Imagine a steaming bowl of hearty soup that transports you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany, packed with tender tortellini, vibrant vegetables, and a rich, soul-warming broth that hugs you from the inside out. This Rustic Italian Tortellini Soup is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that promises to turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience. Whether you're seeking warmth on a chilly evening or craving a quick yet impressive meal, this recipe is about to become your new kitchen superhero!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package tortellini
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and chopping: dice the onion, slice carrots and celery into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the diced onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the soup, adjusting flavors to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add the tortellini to the simmering soup and cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, ensuring vegetables are cooked but still have a slight crunch.
- Serve hot, garnishing each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- Vegetable Prep is Key: Chop your vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Don't Overcook the Tortellini: Add tortellini towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. The 10-12 minute cooking window is crucial for maintaining that perfect al dente texture.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a Parmesan rind while simmering the soup or using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize! Add spinach, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, or include some cooked Italian sausage for a heartier version.
- Storage Tip: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Pro tip: Store the tortellini separately to prevent it from getting soggy if you plan on having leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg