Tuscan Tortellini Vegetable Soup 🍜🥦

This fragrant and hearty soup is a comforting bowl of Tuscan flavors and colors. Packed with fresh vegetables and tender tortellini, it’s perfect for chilly days or a cozy dinner. The savory broth infused with Italian herbs makes each spoonful a delight, and it's customizable for your preferences. Serve it alongside some crusty bread for a complete meal! 🍞🌿

Ingredients

For the soup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

🥄 Stir occasionally to prevent the onions from browning too much; this develops the sweetness of the onions for a richer flavor.

• Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

• Toss in the zucchini and bell pepper, cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.

• Pour in the diced tomatoes with juices and the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine, and add the dried basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

🌟 Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables, like green beans or peas, to amp up the nutrition and add some color!

• Once the soup reaches a simmer, add the tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 4 to 6 minutes, until they are tender.

• In the last minute of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach or kale until wilted.

🍲 Don’t overcook the tortellini; they’ll continue to cook slightly even after being removed from the heat.

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variations

• Protein-packed: Add cooked and shredded chicken or Italian sausage for a meaty twist. Simply sauté with the onions at the start.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure your vegetable broth is gluten-free as well.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or serve with hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick.

🥗 For a lighter soup, you can reduce the amount of tortellini and increase the vegetable quantities, making it a veggie-rich broth!

Enjoy your Tuscan Tortellini Vegetable Soup—a delightful way to warm up your day! 🍂✨