Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup
Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup is a delightful blend of tender pasta, ripe tomatoes, and creamy cheese, creating a warm, comforting bowl of goodness that pulls on the heartstrings. This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings, bustling weekdays, or any time you crave a meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying. Imagine dipping a spoon into a velvety broth filled with soft tortellini, savory garlic, and bright basil, enticing your senses with each warming mouthful. With simple ingredients and a step-by-step approach, you’ll cherish this soup as a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup is not just a comforting dish; it’s an effortless recipe that lets you enjoy a delicious meal without a fuss. With minimal prep work and cook time, you’ll be savoring a hearty bowl in no time. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. The rich flavors and creamy texture will leave everyone asking for more, while the use of pantry staples ensures you can whip this up whenever the craving strikes. It’s truly an easy, wholesome meal that warms both the body and soul.
Ingredients
For this hearty Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup, you’ll need:
- Tortellini: These little pasta pockets are filled with delicious cheese and give the soup a delightful chewiness.
- Canned Tomatoes: Choose whole or diced tomatoes for a juicy, tangy burst of flavor.
- Vegetable Broth: A rich, savory base that provides warmth and depth to the soup, making every spoonful a comforting experience.
- Cheese: A mix of creamy cheddar and gooey mozzarella brings a delightful richness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Onion: Chopped onions add a sweet, aromatic undertone to the broth.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings out an incredible fragrance that elevates every bite.
- Olive Oil: This golden oil enhances flavors while providing a healthy touch.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the taste and highlight the ingredients.
- Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that brightens the overall profile of the soup.
Step-by-Step Directions
Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. This oil will create a flavorful base for your soup.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the canned tomatoes along with their juices, followed by the vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Cook the Tortellini: Next, add the tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Incorporate the Cheese: Once the tortellini is cooked, lower the heat and stir in the cheese of your choice. Wait until it’s melted and creates a creamy consistency.
Season the Soup: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and fresh basil into the soup. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, ensuring a harmonious balance of flavors.
Serve Hot: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra basil or a sprinkle of cheese if desired. Enjoy the warmth and comfort in every bite!
Tips & Tricks
Use Fresh Basil: While dried basil works in a pinch, fresh basil brings a vibrant flavor and aroma to the soup. Add it just before serving for the best taste.
Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese like Parmesan or Fontina for a unique twist. The creaminess can vary based on your choice.
Add Veggies: You can sneak in additional veggies like spinach or kale for extra nutrition and color. Just add them during the last minute of cooking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup is delightful on its own, but it’s even better with a side! Consider pairing it with crusty baguette slices for dipping, a simple side salad, or Parmesan garlic bread to complement the dish’s creamy profile. This soup makes a fantastic starter for any dinner party or an easy lunch alongside a sandwich. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table.
Nutritional Information
While exact nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes, a serving of this soup typically contains around 350 calories. It offers a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a fulfilling choice for lunch or dinner. With the added veggies and whole grains, it can also contribute to a balanced diet.
Storing Tips & Variations
Leftover Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop or in a microwave until heated through. If you prefer batch cooking, this soup freezes beautifully—just be mindful that the tortellini may become softer after freezing and reheating.
For variations, consider:
- Adding Protein: Throw in some cooked chicken, ground turkey, or veggie sausage to elevate the dish.
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Alternate Broths: Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for a richer flavor, or even use a bean-based broth for added protein.
Conclusion
Don’t wait any longer to indulge in a bowl of Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup! This recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a comforting, quick meal that brings smiles to the table. We encourage you to whip up this delightful soup and share your experience with family and friends, creating new memories with each delicious spoonful. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of dry?
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as it cooks faster than dried tortellini.Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! You can freeze the soup, but the texture of the tortellini may change slightly upon reheating.How can I make this soup vegan?
Substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and use vegetable broth to keep the recipe plant-based.Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add any veggies you like, such as chopped carrots, zucchini, or spinach to add color and nutrients.What should I do if the soup is too thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than desired, simply stir in a bit more vegetable broth until you reach your preferred consistency.
Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy soup made with tortellini, tomatoes, and cheese, perfect for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 package tortellini
- 2 cans canned tomatoes (whole or diced)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in canned tomatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions, about 3-5 minutes.
- Lower heat and stir in cheese until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and basil; adjust seasoning to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with more basil or cheese.
Notes
Use fresh basil for the best flavor. You can customize the cheese and add in extra vegetables if desired.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
