Tortellini Soup

Tortellini soup is the epitome of comfort food, offering a warm and hearty embrace with every spoonful. This soup features tender, cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a flavorful broth, accompanied by vegetables and sometimes sausage or other proteins. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your taste. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating a comforting tortellini soup that’s perfect for cozy evenings or whenever you need a bowl of pure comfort.

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale leaves
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

For Protein (Optional):

• 1/2 pound Italian sausage, ground beef, or cooked shredded chicken

Instructions:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery.
3. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.

Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings

1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the pot.
2. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (adjust to your desired level of spiciness), salt, and black pepper.
3. If you’re adding protein like Italian sausage, ground beef, or cooked shredded chicken, add it at this stage.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Greens

1. Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering soup.
2. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, usually for about 7-9 minutes, or until they are tender.
3. In the last couple of minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach or kale leaves until they wilt.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the hot tortellini soup into bowls.
2. If desired, garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Serve your comforting tortellini soup hot, accompanied by some crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tortellini soup is a warm and comforting dish that soothes the soul and satisfies the taste buds. Whether enjoyed on a chilly day or as a heartwarming meal any time of the year, this soup offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s a bowl of pure comfort that feels like a hug from the inside out. So, prepare a pot of this delicious soup and savor the warmth and comfort it brings to your table.