Tortellini en Brodo is a warm and cozy dish featuring stuffed pasta swimming in delicious broth. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
The little cheese or meat-filled tortellini are so comforting. I love making it on chilly days—just cook, serve, and enjoy the warmth all around! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Chicken: This is the star ingredient for a flavorful broth. If you’re short on time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken or chicken thighs to speed things up.
Vegetables for Broth: Onions, carrots, and celery are classic. Feel free to add parsnips or leeks for a twist. If you need a vegetarian option, use mushroom broth and omit the chicken.
Tortellini: Fresh tortellini is best, but you can use frozen ones if that’s what you have. I recommend cheese tortellini, but meat-filled options work too. Just check the cooking time as it may vary.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme really enhance flavor. If dried herbs are all you have, use about a third of the amount since they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Make a Clear Broth?
Making a clear broth can be tricky, but it’s all about patience and technique. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Start by placing your chicken and veggies in a large pot with cold water.
- Bring it to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer immediately.
- Skim off any foam that forms on the surface for a cleaner broth. This is key!
- Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours. Too much boiling will cloud the broth.
- When done, strain the broth carefully using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
These simple steps will yield a crystal-clear broth that perfectly complements your tortellini!
How to Make Tortellini en Brodo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cleaned and giblets removed
- 1 large onion, peeled and halved
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 small bunch fresh parsley
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 10 cups cold water
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Tortellini:
- 12 oz tortellini (fresh cheese-filled or meat-filled)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and around 2 hours to make the broth. After simmering, you’ll need about 5 minutes to cook the tortellini. All in all, you can expect the whole process to take about 2 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish—well worth the wait for a comforting bowl of soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Broth:
In a large stockpot, place the whole chicken. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, parsley, thyme, and bay leaf. Pour in the cold water, filling the pot.
2. Bring to a Boil:
Heat the pot over high fire until it comes to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. As it starts to simmer, skim off any foam or impurities that float to the surface for a clearer broth.
3. Simmer the Broth:
Let the broth simmer uncovered for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The goal is to have the chicken cooked thoroughly and a flavorful broth.
4. Remove the Chicken:
Carefully take the chicken out of the pot and set it aside. You can use the meat in salads or other recipes later!
5. Strain the Broth:
Using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, strain the broth into another pot or large bowl to remove all the vegetables and herbs. Season the clear broth with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook the Tortellini:
Bring the strained broth back to a gentle boil. Add the tortellini and cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini, until they’re tender and al dente.
7. Serve:
Ladle the hot tortellini and broth into individual bowls. If you’d like, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for added flavor.
8. Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, classic Italian soup! Every spoonful will warm your heart.
This dish highlights the delicate balance between rich homemade broth and tender, stuffed pasta—a true Italian comfort food classic!
Can I Use Store-Bought Broth Instead?
Yes, you can absolutely use store-bought broth if you’re short on time! Just skip the chicken and vegetable simmering steps and directly cook the tortellini in the store-bought broth for a quicker solution.
What If I Can’t Find Tortellini?
If you can’t find tortellini, you can substitute it with any small pasta, like ditalini or orzo. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
How to Store Leftover Broth and Tortellini?
You can store leftover broth in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini can also be stored separately. To maintain freshness, it’s best to combine them just before serving. You can freeze the broth for up to 3 months if needed!
Can I Add More Vegetables to the Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach, kale, or peas to the broth while it simmers, or toss in some cooked veggies when you add the tortellini for extra nutrition and flavor.