Title: Hearty Cheese Tortellini Soup

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Introduction:
Hearty cheese tortellini soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the rich creaminess of cheese tortellini with a savory broth and nutritious vegetables. This soup is perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you’re craving a warm and satisfying meal. With its blend of textures and flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
  • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering and preparing all the ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, slice the carrots, and dice the celery. Having everything prepped and ready will streamline the cooking process.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced carrots and diced celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften slightly. This step helps to develop the flavors of the vegetables and enhances the overall taste of the soup.
  4. Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes: Once the vegetables have softened, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, along with the diced tomatoes (with their juices). The broth serves as the flavorful base of the soup, while the tomatoes add a hint of sweetness and acidity. Stir in the dried basil and oregano for added depth of flavor.
  5. Season and Simmer: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This simmering period allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a more robust and delicious soup base.
  6. Cook the Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 7-9 minutes or until the tortellini are tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Cooking the tortellini directly in the soup allows them to absorb the flavors of the broth, enhancing their taste.
  7. Add the Spinach: Once the tortellini are cooked, stir in the fresh spinach leaves. The residual heat from the soup will wilt the spinach quickly, adding a pop of vibrant color and a boost of nutrition to the dish.
  8. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. If desired, sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.

Tips:

  • Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as diced zucchini or bell peppers.
  • For a creamier texture, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking.
  • Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Description:
Hearty cheese tortellini soup is a bowl of comfort that satisfies the soul as much as it does the appetite. With its velvety broth, toothsome tortellini, and vibrant vegetables, each spoonful offers a symphony of flavors and textures that warm you from the inside out. Whether enjoyed as a nourishing meal on its own or paired with crusty bread for dunking, this soup is sure to leave you feeling cozy and content.

Nutritional Information:
(Per serving – 1.5 cups)

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 7g
  • Protein: 12g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

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