When it comes to soup, nothing beats a delicious bowl of chicken tortellini soup. Filled with tender chunks of chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich broth that’s seasoned with herbs and spices, this soup is perfect for warming you up on a cold day. And while it’s delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides can take it to the next level.
If you’re wondering what to serve with chicken tortellini soup, you’re in the right place. We’ve got some fantastic ideas that’ll help you make the most of this Italian-inspired soup.
1. Sandwiches
One of the best things you can eat with chicken tortellini soup is a delicious sandwich. There are so many options to choose from, depending on your preferences and what you have on hand. Some classic sandwiches that go well with this soup include:
- Grilled cheese
- Tuna melt
- Sliced turkey sandwiches
You can also experiment with other sandwich fillings, such as roasted vegetables, hummus, or pesto. Just make sure that your sandwich isn’t too heavy or filling, as you want it to complement the soup rather than overpowering it.
2. Bread
Another great option for serving with chicken tortellini soup is bread. There are endless possibilities when it comes to bread, but some ideas include:
- Sliced Italian bread
- Garlic bread
- Crostini
- Herbed focaccia
When serving bread with soup, it’s always a good idea to season it with some herbs and spices. For example, you can make a simple dipping oil by combining olive oil, parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs.
3. Salad
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can also serve chicken tortellini soup with a salad. The fresh greens and veggies will help balance out the richness of the soup, while still providing plenty of flavor.
Some salad ideas that go well with this soup include:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Arugula salad with shaved parmesan
Make sure to choose a dressing that’s light and refreshing, such as a lemon vinaigrette or a simple balsamic dressing.
4. Vegetables
If you want to keep things simple, you can also serve chicken tortellini soup with some steamed or roasted vegetables. This is a great option if you want to add some extra nutrition to your meal, as well as some color and flavor.
Some vegetable ideas that go well with this soup include:
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed green beans
- Sautéed spinach or kale
Just make sure that your vegetables are lightly seasoned, so they don’t overwhelm the soup.
Conclusion
When it comes to serving chicken tortellini soup, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you prefer sandwiches, salads, bread, or veggies, you can find a side that’ll perfectly complement the flavors of the soup. By experimenting with different pairings, you can create a meal that’s both delicious and satisfying. So why not try some of these ideas next time you make chicken tortellini soup? Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ
Is tortellini a main dish or a side dish?
Tortellini is a popular Italian pasta that is often served in a variety of dishes. It is a type of pasta that is usually stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables and shaped like a small ring. If you are used to having it, you might be familiar with the question about whether it’s a main dish or a side dish.
The answer to this question depends on how it is prepared. Tortellini can be served as a main dish or a side dish, depending on what it is being served with and the portion size. If it is being served alone with a sauce, it is usually considered a main dish, like a hearty pasta meal. However, if it is being served as an accompaniment to other dishes, like grilled meats, it is often considered a side dish.
One popular way to serve tortellini as a main dish is with a rich, creamy sauce. You can cook it with butter and cream, add garlic and parmesan cheese, and mix in some vegetables or protein like chicken, shrimp or bacon for a complete, filling meal. On the other hand, when it is served as a side dish, tortellini can be made simply, without the addition of any sauce, or mixed with other elements like cheese and spinach, making it a light complement to the main course.
Whether tortellini is considered a main dish or a side dish depends on how it is prepared and served. It can be served as a main dish and can also be a yummy side dish depending on what other foods it is paired with. Regardless of its serving style, tortellini is a popular pasta that can satisfy any pasta lover’s cravings.
How is cheese tortellini traditionally served?
Cheese tortellini is a traditional Italian pasta that is popular all over the world. It is a small, ring-shaped pasta that is typically stuffed with a mixture of cheeses like ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella, and sometimes meats like prosciutto and sausage. In Italy, it is most commonly served in a clear broth, known as ‘en brodo’. This simple yet delicious preparation allows the delicate flavor of the tortellini to shine through.
To serve tortellini en brodo, the pasta is cooked in a pot of boiling water until it is al dente, or tender yet firm. The cooked tortellini is then drained and added to a flavorful broth, which is typically made by simmering chicken or beef bones, vegetables, herbs, and spices together for several hours. The result is a light and nourishing soup that is perfect for a comforting and warming meal.
While serving tortellini en brodo is the most traditional way to enjoy this pasta, it is not the only option. In fact, there are many other sauces and preparations that pair well with tortellini. For example, tomato-based sauces like marinara or arrabbiata are a popular choice, as are richer sauces made with cream or cheese. Some people also like to serve tortellini with a simple garlic and olive oil sauce, or with pesto, a traditional Italian sauce made with basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil.
In addition, tortellini can be baked or fried for a crispy, crunchy texture that complements its soft and pillowy filling. This is a great option for those who want to add some texture and depth to their meal, or for those who simply prefer a more substantial dish.
While tortellini en brodo is the most traditional and popular way to serve this pasta, there are many other delicious sauces and preparations to choose from. This versatile and tasty pasta is loved by people all over the world, and its many variations and adaptations are a testament to its enduring popularity.
What protein to serve with cheese tortellini?
When it comes to serving cheese tortellini, there are a number of protein options that you could consider. If you are looking for a dish that is both filling and flavorful, grilled chicken is a great choice. Grilled chicken can complement tortellini perfectly due to the fact that it is juicy, meaty, and packed with savory flavors that complement the rich, cheesy flavors of the pasta dish.
One great aspect of serving grilled chicken with tortellini is that it is easy to prepare. All you need is some herb seasoning and some salt to add some depth of flavor to the chicken, and you can grill it up to perfection in just a few minutes. If you are looking for a recipe, simply mix together dried oregano, thyme, basil, garlic powder, and salt, and then use this mixture to season your chicken before cooking it on the grill. This will add a subtle herbal flavor to the chicken that pairs nicely with the pasta dish.
Another benefit of serving grilled chicken with tortellini is that it is a balanced meal. The combination of carbs from the pasta and the protein from the chicken will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours. Additionally, the chicken will provide your body with essential nutrients like protein, while the tortellini will provide a source of carbohydrates.
If you are looking for a protein to serve with cheese tortellini, grilled chicken is an excellent option. It is a filling, flavorful, and balanced meal that is easy to prepare and will leave you feeling satisfied.
