 2012 at 6:28 am

    Yum! this sounds so good! definitely adding it to my weekend cooking list!

  • Heather @ Heather's Dish
    November 9, 2012 at 6:43 am

    Texas weddings are the best…I may be a little biased, but really. They are πŸ™‚

    • jenna
      November 9, 2012 at 6:50 am

      I think you might be right πŸ˜‰

      • LouLou
        November 9, 2012 at 7:24 am

        Texas weddings are the best πŸ™‚
        I got married in Austin 3 weeks ago, it was a perfect day we had a small wedding (all of my family live in a different country) but my mum and aunt flew in to join us. We kept everything low key and relaxed, my mum even made my bouquet! (We picked up bunches of beautiful flowers in Central Market). I was so thankful we had kept it so relaxed as we were able to enjoy every minute of it!

  • Deanna
    November 9, 2012 at 6:44 am

    Jealous of your short engagement! You got engaged 3 months after me and will be married 4 months before me. πŸ™‚ But, I wanted fall so that’s how the timing worked out. Have a blast planning!

  • Ashley - Baker by Nature
    November 9, 2012 at 6:48 am

    Coming from a sick girl in bed right now (ugh), this soup looks incredible!!! I don’t know HOW I’m just discovering your blog, but I’m so happy I did. Your recipes, and beautiful personality have made it a joy to read. And CONGRATS!!!

    • jenna
      November 9, 2012 at 6:50 am

      Thanks, Ashley!! Welcome! πŸ™‚

  • erin
    November 9, 2012 at 6:52 am

    okay, so i’m new here, but i wanted to pop in again and just say good for you for the short engagement (like ubran wife)! i’m totally biased, having gotten engaged at the end of october last year and being married on june 1 of this year (7 month engagement!), but it.is.the.best. everything gets done and your brain doesn’t have enough time to overload! plus then you get to be married sooner too. πŸ™‚

    • jenna
      November 9, 2012 at 6:53 am

      Thanks, Erin! We are excited and a short engagement suites us, as we aren’t trying to plan a mega huge wedding or anything…just friends, family and lots of dancing. πŸ™‚

    • Ana
      November 9, 2012 at 1:19 pm

      i second this! my husband and I had a 5 1/2 month engagement and it was perfect! just enough time to do everything, but not quite enough time to sweat the small stuff.

      one piece of advice, with a short engagement, try to get your dress ASAP because some places take up to 6 months to ship it and the cost to rush can be nearly as much as the cost of the dress!

  • Nikki
    November 9, 2012 at 7:07 am

    Congratulations!!!! Enjoy the engagement! Not that the next step isn’t very exciting, but this, too, is such a special time that goes by way too fast. Bask in the glow of being “the bride” for now and have fun!!

  • Aja Speights
    November 9, 2012 at 7:28 am

    Congrats on your engagement–such a sweet story! We had a 3 ninth engagement and it was awesome–we got engaged and married in less time than a lot of our friends total engagement. We figured, why wait? And this recipe looks awesome! We have kale growing in our garden and I’m always looking for new ways to use it.

  • Emily w
    November 9, 2012 at 7:43 am

    Congratulations to you two!!! So exciting! This meal looks delicious and easy- best of both worlds!! How long had you dated before he popped the question? (I think I’ve found my future husband too..its weird how you can feel it from day 1). P.s. his proposal was soooo cute and thoughtful!

    • jenna
      November 9, 2012 at 7:55 am

      We dated for about two and a half years before he asked!

  • kim@hungryhealthygirl
    November 9, 2012 at 8:31 am

    Looks like the perfect comfort food and I love cooking with rotisserie chickens too. Makes whipping up a quick meal a snap!

  • Shannon D'J
    November 9, 2012 at 8:37 am

    Congratulations Jenna & Adam! Loved reading the engagement story yesterday. Well done, Adam. As I’m sure you spent the last 2 1/2 years planning the marriage (the important part!), now you can have fun planning the wedding. I agree with Angela– can’t wait to hear what’s on your wedding menu! Jenna, have fun picking the dress too. I’m sure you’ll make a beautiful bride. Best wishes and many blessings for a happy marriage!

  • Ali @ WHOLEistically Fit
    November 9, 2012 at 9:13 am

    Congrats again! πŸ™‚ This soup looks to-die-for! You’ve got one lucky fiance ;).

  • Averie @ Averie Cooks
    November 9, 2012 at 9:51 am

    Perfect hearty fall/winter soup. Love the kale and chunky carrots in it!

    And congrats again – your happiness is contagious πŸ™‚

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape
    November 9, 2012 at 11:00 am

    Again — so happy for both of you. I can’t wait to see the results of whatever DIY stuff you do this weekend! I’m similarly craft-challenged, so I’m excited to see what you come up with! Maybe I’ll give it a go myself, too πŸ™‚

  • cianne
    November 9, 2012 at 11:18 am

    Jenna, I’m thrilled for you. I got married last month and had a short engagement as well. If I can give you a bit of advice, choose the things that matter most to you (ours were food and dancing) and don’t let anything else make you stressed. No one will ever notice the small crafts that you stress yourself out making and the day flies by so fast that really, neither will you!!! It is kind of an out of body experience and you will remember the vibe! Not so much all the small details! (thank goodness for photographers who capture those for us!)

    Just have fun and make it your own! We are all excited to see how it turns out!! xo

  • Em (Wine and Butter)
    November 9, 2012 at 11:30 am

    Ah Jenna! Your blog is always such a peaceful, cozy and optimistic place to read.. and I feel like now more than ever. Im genuinely so excited to follow on in this new stage of your life.. and to keep making yummy comforting recipes. ITs FREEZING over here!

    So happy for you xo

  • Shar
    November 9, 2012 at 11:39 am

    Will we be seeing a close up of the lovely ring?.. πŸ™‚

  • Amanda
    November 9, 2012 at 1:09 pm

    The recipe looks so good! Congratulations to you and I love how you guys don’t live together yet- I did the same with my husband and it makes it much more special combining a house when you’re a married couple. Best of luck!

  • Cassie | Bake Your Day
    November 9, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    This is one gorgeous soup, can’t wait to try it.

  • Laura
    November 9, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    Looks tasty! If you’re thinking May or June in Texas make sure it’s inside because it can get in the 100’s here! Sweaty weddings aren’t fun.

  • Molly@RDexposed
    November 9, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    I just left San Francisco and noted so many places from your blog. Can’t wait to see the wedding adventures!

  • Lula
    November 9, 2012 at 6:16 pm

    I love the simplicity of this dinner! Healthy, delicious cooking doesn’t have to be rocket science – thanks for showing us how to make it fun and easy (not to mention romantic). Congratulations on your engagement! I cried reading the post. I’ve been reading your blog since the very beginning, and have loved watching things unfold.

    Best,
    Lula
    A Long Time (Introverted) Reader

  • Moni @ {Moni Meals}
    November 9, 2012 at 7:50 pm

    Yum and YUM!

  • Aimee from AL
    November 10, 2012 at 6:49 am

    Fiance is fun to say but wait until you get to say HUSBAND! πŸ™‚

  • Kari@Loaves n Dishes
    November 10, 2012 at 10:56 am

    I’m wanting to get more kale in my diet and this an easy and delicious way to do it. This soup is just a picture of comfort.

  • Diana
    November 10, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    Just discovered your blog and read about your engagement…. so sweet and romantic! You two are such a cute couple! Congratulations and may God bless your life together!

  • Honey What's Cooking
    November 10, 2012 at 11:17 pm

    new to your blog. really love it. congratulations on the proposal. very nice meal to make for your “finance.”

  • Erin
    November 11, 2012 at 6:49 am

    Wow! So happy for you. I have been reading your blog for a long time and wanted to say congrats! I also saw that you were thinking about a Texas wedding…I want to highly recommend Star Hill Ranch just outside of Austin. My best friend just got married there and the wedding was amazing. They used The Simplifiers to help organize and having just gotten married this summer, it was amazing to see how the even went off without a hitch. It was truly a special place. Check out pictures here to see how wonderful it is. http://thenicholsblog.com/2012/10/25/nancy-justin-married/ Good luck and best wishes!

  • Dana
    November 11, 2012 at 10:26 am

    This is sooooo good!!! I’ve made two of your recipes so far ever since my friend told me about your blog. Thank you!

  • Kristin @ FoodFash
    November 11, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    A cozy first meal is a super appropriate way to celebrate an engagement. Congratulations!

  • Jenni Breeze
    November 11, 2012 at 2:54 pm

    Today is cold and rainy and this soup hit the spot! The creamy sauce with a loaf of wheat French bread was filling and delicious.

  • Lindsey
    November 11, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    I made this for dinner tonight–substituting spinach for kale. Possibly one of my favorite soups! Thank you and congratulations!!

  • Sarah
    November 11, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    This soup was delicious! Made it for dinner last night and it turned out to be simply fantastic! A great warm, stick to your belly kind of soup that makes you happy inside on a cold day!

    Ps Congratulations!

  • Katie
    November 12, 2012 at 7:24 am

    I made this last night and it’s pretty good! The broth tastes like chowder to me. Mine seems like more than 4 servings though and I can eat A LOT!! πŸ™‚ Thanks!

  • Sarah
    November 12, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    Hey Jenna!

    I am visiting my parents and made this soup for them tonight…so amazing. Thanks so much for the recipe, it seriously hit the spot! Congrats on your engagement. So happy for you and Adam!

  • Wendy
    November 12, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    Please Jenna, learn from me…the first time, spent 30k on the wedding that everyone else wanted and was MISERABLE! Second time, married the love of my life, in a dress i purchased from ebay, catered by Trader Joe’s , all barefoot in our backyard, six years on we’re happier every day. God has blessed you on this wonderful union. That’s what matters most. Xo

  • Amy @C'est Cali Vie
    November 12, 2012 at 9:41 pm

    Made this tonight for dinner and it was AH-mazing. Thanks, Jenna!

  • Jennifer Roberts
    November 13, 2012 at 6:03 pm

    Jenna:

    First of all Congrats! As a long time married lady (17 years!) I can tell you that you have one heck of a fun adventure ahead of you. I cannot imagine not having my husband and I am so grateful to him for our 2 kids.

    And speaking of kids….I have a sick 9 yo and I made this soup for him today. He said it made him feel better so Thank You!

  • Sam
    November 14, 2012 at 7:09 am

    If you plan to do the wedding in austin you should check out Crave catering. They only use fresh ingrediants, nothing out of a bag. They are wonderful.

  • Sara
    November 14, 2012 at 7:45 am

    I am super excited to make this soup tonight. Jenna- I want to thank you so much! Since stumbling onto your blog I have cooked and baked more than ever before! My hubby is getting into it to! Congrats on your engagement! Enjoy every moment, it goes by waaaay too quickly!

  • Jess
    November 18, 2012 at 7:08 pm

    Made this soup and it was amazing!! Doesn’t even need the cream.

  • Erica
    November 27, 2012 at 6:02 pm

    Made this tonight and there was no left overs! My husband devoured it! So yummy!

  • Lesley
    December 16, 2012 at 7:29 pm

    I made this for my boyfriend who thinks he hates kale and he LOVED it. It was so so good. If you have any more recipes for reluctant kale eaters I’d love to see them. Thank you!

  • Amy
    January 13, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    I randomly found your blog a few weeks ago and really enjoy it. I had 3 girlfriends over last night for dinner and we had your chicken, tortellini and kale soup – perfect for the wintry night . I forgot to add the cream but it was so good without it! Keep writing!
    Do you blog about exercise too? Thanks.

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    March 4, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    I just made this tonight and it was to die for! So easy and delicious! Thanks for the recipe πŸ™‚

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  • Cassie
    November 10, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    I’ve made this soup 3 times in the last two months. It’s easy to make and delicious. It freezes nice too. I used the spinach tortellini from Traders Joe’s. I usually double up the carrots and celery though, makes it a little more hearty.
    Thank you!

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  • Sharon Horton
    February 13, 2015 at 6:10 pm

    This was easy and delicious! My husband asked me to put this in the dinner rotation.

  • Elizabeth
    February 14, 2015 at 8:12 am

    I discovered this around Thanksgiving and have made it three times. Obsessed.