
Dig into a cozy bowl with this rich and velvety tortellini soup. It's got chunks of cheese tortellini, a handful of spinach, and loads of tasty herbs. Perfect for when you just want something warm and easy.
INGREDIENTS
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup chopped, throw it in at the end for a refreshing finish.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup, this is where the creaminess comes in.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grate it fresh for that cheesy punch.
- Fresh Spinach: 1 1/2 cups, packed, just grab a big handful.
- Cheese Tortellini: 8 ounces, check the fridge section for these little pasta bites.
- Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon, this boosts the herby flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, that ready-made herb blend makes it easy.
- Tomato Sauce: 8 ounces, pour it in for an extra tomato kick.
- Diced Tomatoes: 14.5-ounce can, these make the base nice and chunky.
- Vegetable Broth: 3 cups, this is your main liquid for the soup.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup, use it to thicken things up.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch, sprinkle on if you like some spice (optional).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, mash and chop them up for awesome flavor.
- Onion: 1 medium, dice it up small so it melts into the soup.
- Butter: 1 tablespoon, toss it in for some extra richness.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, just enough to get things going in the pot.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 6:
- Drop fresh basil on top right before you dig in, and serve up while it's still nice and warm.
- Step 5:
- Take the pot off the stove, swirl in the cream, parmesan, and handfuls of spinach. Stir it until the cheese melts and spinach is soft.
- Step 4:
- Now, add those cheese tortellini and let them simmer away for 5-7 minutes, so they're soft but not mushy.
- Step 3:
- While stirring well, slowly pour in the veggie broth. Toss in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, all your seasonings, salt, and pepper. Let the whole thing start bubbling gently.
- Step 2:
- Toss the minced garlic in next for a minute. If you want a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes, then add the flour and cook just a bit to get everything together and smooth.
- Step 1:
- Get a big pot, heat up the olive oil and butter on medium. Cook onions till they're soft, about 5 minutes, stirring here and there.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Warm it up piping hot, then scatter extra basil and a sprinkle of parmesan on top if you want more flavor.
- A big chunk of crusty bread or even a tossed salad goes great with this for a filling meal.
- Stick any leftover soup in the fridge in a sealed container, it'll be good up to 3 days.
- If it gets too thick when reheating, just add a bit of extra cream or broth on the stove until it loosens up.
Tips from Popular Chefs
- Giada De Laurentiis likes using fresh, fridge-section tortellini for better flavor and texture.
- Ina Garten says nothing beats freshly grated parmesan for rich, bold taste.
- Mario Batali suggests a quick splash of balsamic vinegar at the finish to liven things up.
VARIATIONS
- If you want it vegetarian, just skip the parmesan or go for a veggie-friendly cheese.
- Add extra veggies like carrots, mushrooms, or zucchini for texture and more color.
- Try using spinach or mushroom tortellini if you want to change it up.