Imagine diving into a steaming bowl of comfort that warms your soul with every spoonful. That’s exactly what this **Tortellini Soup** offers! Packed with cheesy goodness, fresh veggies, and savory spices, it’s the perfect dish to soothe your senses on a crisp evening. Let’s dive in and explore how this delightful recipe can transform a simple meal into a heartwarming experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Comfort: This soup is like a cozy blanket, with its perfect blend of spices and textures.
- Family-Friendly: The cheesy tortellini appeals to both young and mature palates, making it an instant family favorite.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to what you have on hand, or to cater to different dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of our **Tortellini Soup** is in its straightforward ingredients that are likely sitting in your pantry right now. Each component brings unique flavor and texture, making this soup a hearty meal you can savor.
- Olive Oil: Adds a subtle richness and aids in browning the beef.
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein, grounding the flavors.
- Yellow Onion, Celery, & Carrots: The classic mirepoix base adds depth and sweetness.
- Garlic: Intensifies the aroma and brings out savory undertones.
- Chicken Broth: A flavorful base that ties everything together.
- Petite Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: Elevates the soup with vibrant acidity and rich, tomatoey goodness.
- Italian Seasoning: Imparts a fragrant herbal flavor that screams ‘Italy!’.
- Cheese Tortellini: The star of the dish, offering cheesy indulgence in every bite.
- Spinach & Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color, enhancing both taste and presentation.
Variations
Our **Tortellini Soup** is versatile and forgiving, allowing you to make it your own. Experiment with these variations to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Skip the beef and replace it with mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat that warms you up from the inside.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure your broth is similarly allergen-conscious.
How to Make Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. This sets the stage for flavor building. Add the beef, allowing it to sit undisturbed to form a nice brown crust, which enhances the richness of the soup. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate, making sure to leave just enough fat in the pot to cook the vegetables.
Step 2: Build the Base
In the same pot, add your onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté them until they’re just beginning to tenderize. At this point, your kitchen will be filled with the comforting aroma of sautéed veggies. Toss in the garlic for a quick sauté to ensure it doesn’t burn, releasing its pungent fragrance.
Step 3: Simmer and Season
Pour in the chicken broth, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and reintroduce the browned beef to the pot. Season generously with Italian seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld into a comforting harmony.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
As the vegetables reach their peak softness, introduce the tortellini, and let them soak and cook in the broth according to package instructions. This final step transforms the pot into a bubbling work of art. Stir in your fresh spinach and parsley just before serving, to maintain the vibrant green hue.
Pro Tips for Making Tortellini Soup
- Browning Boost: Allow the beef to brown untouched for a richer soup foundation.
- Mirepoix Magic: Don’t rush the veggies; give them time to develop sweetness.
- Separate Tortellini: If making ahead, prepare tortellini separately to avoid sogginess.
How to Serve Tortellini Soup
Garnishes
Garnishing your **Tortellini Soup** with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of cracked black pepper not only beautifies the dish but amplifies its savory notes. Consider a drizzle of quality olive oil to finish for an added touch of luxury.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a side of rustic garlic bread, perfect for dunking, or a crisp Caesar salad that complements the rich flavors without overpowering them. The textures contrast beautifully with the smooth, cheesy soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your **Tortellini Soup** in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant green of the spinach against the hearty reds and browns of the broth. For an extra touch, swirl in a little pesto on top before adding a parsley garnish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days when refrigerated properly, keeping the tortellini and soup base separate to preserve texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup base without the tortellini for up to 3 months. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup over low heat to avoid the tortellini turning soggy. If you’ve stored them separately, add the pasta to the soup just before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
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Can I make the soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of chicken for a delicious vegetarian version.
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What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store the soup and tortellini separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep the pasta from becoming too soft.
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Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well in this recipe. Adjust cooking time as needed, ensuring the pasta is tender before serving.
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What can I use instead of spinach?
You can substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach. These greens hold up well during cooking and add a slightly different texture.
Final Thoughts
This **Tortellini Soup** is your ticket to a comforting culinary escape. Easy to prepare and open to countless variations, it’s the perfect weeknight meal or a weekend delight. Give it a try and let it work its magic on your dinner table. Enjoy every heartwarming bite!
Print
Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Tortellini Soup is a comforting blend of tender tortellini, savory ground beef, and fresh vegetables, simmered in a flavorful broth seasoned with Italian herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it combines rich flavors and bright greens in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Broth and Vegetables
- 3 (14.5 oz) cans low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 3 (8 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Oil
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking and optional tortellini storage)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the beef to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1.5 tablespoons of fat in the pot.
- Sauté vegetables: Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until they start to soften, about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Combine liquids and meat: Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Return the cooked beef to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until vegetables are nearly tender.
- Cook tortellini: Add tortellini directly to the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions, about 4-7 minutes, until al dente.
- Add greens and serve: Stir in chopped spinach and parsley. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until greens are wilted. Serve warm.
Notes
- To keep the tortellini from getting mushy for leftovers, cook the pasta separately in boiling water, toss with a little olive oil, and add to each serving when reheating the soup.
- If you prefer a thicker broth, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs; use 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs instead of fresh parsley and Italian seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
