Description
This creamy tortellini soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Featuring tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato-based broth enriched with cream and parmesan cheese, it combines Italian flavors with a smooth and hearty texture. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's ideal for busy weeknights or cozying up on cooler days.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces cheese tortellini (refrigerated)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Add olive oil and butter to a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Then sprinkle in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux, which will help thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), and tomato sauce. Add Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well and taste the broth to adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Cook Tortellini: Bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook for several minutes until the tortellini are tender and cooked through, usually about 3-5 minutes depending on package instructions.
- Finish Soup: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh spinach leaves, grated parmesan cheese, and heavy cream or half and half. The residual heat will wilt the spinach and melt the cheese into a creamy texture.
- Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves for a bright herbal note. Serve the soup warm and enjoy its comforting richness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or other leafy greens if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
- If grocery store options are limited, frozen tortellini can be used but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half and half or a plant-based cream alternative.
