In a medium Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables start to soften, 5 to 7 minutes.
Tip: Cut the carrot and celery pieces close in size so they soften at the same rate and keep a pleasant bite.
Cleanup: Use a damp towel to wipe up any oil splatters around the burner while the vegetables cook.
2
Add aromatics and seasoning
Add the finely chopped garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
Tip: Keep the heat at medium so the garlic softens without browning, which can turn it bitter.
Cleanup: Rinse the garlic press or knife right away so bits of garlic do not dry and stick to it.
3
Add the broth
Stir in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil over medium high heat.
Tip: If you prefer a slightly richer broth, you can simmer the vegetables in the broth for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken and tortellini.
Cleanup: If any broth spills as you pour, wipe it from the stovetop to prevent sticky spots.
4
Simmer the chicken and tortellini
Add the shredded rotisserie chicken and the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the boiling broth. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken is warmed through and the tortellini are tender, 3 to 5 minutes.
Tip: Check the tortellini a minute early so they stay plump and do not burst in the broth.
Cleanup: Place the empty tortellini package and chicken container directly into the trash or recycling so they do not clutter the counter.
5
Finish and serve
Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with grated parmesan cheese on top.
Tip: For a little extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice to each bowl just before serving.
Cleanup: Let the pot cool slightly before washing, and soak it with warm soapy water to loosen any cooked on bits.
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