Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this irresistible Creamy Ham and Tortellini Soup! Imagine a bowl filled with tender tortellini, savory ham, and creamy broth that will make your taste buds dance with joy. In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family begging for seconds and wondering how you became such a kitchen superstar.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 package tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Stir in the diced ham and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the ham to heat through and release its flavors into the mixture.
- Next, add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until they are tender and floating to the top.
- Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy texture. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as desired.
- Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve the creamy ham and tortellini soup warm, enjoying it with crusty bread or a side salad if desired.
Tips
- Choose high-quality tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated tortellini will provide the best texture and flavor compared to dried versions.
- Don't overcook the tortellini: Watch carefully and remove from heat as soon as they float to the top to maintain their delicate texture.
- For extra richness, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you want a slightly lighter version.
- Customize your soup by adding diced carrots or celery during the onion sautéing stage for additional vegetables.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of flour when sautéing the onions to create a slight roux.
- Fresh parsley is key for garnish - it adds a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the creaminess of the soup.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to prevent separating the cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
