Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup

$- 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Gather these fresh and pantry ingredients to make a delicious creamy spinach tortellini soup. The olive oil adds richness, and the onion and garlic create a strong base. Fresh spinach gives color and nutrition, while basil adds a lovely aroma. The vegetable broth is key; it provides the soup's depth. Cheese tortellini brings heartiness and flavor. Heavy cream makes the soup creamy and smooth. Italian seasoning adds a warm blend of herbs. Finally, salt and pepper balance the taste, while grated Parmesan cheese enhances the richness when serving. Each ingredient plays an important role. Together, they create a flavorful and simple meal you will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sautéing the onion Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Sauté it for about five minutes. You want it to soften and become translucent. - Adding garlic Now, it’s time to add minced garlic. Stir it in and cook for one more minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! - Bringing broth to a boil Next, pour in the vegetable broth. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a boil. It should take just a few minutes. - Cooking tortellini Once the broth boils, add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about five to seven minutes. Stir gently to avoid sticking. - Adding spinach and cream Reduce the heat to low. Now, stir in the chopped spinach and heavy cream. Let it simmer for two to three minutes. The spinach will wilt and the soup will become creamy. - Seasoning the soup Finally, taste the soup. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This step makes all the flavors pop! To boost the flavor of your soup, consider these swaps: - Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a deeper taste. - Try using fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a bright twist. - Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter option. For seasoning, add salt gradually. Taste as you go. This helps you find the perfect balance. Italian seasoning adds great depth. Mix it in just before serving for the best flavor. Sautéing vegetables well is key. Heat the olive oil until hot, then add the onion. Cook until soft but not brown. This brings out the sweet flavor. After the onion, add garlic and sauté for just a minute. This keeps the garlic from burning and turning bitter. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini. Follow the package time closely. If you cook it too long, it can become mushy. When you add it to the soup, stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta. For serving, ladle the soup into bowls while hot. This keeps it warm and tasty. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. It gives a nice salty kick. To make it look fancy, add fresh basil leaves. They add a pop of color and a fresh aroma. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for extra richness. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and flavor to the soup. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in the soup. Customize with Proteins: For a heartier soup, consider adding cooked chicken, sausage, or white beans. This will not only increase the protein content but also enhance the flavor. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative. This will still provide a creamy texture without being too rich. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the Parmesan and basil garnish! They add an extra layer of flavor and make the soup visually appealing. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil for added richness. {{image_2}} You can boost your creamy spinach tortellini soup with protein. Chicken is a great choice. Cook diced chicken breast in the pot before adding the onion. It adds flavor and makes the soup heartier. You can also use cooked sausage. Slice it up and add it with the tortellini. This adds a nice spice to the dish. If you want a dairy-free version, try plant-based creams. Coconut cream works well for a rich texture. You can also look for almond or cashew creams. These options give you a creamy feel without dairy. For tortellini, choose vegan options. Many brands offer delicious plant-based tortellini made with spinach or other vegetables. Consider using seasonal vegetables for extra flavor. In winter, root vegetables like carrots or parsnips can be great. Just chop them and add them at the start with the onion. Fresh herbs can also enhance your soup. Basil is a classic, but thyme or parsley can add a lovely touch. Just sprinkle them in just before serving to keep the flavor fresh. To keep your creamy spinach tortellini soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after it cools down. The soup will last for up to three days. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheat gently. You can use the stove or microwave. Stir often to avoid hot spots and overcooking. Aim for a warm, not boiling, temperature. To freeze the soup, let it cool completely. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. The soup can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. For thawing, move the soup to the fridge overnight. If you need it fast, you can use the microwave. Just remember to stir well after reheating. Can I use frozen spinach instead? Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw it first and drain any extra water. This will keep your soup from getting watery. What else can I add to the soup? You can add a variety of things. Try diced carrots for crunch. Chopped mushrooms add earthiness. Feel free to toss in cooked chicken for protein. Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the cheese tortellini. You can use gluten-free tortellini if you want a gluten-free option. Best side dishes to serve Serve the soup with crusty bread for dipping. A light salad pairs well too. Garlic bread is another favorite choice. Cooking for a crowd This soup is easy to scale up. Just double the recipe and use a bigger pot. Make sure to adjust cooking times if needed. Options for dairy-free or vegan diets For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can also find vegan tortellini at some stores. Adjusting for nut allergies This recipe is nut-free as it is. Always check labels on store-bought tortellini to ensure they are nut-free too. This blog covered how to make a delicious soup using fresh and pantry ingredients. You learned about preparation, cooking steps, and tips for flavor. I shared ways to customize the recipe with proteins, dairy alternatives, and seasonal ingredients. Remember, storing and reheating leftovers is key to enjoying your soup later. With this guide, you can create a tasty dish that fits your needs and preferences. Dive in and enjoy your cooking adventure!$

A delicious and comforting soup featuring cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
9 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for serving grated Parmesan cheese
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 softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually around 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup is heated through.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top.

Notes

Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword creamy, soup, spinach, tortellini