This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Tortellini Soup is a delicious and easy recipe that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, and it comes together in just a few minutes.
The soup is made with a base of tomato broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. This gives the soup a rich and flavorful tomato flavor. The spinach is added towards the end of cooking, so it stays bright green and flavorful. The tortellini is added just before serving, so it is still al dente.
The soup is then finished with a touch of heavy cream, which gives it a creamy and luxurious texture. It is also seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
This soup is so easy to make that you can whip it up on a busy weeknight. It is also a great make-ahead meal. You can make the soup ahead of time and then reheat it when you are ready to eat.
This soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. It is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. So next time you are looking for a delicious and comforting soup, give this Creamy Tomato and Spinach Tortellini
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Tortellini Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (12-ounce) package cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and tortellini. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the tortellini is cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Tips:
- For a thicker soup, blend 1/2 cup of the soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth. Then, return the blended soup to the pot and stir until combined.
- If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw the spinach and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.
- This soup is also delicious with a dollop of sour cream or grated Parmesan cheese.
What Do You Serve With Tortellini Soup?
There are many different things you can serve with tortellini soup. Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic bread: This is a classic side dish that goes well with any soup.
- Croutons: Croutons add a nice crunch and flavor to soup.
- Salad: A salad is a healthy and refreshing side dish that can help to balance out the richness of the soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: A grilled cheese sandwich is a warm and comforting side dish that pairs well with soup.
- Breadsticks: Breadsticks are a simple and easy side dish that can be enjoyed with any soup.
- Focaccia: Focaccia is a type of Italian bread that is made with olive oil and herbs. It is a great side dish to serve with tortellini soup because it has a similar flavor profile.
You can also get creative with your side dishes. For example, you could try serving tortellini soup with a side of roasted vegetables or a side of pasta salad.
Here are some more specific side dish ideas for different types of tortellini soup:
- For a tomato-based tortellini soup: Serve with a side of garlic bread or croutons.
- For a cream-based tortellini soup: Serve with a side of salad or grilled cheese sandwich.
- For a vegetarian tortellini soup: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or pasta salad.
- For a meat-based tortellini soup: Serve with a side of breadsticks or focaccia.
No matter what you choose to serve with your tortellini soup, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
How is Tortellini Traditionally Served?
Here are some of the ways tortellini is traditionally served:
- Tortellini in brodo: This is the most traditional way to serve tortellini. The pasta is cooked in a broth made from chicken, beef, or vegetable stock. The broth is often flavored with vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onions. Tortellini in brodo is often garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Tortellini alla gricia: This is a Roman dish that is made with tortellini, guanciale, and Pecorino Romano cheese. The guanciale is cooked until crispy, and then it is added to the tortellini along with the cheese. The dish is often served with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Tortellini al ragù: This is a Bolognese dish that is made with tortellini, a meat sauce, and Parmesan cheese. The meat sauce is made with ground beef, pork, and veal. It is often flavored with tomatoes, carrots, celery, and onions. Tortellini al ragù is often served with a side of grated Parmesan cheese.
Tortellini can also be served in other ways, such as in a salad, in a pasta dish, or as an appetizer. No matter how you serve it, tortellini is a delicious and versatile pasta that can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Nutritional Facts
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 10-15 grams
- Saturated fat: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 10-15 grams
- Vitamin A: 100% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 50% of the DV
- Calcium: 25% of the DV
- Iron: 10% of the DV
Is Tomato and Spinach Tortellini Soup Healthy?
Tomato and spinach tortellini soup is a healthy meal option, but it is important to choose the right ingredients and make it with low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Here are some tips for making a healthy tomato and spinach tortellini soup:
- Use low-sodium or no-sodium added broth or water.
- Use low-fat or fat-free dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Choose whole-wheat or whole-grain pasta.
- Add vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onions, to the soup for added nutrients.
- Season the soup with herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, and garlic powder, instead of salt.
Health Benefits of Tomato and Spinach Tortellini Soup
Tomato and spinach tortellini soup is a healthy and delicious meal that is packed with nutrients. The tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. The spinach is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. The tortellini adds protein and carbohydrates.
Here are some of the health benefits of tomato and spinach tortellini soup:
- Reduces the risk of heart disease. Lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes, has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. A study published in the journal “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” found that people who ate the most lycopene had a 30% lower risk of heart disease than those who ate the least.
- Reduces the risk of cancer. Lycopene has also been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, particularly prostate cancer. A study published in the journal “Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention” found that men who ate the most lycopene had a 23% lower risk of prostate cancer than those who ate the least.
- Improves vision. Vitamin A, which is found in spinach, is important for good vision. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness and other vision problems.
- Boosts the immune system. Vitamin C, which is also found in spinach, is an important nutrient for the immune system. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to a weakened immune system and an increased risk of infection.
- Provides energy. The carbohydrates in the tortellini provide energy for the body.
Conclusion
Creamy tomato and spinach tortellini soup is a dish that embodies comfort, flavor, and nourishment. From the rich tomato base to the tender tortellini and vibrant spinach, every ingredient comes together harmoniously to create a truly satisfying culinary delight. Whether you prepare it for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests, this soup is sure to warm hearts and fill stomachs with its