Description
Tuscan Tortellini Soup is a creamy and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a savory tomato broth enriched with Parmesan cheese and a touch of cream. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines aromatic herbs and wholesome ingredients for a hearty yet elegant dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
Main Ingredients
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the broth: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the tortellini: Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically 5–7 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Add spinach: Lower the heat, then stir in the fresh baby spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and bright green.
- Finish with cream and cheese: Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot with additional Parmesan cheese if preferred.
Notes
- For a heartier soup, add cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken to increase protein content.
- Substitute kale for spinach for a different leafy green texture and flavor.
- Using refrigerated tortellini ensures the best texture and cooking consistency compared to frozen varieties.
