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To make this savory tomato tortellini soup, gather these ingredients: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium carrot, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including juices - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper, to taste - 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini - 2 cups fresh spinach, packed - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving If you need to swap some ingredients, here are a few ideas: - Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. - Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for more flavor. - If you don’t have fresh spinach, use kale or Swiss chard. - For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free tortellini. - You can add a splash of cream for a richer soup. Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference. Here are some tips: - Tomatoes: Look for bright red, firm tomatoes. They should smell sweet. - Onions: Choose onions that are firm and have no soft spots. - Spinach: Pick fresh spinach with bright green leaves and no wilting. - Herbs: Fresh herbs should feel vibrant and fragrant. - Tortellini: Check the package for freshness and avoid any that appear damaged. These tips will help you find the best ingredients for your soup, making every bowl a delight! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering your fresh veggies. You need a medium onion, three cloves of garlic, one carrot, and two celery stalks. Dice the onion, carrot, and celery into small pieces. Mince the garlic as well. This step builds the base flavor for your soup. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion first. Sauté it for about five minutes until it turns translucent. You will smell the sweet aroma of the onion. Next, add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pot. Cook this mix for three to four minutes. Stir it occasionally to keep things from sticking. The vegetables should be tender and fragrant at this point. Now, it’s time to create the soup base. Carefully pour in one can of diced tomatoes with their juices and four cups of vegetable broth. Stir in one teaspoon of dried basil and half a teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and black pepper. Increase the heat a bit and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let this simmer for about five minutes. This helps the flavors to blend together. You should notice the rich aroma filling your kitchen. Once your soup is simmering, add the cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, usually for three to five minutes. You will know they are ready when they float to the surface and are tender. Just before you serve, stir in two cups of fresh spinach. Let it wilt in the hot broth for one to two minutes. This adds a lovely color and boosts the soup's nutrition. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every warm, comforting bite! Cook the tortellini for 3 to 5 minutes. Look for them to float. This means they are ready. Don't overcook them. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy. Follow the package instructions for the best results. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to boost the taste. You can also include a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add depth. If you like, drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil before serving. It adds richness and flavor. Serve the soup hot in deep bowls. Make sure each bowl has plenty of tortellini and spinach. Top it with fresh basil for a pop of color. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. A slice of crusty bread pairs well too. Enjoy every comforting spoonful! Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor of your soup significantly. Opt for fresh spinach and basil whenever possible. Customize Your Broth: If you want a richer taste, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding a splash of white wine to the soup for added depth. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Keep an eye on the tortellini while cooking; they are done when they float to the top. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture. Garnish for the Win: Enhance presentation and flavor by garnishing with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and extra Parmesan cheese just before serving. {{image_4}} You can make this soup heartier by adding proteins. Cooked chicken or sausage works great. Simply shred or slice the cooked meat and stir it in before serving. Sausage adds a nice spice, while chicken gives a mild flavor. Both options will fill you up and make the soup even more delicious. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, skip the cheese tortellini. Instead, use vegetable-based tortellini or add beans for protein. You can also swap the vegetable broth with a homemade version. This way, you still get a rich taste without any animal products. Fresh veggies like zucchini or bell peppers can add more texture and flavor, too. Feel free to switch up the herbs and spices! Basil and oregano are classic, but you can try thyme or rosemary for a different taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a spicy kick. Experiment with your favorite flavors to customize your soup. Just remember to add a little at a time to keep it balanced. To keep your soup fresh, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. Always label the container with the date. This way, you won't forget when you made it. When you're ready to enjoy your soup again, pour it into a pot. Heat it on medium-low. Stir often so it warms evenly. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Always check the temperature before serving. Freezing is a great way to extend the life of your soup. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It’s best to freeze the soup without the tortellini. Cook the tortellini fresh when you reheat the soup. This keeps everything nice and tender. You can freeze it for up to three months. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini in this soup. Just add the frozen tortellini directly to the pot. You do not need to thaw them first. Cook them according to the package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes. They will heat through and become soft in the warm broth. You can store Tomato Tortellini Soup for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. The flavors get better over time. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. This soup pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with a simple green salad. Garlic bread is also a great choice. For a more filling meal, add a meat dish like grilled chicken or sausage. Each option adds a tasty touch to your meal. This blog post covered all you need for a great Tomato Tortellini Soup. We explored ingredients, cooking steps, and clever tips to enhance flavor. Remember to use fresh veggies and try different proteins or herbs. Storage and reheating hacks make meals easy down the line. With everything you’ve learned, you can create a tasty soup that warms your heart. Enjoy making this dish and share your creations!

Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

A comforting and flavorful soup made with cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a blend of aromatic vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium carrot, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including juices
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  • Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
  • Carefully pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
  • Once the soup reaches a simmer, add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package directions, typically for about 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini float to the surface and are tender.
  • Stir in the fresh spinach just before serving, allowing it to wilt in the hot broth for 1-2 minutes, which enhances the soup's flavor and texture.
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your preference. Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has a good amount of tortellini and spinach. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add an extra touch before serving!
Keyword easy, soup, tortellini, vegetarian