Creamy Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines cheesy tortellini pasta with a rich, creamy broth and vibrant vegetables. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a quick, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.
Ingredients
To create this deliciously creamy soup, you’ll need:
- Cheese Tortellini: 1 pound, fresh or frozen
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: 4 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Spinach: 2 cups, fresh, roughly chopped
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Roux:
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste. This will help thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids:
- Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring constantly to combine with the flour and prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions—usually about 5 minutes for fresh tortellini and a bit longer for frozen.
- Finish the Soup:
- Once the tortellini is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Storage Ideas
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little extra broth or water if the soup has thickened too much upon cooling.
Add-On Suggestions
- Protein: For a heartier soup, add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or white beans.
- Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes while cooking to give the soup a bit of heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and check that the tortellini filling is vegetarian.
Q: Can I use a different type of cream for a lighter version? A: Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the soup will be less rich.
Q: How can I prevent the tortellini from becoming too soft? A: Add the tortellini towards the end of cooking time to ensure they remain al dente. Avoid boiling the soup vigorously once the tortellini are added.
Health Considerations
While Creamy Tortellini Soup is undeniably comforting, it is also rich in dairy and carbohydrates. For a healthier version, consider using lower-fat cream options and increasing the proportion of vegetables.
Creamy Tortellini Soup is a wonderfully versatile dish that can easily be adapted to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy crafting this delicious, comforting soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe Blog
One-pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup is the epitome of comfort food with a gourmet twist. This soup combines the rich flavors of ripe tomatoes and creamy sauce with the hearty texture of cheese-filled tortellini, all cooked conveniently in one pot. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights, yet elegant enough for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious and comforting soup:
- Cheese Tortellini: 1 pound, fresh or frozen
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces), with juice
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Spinach: 2 cups, fresh, roughly chopped
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Parmesan Cheese: For garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
- Add the Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to develop more flavor.
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes for fresh tortellini and slightly longer for frozen.
- Add Cream and Spinach:
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Continue to cook until the spinach has wilted and the soup is heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Storage Ideas
- Refrigeration: This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warm, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge.
Add-On Suggestions
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or white beans for extra protein.
- Vegetable Variety: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a little heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup vegan? A: To make this soup vegan, use vegetable broth, a dairy-free cream alternative, and vegan tortellini.
Q: How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin? A: If the soup is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or blend a part of the soup to thicken it without adding extra ingredients.
Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: Freezing this soup is possible but note that the cream may separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without the cream and tortellini, adding them fresh when reheating.
Health Considerations
While delicious and comforting, this soup is rich due to the heavy cream and cheese. For a healthier version, consider using light cream or a milk alternative and increase the proportion of vegetables.
One-Pot Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup is not only a delightful dish that’s packed with flavor but also a practical choice for any home cook looking for a quick and satisfying meal. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the depth of flavor this soup offers!
