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How to Make Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it starts to bubble, lower the heat to medium.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
- Add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes if using fresh tortellini or 7-10 minutes for frozen.
- Stir occasionally to ensure the tortellini doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Add the Spinach and Cream
- Once the tortellini is tender and cooked through, add the chopped spinach to the pot. Stir until the spinach wilts down, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Let the soup simmer for another 3-4 minutes until it’s heated through and the flavors meld together.
Step 5: Season and Serve
- Taste the soup and add salt, pepper, basil, and oregano to your liking.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Why This Soup Is So Special
Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The tortellini is soft and pillowy, the spinach provides a fresh and slightly earthy contrast, and the cream creates a velvety, luxurious broth that ties it all together. The addition of diced tomatoes brings a slight acidity to balance the richness, making every spoonful a well-rounded experience.
Whether enjoyed on a cold winter evening or served as a light yet filling lunch, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, with minimal prep and cleanup required, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal!
Customizing Your Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are many ways to personalize it:
- Add Protein: For an extra protein boost, add cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon to the soup. Shredded rotisserie chicken works great, or you can cook some Italian sausage for an added burst of flavor.
- Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use a lower-sodium broth to make the soup even healthier.
- Extra Veggies: Add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for more variety and flavor. Simply sauté them with the onion and garlic in Step 1 to add depth to the soup.
- Spicy Kick: If you like some heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice up the soup.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down beautifully, providing the soup with vibrant color and nutrients. Avoid frozen spinach for the best texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Since tortellini cooks quickly, make sure to add it in the right time to prevent it from becoming mushy. Keep an eye on the cooking time for the best results.
- Add Cream Slowly: When adding the heavy cream, do it slowly and stir gently to avoid curdling. If you want a thicker soup, you can add a little more cream or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up.
- Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Just be aware that the tortellini may continue to absorb the liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a little extra broth or cream when reheating.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup is the epitome of comfort food in a bowl. It’s rich, flavorful, and so satisfying, making it the ideal dish for any occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for something cozy and indulgent or looking to treat your family to a special meal, this soup delivers every time.
Give it a try the next time you’re craving a creamy, delicious soup—your taste buds will thank you!
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