Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup
This Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy meal for those chilly months—it’s comforting, satisfying, and packed with flavor! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this soup is loaded with tender tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, Tuscan herbs, fresh kale, and rich tomato goodness. You can even make it in a slow cooker or explore vegan and gluten-free options.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This creamy soup can be ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and Tuscan herbs creates a unique taste that is both rich and comforting.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize your soup with optional veggies like mini red sweet peppers or adjust the creaminess to suit your preference.
- Kid-Friendly Meal: With its delicious flavors and cheesy tortellini, this soup is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Healthy Option: Packed with kale and tomatoes, this soup offers a nutritious yet indulgent experience.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the essential tools you’ll need. Having the right equipment enhances the overall process and ensures great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly without splatters.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for perfect flavor balance.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 Tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock/broth
- 3 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 Tbsps Tuscan Marry Me Blend
- 1 tsp sea salt
For the Creaminess
- 1 cup organic heavy cream
For the Veggies
- 1 cup organic kale, chopped
- 3-4 mini red sweet peppers, chopped (optional)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved or whole
For Flavor Enhancement
- 1-2 Tbsps organic tomato paste
- 1/2 lemon, freshly-squeezed
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Sauté Garlic
In a large pot over medium heat, add the extra virgin olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
Add chicken or vegetable stock to the pot. Stir in the all-purpose flour until well combined. Cook for about 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Stir in the Tuscan Marry Me Blend and sea salt. Mix well to distribute flavors throughout the broth.
Step 4: Incorporate Creaminess
Pour in the heavy cream while mixing continuously. Allow it to simmer gently for another 2 minutes.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Introduce chopped kale and optional mini red sweet peppers into the mix. Stir until vegetables begin to soften—about 3–5 minutes.
Step 6: Final Touches
Add cherry tomatoes and tomato paste to enhance richness. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice for brightness. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delightful bowl of Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup!
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup
This Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup is a versatile dish, perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or serving it at a gathering, there are plenty of ways to enhance your meal.
With Fresh Bread
- Serve with a crusty baguette or rustic sourdough to soak up every drop of the delicious broth.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor.
With Grated Cheese
- Offer freshly grated parmesan on the side for guests to sprinkle over their soup, elevating the creamy taste.
Accompanied by Salad
- Pair with a light mixed greens salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Served in Bread Bowls
- For an adventurous twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible container.
With a Side of Garlic Bread
- Deliciously buttery garlic bread complements the soup’s flavors and adds an enjoyable crunch.
How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup
To achieve the ideal Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup, follow these helpful tips for the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh kale and tomatoes will enhance the flavors and textures of your soup.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more flour or reduce the broth slightly during cooking.
- Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken or sausage for added protein and heartiness.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add red pepper flakes for extra heat or Italian seasoning for more depth.
- Mix Tortellini Types: Try different tortellini fillings like spinach or mushroom for variety.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup
Complement your meal with these delightful side dishes that pair perfectly with Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup.
- Caprese Salad: Combine fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction for a classic pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roast seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers tossed in olive oil and herbs for added nutrition.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes a flavorful appetizer.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing topped with croutons adds crunch alongside your creamy soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Baked mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs offer a savory bite that complements the main dish.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a comforting element that balances the richness of the tortellini soup.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an indulgent side that pairs wonderfully.
- Focaccia Bread: This soft, herb-infused bread is perfect for dipping into your delicious soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the seasoning: Many forget to properly season the soup. Always taste as you go and adjust the salt and herbs accordingly.
- Overcooking the tortellini: If you cook tortellini for too long, they can become mushy. Follow the package instructions for perfect texture.
- Using low-quality broth: The flavor of your soup relies heavily on good broth. Choose high-quality chicken or vegetable stock for the best results.
- Neglecting fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables enhance flavor significantly. Avoid using dried substitutes whenever possible.
- Forgetting about leftovers: Leftover soup can be just as delicious! Store it properly to enjoy it later instead of wasting it.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it.
Freezing Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup that might help you perfect your cooking experience.
Can I make Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup vegan?
Yes! Substitute cheese tortellini with a plant-based option and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy cream.
How can I customize my Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or proteins such as grilled chicken or sausage for extra heartiness.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy texture and flavorful ingredients make this soup appealing to kids. They’ll love the tortellini!
Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time when adding them to your soup.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins—it’s all about making it your own!
Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Tuscan Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy meal, perfect for chilly nights when you crave something warm and satisfying. This rich soup combines tender tortellini with sun-dried tomatoes, Tuscan herbs, fresh kale, and a creamy tomato base, creating a delightful blend of flavors in every spoonful. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend meals, this recipe can be made in just 25 minutes. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accommodate various dietary needs with vegan and gluten-free options available.
Ingredients
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic
- Chicken or vegetable stock
- Organic all-purpose flour
- Tuscan Marry Me Blend
- Sea salt
- Organic heavy cream
- Kale
- Mini red sweet peppers (optional)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Fresh lemon juice
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute.
- Add chicken or vegetable stock and stir in flour until well combined; cook for 2 minutes.
- Mix in Tuscan Marry Me Blend and sea salt, ensuring even flavor distribution.
- Pour in heavy cream while continuously stirring; simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add kale and optional mini red sweet peppers; stir until softened (3–5 minutes).
- Introduce cherry tomatoes and tomato paste; add fresh lemon juice and let simmer for another 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (245g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
