Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 Tablespoon avocado oil
- 2 medium bell peppers, diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen corn
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, with juices
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese, blended until smooth
- 18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a Dutch oven, heat the tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and the vegetables become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and salt over the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to evenly coat and cook the spices for another 2-3 minutes to deepen their flavors.
- Add Corn and Tomatoes: Pour in the frozen corn and the can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth and add the diced cooked chicken breast. Stir gently, then bring the soup to a low boil over medium heat.
- Simmer Soup: Let the soup cook at a gentle boil for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare Cottage Cheese Mixture: Ladle 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the hot soup broth into the blended cottage cheese. Whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Cottage Cheese: Slowly pour the cottage cheese mixture back into the soup, stirring constantly to ensure it fully incorporates and creates a creamy texture.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the soup. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with a squeeze of lime juice and shredded cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, make sure the cottage cheese is blended very smooth before adding it to the soup.
- If dairy is a concern, opt for lactose-free cottage cheese or substitute with a creamy plant-based alternative.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired spice level or omit for a milder soup.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
- To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken, adding extra vegetables or plant-based protein if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Southwest