**Roasted Chicken Tortellini Soup with Bacon Bites and Feta**
Total Time: 50 Minutes
(Prep Time: 20 Minutes, Cook Time: 30 Minutes)
**Introduction**
Roasted Chicken Tortellini Soup with Bacon Bites and Feta is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With every spoon, you will relish the shredded roasted chicken and tortellini pasta, all the while getting a crispy surprise from bacon and the unique tangy taste from feta cheese. This soup makes for a comforting meal, perfect for any time of the year, especially during chilly days.
**Why Make This Recipe**
This recipe brings you an exciting fusion of ingredients that are not just tasty but also nutritious. With every serving, you get a dose of protein from roasted chicken, carbohydrates from tortellini, and vitamins from veggies. Moreover, it’s an excellent way to use leftover roasted chicken. The soup is easy to prepare, which makes it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners as well as casual family gatherings.
**How to Make Roasted Chicken Tortellini Soup with Bacon Bites and Feta**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb roasted chicken, shredded
– 2 cups tortellini, fresh or frozen
– 4 slices bacon, chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 stalks celery, sliced
– 8 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
**Directions:**
1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon bits and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add olive oil to the pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté in the bacon fat until vegetables are tender.
3. Pour in chicken broth. Stir in thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Add tortellini to the boiling broth and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
5. Stir in shredded roasted chicken and spinach leaves. Cook until chicken is heated through and spinach is wilted.
6. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Top with crispy bacon bits, crumbled feta, and garnish with fresh parsley.
**How to Serve Roasted Chicken Tortellini Soup with Bacon Bites and Feta**
Serve this soup hot with a side of garlic bread or crunchy salad. You could also pair it with a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
**How to Store Roasted Chicken Tortellini Soup with Bacon Bites and Feta**
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through.
**Tips to Make Roasted Chicken Tortellini Soup with Bacon Bites and Feta**
– Always sauté vegetables in the reserved bacon fat for enhanced flavors.
– You can use any type of tortellini – cheese, spinach, chicken, or beef.
– Adjust the quantity of broth to achieve your desired soup consistency.
**Variation**
– Swap feta with parmesan for a milder cheese flavor.
– Add a handful of corn kernels or peas for added texture and flavor.
**FAQs**
1. **Can I use store-bought roasted chicken for this recipe?**
Yes, you can use any leftover roasted, grilled, or even boiled chicken.
2. **Can I freeze this soup?**
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space as soups expand upon freezing. Freeze for up to a month.
3. **Can I substitute bacon with any other meat?**
Yes, you can use chopped ham or pancetta instead of bacon.