Zesty Chicken Tortellini Soup –

• servings: Servings: 8
• active time: 10 mins
• total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large bell pepper chopped

2 jalapeno peppers chopped

1 large yellow onion chopped

2 stalks celery chopped

3 cloves garlic chopped

1.5 pounds chicken thighs chopped

15 ounces white beans drained

14.5 ounce can fire roasted tomatoes

4 cups chicken broth

1 tablespoon cayenne powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon dried basil

1 teaspoon spicy chili flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

10 ounces cheese tortellini

1 cup chopped fresh spinach

¼ cup heavy cream optional (or use Mexican crema for a lighter touch)

FOR SERVING: Extra chopped peppers fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese

Directions

Heat a large pot to medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the peppers, onion and celery and cook them down about 5 minutes to soften them up.

Add the garlic and chicken and cook another 5 minutes, stirring, until the chicken is cooked mostly through.

Add the beans, fire roasted tomatoes, chicken broth and seasonings. Bring the mixture to a quick boil, then reduce the heat and simmer at least 20 minutes to let the flavors develop.

While the tortellini soup is simmering, bring a small pot of water to a boil and boil the tortellini until they float, about 3-4 minutes or so. Drain.

Add the tortellini noodles to the soup pot and stir in the spinach.

Remove from heat and swirl in the heavy cream or crema, if using.

Serve into bowls with your extra toppings.

Notes

Heat Factor: Medium, though it's HUGE on flavor. Try adding habanero pepper with the other peppers for additional heat.