Warm your kitchen with the rich aroma of Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup! This recipe brings comfort to your table with simple ingredients like fresh spinach, savory garlic, and tender tortellini. Whether you seek a cozy meal for yourself or a gathering, this dish delivers in flavor and ease. Dive into step-by-step cooking tips and delicious variations that will make this soup a favorite. Let’s get started on this flavorful delight!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of creamy broth, fresh basil, and tomatoes creates a warm and comforting dish.
- Nutritious Ingredients: With fresh spinach and tomatoes, this soup is packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins!
Ingredients
To create a tasty creamy tomato basil tortellini soup, you need simple yet fresh ingredients. Each one adds to the warmth and flavor of the dish. Here’s the list of what you will need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Each ingredient brings unique flavors. The olive oil helps to sauté the onion and garlic, giving a rich base. Onions add sweetness, while garlic brings warmth. Crushed tomatoes form the soup's heart, creating a vibrant red color. Vegetable broth enhances the overall flavor and adds depth.
Dried herbs like oregano and basil give an aromatic boost. If you like a kick, red pepper flakes add a nice touch. Fresh spinach not only adds color but also a healthy element. Cheese tortellini brings a satisfying texture, while heavy cream makes it rich and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, and finish with fresh basil leaves for a bright garnish. These ingredients work together to make a dish that is cozy and full of flavor. Enjoy cooking this delightful soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Sautéing onion and garlic
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced onion. Cook the onion for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells great.
- Adding tomatoes and broth
Pour in 1 can of 28-ounce crushed tomatoes and 3 cups of vegetable broth. This mix gives the soup its rich base. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
- Incorporating seasoning
After the soup simmers, taste it and adjust the seasoning. You can add more salt or pepper based on your preference. This is key to a full flavor.
- Cooking spinach and tortellini
Now, add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach and a package of 9-ounce cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the tortellini is al dente for the best texture.
- Adding heavy cream and final seasoning
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. This will make the soup creamy and rich. Warm it through, but avoid boiling. Taste once more and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
This soup will warm you up and delight your taste buds!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
- Best practices for sautéing: Start with a hot pot. Add olive oil first and let it heat. Then, add the diced onion. Sauté until it turns clear, about five minutes. This step builds a strong flavor base.
- How to avoid curdling cream: To prevent curdling, always add cream at low heat. Never let the soup boil after adding the cream. Stir gently to mix it well.
- Testing tortellini for doneness: Check the tortellini after five minutes. It should be soft yet firm. If it feels too hard, let it cook for another minute or two.
Serving Suggestions
- Pairing with bread or salad: This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. The bread soaks up the soup, while the salad adds a crisp texture.
- Recommended garnishes: Top the soup with fresh basil leaves. A sprinkle of grated cheese can also add a nice touch.
Enhancing Flavor
- Alternative herbs and spices: Try adding thyme or parsley for a different twist. A pinch of nutmeg can also enhance the creaminess.
- Tips for homemade version: For a homemade flavor, use fresh tomatoes instead of canned. Roast them first to deepen the taste. Add more fresh herbs for a bright finish.
Pro Tips
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh basil and spinach will elevate the flavor of your soup significantly compared to dried herbs.
- Adjusting Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half for a similar texture.
- Flavor Boost: A splash of balsamic vinegar can add a wonderful depth of flavor to your soup just before serving.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Variations
Dietary Modifications
You can make this soup vegan by swapping out some ingredients. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream or cashew cream. This keeps it rich but dairy-free. For a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free tortellini. There are many brands available that offer tasty gluten-free pasta.
Ingredient Swaps
If you want to try something different, substitute heavy cream with almond milk or oat milk. These options provide a lighter feel. Adding protein can also enhance the soup. Consider cooked chicken, turkey, or even beans for a hearty touch.
Seasonal Adjustments
Using seasonal vegetables can elevate your dish. In summer, try adding zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, pumpkin or butternut squash can add depth. Adjust spices based on the season too. In winter, add warming spices like nutmeg. In spring, fresh herbs like dill can brighten the flavors.
Storage Info
Refrigerator Storage
To keep your creamy tomato basil tortellini soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. The soup tastes best when used within three to four days.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze the soup for up to three months.
When you are ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often to ensure it heats evenly. If it looks thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Enjoy your soup just like the first time!
FAQs
Common Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. It cooks well in this soup. Just add it directly to the pot. Follow the package directions for cooking time. Frozen tortellini usually cooks in about 8-10 minutes. The soup will stay creamy and flavorful.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
You can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day! Just store it in the fridge. Reheat it on low heat before serving. If you make it too early, the tortellini may get soft. You can cook them fresh when you reheat the soup.
What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers are great for lunch or dinner. Store them in an airtight container. They will last for about three days in the fridge. You can also freeze the soup. To reheat, warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream if it thickens too much.
This blog post covered how to make a flavorful soup with tortellini. We went through the key ingredients, preparation steps, and useful tips. You learned how to store and freeze the soup, plus some great variations for dietary needs. Always feel free to adjust flavors and ingredients based on what you have. Cooking should be fun and simple. I hope you feel ready to enjoy this warm, comforting dis
Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- to taste Salt and pepper
- for garnish Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Add the oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Once simmering, add the chopped spinach and tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions or until the tortellini is al dente, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and carefully stir in the heavy cream. Allow the soup to warm through, but do not boil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
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