Tortellini soup recipe

This Creamy Tortellini Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the richness of cheese tortellini with a medley of vegetables and a creamy broth. The soup’s deep tomatoey flavor, courtesy of tomato paste and crushed tomatoes, pairs perfectly with the hearty cheese-filled pasta. The addition of fresh spinach adds a burst of freshness, making this soup a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. This recipe is inspired by traditional Italian flavors and is easy to make, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 yellow onion ($0.37)
• 2 carrots ($0.29)
• 2 stalks celery ($0.22)
• 4 cloves garlic ($0.32)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil ($0.26)
• 4 Tbsp tomato paste ($0.36)
• 1 28oz. can crushed tomatoes ($1.69)
• 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning ($0.15)
• 4 cups vegetable broth ($0.52)
• 19 oz. cheese tortellini (frozen) ($4.79)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream ($0.82)
• 4 oz. fresh spinach ($1.20)
• 3/4 tsp salt ($0.04)
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Aromatics: Dice the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic. Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to a large soup pot along with the olive oil. Sauté over medium heat until the onions soften (about 5 minutes).

2. Add Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste and continue to stir and cook over medium heat for about three minutes more.

3. Combine Broth and Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine and dissolve any tomato paste off the bottom of the pot.

4. Simmer the Soup: Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the soup up to a simmer. Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Cook Tortellini: Add the frozen tortellini to the soup and boil for about 3 minutes, or the recommended time on the package needed to cook the tortellini.

6. Add Cream and Spinach: Turn the heat off. Stir the heavy cream into the soup. Stir the fresh spinach into the soup until wilted.

7. Season to Taste: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste (we added about ¾ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper).

8. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Top Tips:

1. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill add a bright, fresh flavor to the soup. Stir them in just before serving.

2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup frequently and adjust the seasoning as needed. The Italian seasoning blend can be quite strong, so it’s better to start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

3. Choose Your Tortellini: While cheese-filled tortellini is traditional, you can also use vegan or other flavored tortellini to mix things up.

4. Add Some Heat: If you like a bit of spice, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the soup for an extra kick.

5. Make Ahead: This soup is perfect for making ahead. Simply refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve. Reheat gently and add the cream and spinach just before serving.

6. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, kale, or even pumpkin to the soup for added flavor and nutrition.

Variations:

1. Spicy Version: Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the soup for an extra kick of heat.

2. Tomato-Based Soup: Swap half of the vegetable broth for a can of tomato puree and add a splash of heavy cream for a creamy tomato-based soup.

3. Vegan Version: Use vegan tortellini and non-dairy milk to make the soup vegan-friendly.

4. Protein Boost: Add some cooked chicken or Italian sausage to the soup for added protein.

5. Herby Twist: Stir in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving for a fresh, herby flavor.

6. Creamy Broth: Use evaporated milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter, creamy broth.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes: This soup is a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The cheese tortellini provides a good source of protein, while the vegetables add fiber and vitamins. The heavy cream adds a rich, creamy texture without being overly high in calories. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, and it can be easily customized to suit various dietary needs.