Creamy Tortellini Soup 🍲💖

This Creamy Tortellini Soup is a comforting, delicious dish that warms the soul. It’s loaded with tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Simple to make and absolutely customizable, this soup will surely become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the creamy finish

• 1 cup heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
• 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale for a heartier option)
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.

🥄 Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from browning too much, as you want them to be sweet and tender.

• Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

• Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

• Once boiling, add the tortellini into the pot and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 4-7 minutes for fresh tortellini, longer for frozen).

🌿 For added flavor, feel free to toss in red pepper flakes for a little kick!

• When the tortellini is tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Add the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt into the soup for another 2-3 minutes.

• Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Then, serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.

Variations

• Vegetable Loaded: Add in your favorite vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to boost the nutritional value and flavor profile. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them along with the carrots and celery.

• Protein Pack: Incorporate cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas for a protein boost. This makes the soup even heartier.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortellini or swap for another type of pasta that fits your dietary needs. You might need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

• Vegan: Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a blend of cashews soaked in water, and use vegan tortellini or eliminate the pasta altogether and serve over quinoa or rice for a nourishing bowl.

🧊 You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth to loosen it up, as it tends to thicken in the fridge. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness any day of the week!