Imagine a chilly evening when the wind howls and the sky’s a dull gray—what better time to cozy up with a steaming bowl of Easy Creamy Tortellini Soup? This dish, a hug in a bowl, reminds me of those nights when Netflix queues run long and blankets pile high. It’s almost like your favorite sweater but in soup form, rich and comforting, with every spoonful offering a tiny escape from the day’s chaos.
Steps
- Heat a large saucepan over medium with oil and butter until melted. Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mix in minced garlic and cook with flour for an additional minute.
- Pour in vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the tortellini. Cook until the tortellini are tender, which should take just a few minutes.
- Turn off the heat and incorporate the spinach, parmesan cheese, and cream into the soup. Stir well to combine.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped basil and more parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy with homemade breadsticks for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 472kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 1490mg | Potassium: 545mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 2518IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 286mg | Iron: 4mg
FAQ
- Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated tortellini?
- Yes, you can use dried tortellini, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook compared to refrigerated tortellini. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly until the tortellini is tender.
- How can I make this tortellini soup in a crockpot?
- To make this soup in a crockpot, sauté the onion first and then transfer it to the crockpot. Add all other ingredients except the tortellini, spinach, parmesan cheese, and cream. Cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add the tortellini in the last 30 minutes of cooking, and stir in spinach, parmesan cheese, and cream a few minutes before serving.
- Is it possible to freeze tortellini soup?
- Yes, you can freeze tortellini soup. Prepare the soup up to the step before adding the tortellini. Let it cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, reheat the soup until boiling, add the tortellini, and cook until tender. Stir in the spinach, parmesan cheese, and cream before serving.
- What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
- You can enhance this soup by adding extra vegetables like celery, shredded carrots, baby broccoli, chopped kale, or zucchini. Add them when sautéing the onion for additional flavor and nutrition.
- How should I store leftover tortellini soup?
- Store leftover tortellini soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
Tips
- Use Refrigerated Tortellini: Opt for refrigerated tortellini instead of the dry packaged variety. It not only tastes better but also cooks faster, making your cooking process more efficient.
- Enhance with Extra Vegetables: This recipe is flexible, so feel free to incorporate additional vegetables you have on hand, such as celery, shredded carrots, or chopped zucchini, for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Freeze for Future Meals: To make this soup in advance, prepare it up to the point before adding the tortellini. Allow it to cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to serve, reheat, add the tortellini, and finish the recipe as directed.
- Try Adding Sausage: For an added layer of flavor, consider including cooked ground sausage. Sauté it with the onion at the beginning of the recipe to infuse the soup with a savory richness.
Equipment
- Large Saucepan – Essential for cooking the soup.
- Crockpot – Optional, if you prefer the crockpot method.
- Freezer Safe Containers – For storing the soup if you plan to make extra and freeze it.
- Immersion Blender – Optional, if you like your soups with a smoother consistency before adding tortellini.
