Pressure Cooker Chicken Tortellini Tomato Soup

Pressure Cooker Chicken Tortellini Tomato Soup
Christopher Testani for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
1 hour
Rating
5(632)
Notes
Read community notes

This comforting soup is a one-pot meal-in-a-bowl. The key to its deliciousness is the way in which the pressure cooker makes the soup taste as though it’s been simmered for hours when, in fact, it’s been only about 30 minutes. (You could also make the slow-cooker version of this recipe, if time is on your side.) Quick-cooking baby spinach works beautifully, but you can choose a different green if you prefer: If you use a heartier green, like chopped kale or chard, give it a few more minutes to get tender before adding the tortellini. If you’re planning for leftovers, add only the tortellini you will eat right away. Left in the soup, they will overcook. Be generous with toppings; they make the soup even more delicious.

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone
    As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.
  • Print Options


Advertisement


Ingredients

Yield:4 to 6 servings
  • 2tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4cups chicken stock or broth
  • ¼cup dry white wine
  • 1(28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably fire roasted
  • 1tablespoon balsamic vinegar, preferably aged
  • 6garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • Roughly chopped leaves from 3 to 4 sprigs fresh oregano (about 2 tablespoons chopped) or 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2teaspoons onion powder
  • ½teaspoon red-pepper flakes
  • ½teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as necessary
  • 1¾ to 2pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 5ounces baby spinach
  • 1(8- to 10-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1cup grated Parmesan, for serving
  • Torn or shredded fresh basil, for serving
  • Black pepper, for serving
Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

527 calories; 18 grams fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 6 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 40 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 10 grams sugars; 50 grams protein; 1274 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a 6- or 8-quart electric pressure cooker, whisk together the tomato paste, stock and wine until the paste dissolves. Stir in the tomatoes, vinegar, garlic, oregano, onion powder, red-pepper flakes and salt. (If you are using unsalted stock, add an additional ½ teaspoon salt.) Add the chicken thighs and stir to evenly combine all the ingredients. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then release remaining pressure manually. Open the lid. Turn on the sauté setting. If you would like a thicker soup (adding Parmesan at the end will thicken the soup as well), remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and allow the soup to bubble until the desired texture is reached, then stir the chicken back in. Stir in the spinach so that it wilts into the soup. Coarsely shred the chicken with two forks, pressing pieces of chicken against the side of the pot to break the thighs apart.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in the tortellini and cook until they are al dente and warmed through, about 3 minutes. Taste the soup and add salt if it tastes flat. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan, basil and black pepper.

Ratings

5 out of 5
632 user ratings
Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Note on this recipe and see it here.

Cooking Notes

I sauteed some onion, celery, carrot to start (could not help myself!), then made the recipe as written. It was great - easy and quick, good flavor. I will make again.

We really enjoyed this and it was extremely low effort. Threw a frozen parm rind in the instant pot. Shredded the chicken out of the pot while the soup reduced a bit and then put it back in with some fresh pepper before adding the spinach and tortellini. Wegman’s brand gluten free tortellini worked great here (the recipe is otherwise gf for any fellow celiacs reading this!)

I used better than bouillon for the chicken broth, kale instead of spinach as I had that on hand, whole peeled tomatoes squished and rotisserie chicken (meat of one breast and a drumstick). Cooked 10 mins on high in instant pot and quick released as the chicken was already cooked. Used frozen tortellini and cooked for a few more minutes on sauté. Excellent.

This is a great recipe. I always cook and serve the tortellini, or any pasta with soup, separately. That prevents the pasta from soaking up all the liquid and keep the soup, well, soupy!

I’ve made this recipe several times and love it. I usually cook the tortellini separately and then add it per person when reheating. I also sautéed onion first as a base. This last time I added in two bell peppers because I had some in the fridge. I also add a half cup of cream at the end before serving as suggested by others. Overall easy make ahead meal, especially if you cook the tortellini separate. Hit with my toddlers and a great way to get more veggies into them!

I made this without chicken but next time I will saute the garlic first, it tastes a little bit too raw as is. I'm going to reduce to thicken and then add some heavy cream to even it out. Fresh parsley really deepened the flavor. Will make again.

Very good for the effort, which is always appreciated in a recipe. As a Midwesterner, the key to this recipe is getting a decent quality store-bought tortellini. Fredericks brand from Meijer was a good choice. Do not get something cheap if you don't know if you like the taste. You will be disappointed

We loved this recipe! Added a frozen Parmesan rind before sealing the pot. Near the end, added a tablespoon of fish sauce and two cans of white beans. So good!

This is great. My family's new favorite soup. I did the sauteed carrots, celery and onion thing that was suggested by.... Karen. I also over did it on the hot pepper flakes, but we like it spicy.

This recipe adapts for a quick and easy satisfying meatless meal. I followed the basics of the recipe. As with some commenters I didn't add chicken. I have a 3 qt. IP and even w/out the meat, the stock and tomato were close to max fill line so I ladled some out; next time I'll adjust accordingly. I cooked @ high for 2 min. vs. 10 (since no chicken), natural release of 5 min., then manual release. Skipped step 2. In step 3 added power greens and tortellini.

I made this without the chicken and it was a big hit. I will be adding this to my regular winter dinner rotation :)

This is one of my favorite recipes. I’ve made it about 10 times in the last year. I don’t really do any substitutions but sometimes I use kale instead of spinach.

In lieu of salt (or salted broth) I threw in a handful of diced pancetta. Absolutely incredible.

Yum! Used Costco tortellini. 1/2

Not only did I add chopped celery and diced onion in the initial stages of the recipe, I also added about a half cup of heavy cream just before adding the chicken. I’ve made this before as recommended, but my additions really took it to the next level. Delicious.

Instead of tortellini, I used ditalini (I discovered at the time I needed to add the tortellini that it had gone bad). Honestly? I think it might have been better! It really showcases the broth and seasonings that might have been muted otherwise. My husband and I loved this soup. He raved about it the whole time he was eating! Very little effort involved, too. I'll definitely make this again.

Yum! And super easy! I took someone’s advice and added a tablespoon of gojuchang in place of a tablespoon of tomato paste. I also threw in about 1/2 tbs of chili garlic because those comments about blandness had me scared! Turned out beautifully, and I will definitely make again. Paired with some homemade focaccia (no offense NYT but BonApetit’s recipe is better!)

Omitted the wine and cut the chicken broth to 2 cups. Added one diced onion instead of onion powder. Substituted ketchup for tomato paste. Removed the chicken and puréed the soup before adding the tortellini.

I served with a dollop of ricotta (which made it incredibly creamy) to garnish - would definitely recommend!

Private notes are only visible to you.

Advertisement

or to save this recipe.