This creamy Tuscan garlic tortellini soup is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for cold winter nights. The rich and flavorful broth, combined with tender tortellini and a hint of fresh spinach, makes this a satisfying meal that's sure to impress.
The key ingredients in this recipe are tortellini and spinach. Tortellini is a type of Italian pasta that's often filled with cheese or meat. You can usually find it in the refrigerated section of your supermarket. As for the spinach, you can use fresh or frozen, depending on what's available.
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup Ingredients
Butter: Used to sauté the onion and garlic, adding a depth of flavor.
White onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized flavor when sautéed.
Garlic: Brings a pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens with cooking.
Chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup, providing depth and complexity.
Tomatoes: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
White beans: Provides a good source of protein and fiber.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the soup.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a taste of Italy.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
Chicken: Provides a hearty and protein-packed addition to the soup.
Tortellini: Adds a delightful chew and is a wonderful vehicle for the soup's flavor.
Spinach: Adds a pop of color and a dose of healthy greens.
One reader, Buck Mcnabb says:
This creamy Tuscan garlic tortellini soup is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the tortellini adds a delightful twist. It's the perfect blend of creamy and savory, and it's become a family favorite in no time. Highly recommended for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Techniques for Making Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup
How to sauté onions and garlic: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter and add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
How to simmer the soup: After adding all the ingredients, bring the soup to a gentle simmer. This means maintaining a low heat setting so that small bubbles occasionally break the surface. This allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to cook through without boiling.
How to thicken the soup: Let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken. The starch from the tortellini and the cream will help to thicken the soup as it simmers.
How to cook tortellini: Add the refrigerated tortellini to the simmering soup and cook for about 10 minutes or until the tortellini is tender. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as it can become mushy.
How to wilt spinach: Add the spinach to the simmering soup and cook for a few minutes until it wilts. This will add a vibrant color and fresh flavor to the soup.
How To Make Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup
Juicy tomatoes, tender white beans, and shredded chicken simmered in a creamy broth, makes this tortellini soup a hearty and filling meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2tbspbutter
- 1small white onion,diced
- 3garlic cloves,minced
- 4cupschicken broth
- 28oztomatoes,(1 can), diced
- 15ozwhite beans,(1 can), drained, rinsed
- 1cupheavy cream
- ¼cupparmesan cheese,grated
- 1tbspItalian seasoning
- 1tspsalt
- ¼tsppepper
- 2cupschicken,cooked, shredded
- 9oztortellini,refrigerated
- 2cupsspinach
Instructions
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In a large pot over medium heat, heat up the butter. Add the onion and garlic and cook until tender.
-
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, white beans, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
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Add the chicken, tortellini, and spinach. Let simmer for 10 minutes to thicken up and for the tortellini to cook.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 499.58kcal
- Fat: 23.83g
- Saturated Fat: 11.96g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.41g
- Carbohydrates: 46.50g
- Fiber: 10.62g
- Sugar: 7.84g
- Protein: 26.94g
- Cholesterol: 83.63mg
- Sodium: 671.86mg
- Calcium: 247.84mg
- Potassium: 1541.24mg
- Iron: 7.43mg
- Vitamin A: 254.66µg
- Vitamin C: 18.45mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup
When adding the tortellini to the soup, ensure that it is added towards the end of the cooking process. This is because tortellini cooks quickly and if left in the soup for too long, it can become overly soft and lose its shape. By adding it later, you can ensure that it retains its texture and doesn't become mushy.
Time-Saving Tips for This Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, cook and shred chicken, and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Opt for one-pot recipes to minimize cleanup and simplify the cooking process.
Use store-bought shortcuts: Utilize pre-made items like refrigerated tortellini to cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Multi-task: While the soup simmers, use that time to prepare a side salad or set the table to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Freeze leftovers: Make a double batch and freeze the extra soup for a quick and convenient meal on a busy day.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup Recipe
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish while also being a healthier alternative to butter.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to the soup, while also catering to those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy, umami flavor to the soup while being a vegan-friendly alternative to parmesan cheese.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can offer a similar savory base to the soup while catering to vegetarian or vegan dietary preferences.
tortellini - Substitute with gnocchi: Gnocchi can provide a similar hearty and chewy texture to the soup, making it a suitable alternative to tortellini.
chicken - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can offer a protein-rich element to the soup while being a plant-based substitute for chicken.
Presentation Tips for Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the creamy Tuscan garlic tortellini soup, focus on creating a visually appealing plate. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the top of the soup with freshly chopped basil and parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the aroma and flavor of the dish.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, drizzle a high-quality olive oil over the soup. This adds a luxurious sheen and a hint of fruity flavor to the dish.
Serve with crusty bread: Accompany the soup with slices of warm, crusty bread. This provides a delightful contrast in texture and allows guests to savor every last drop of the creamy broth.
Use elegant tableware: Present the soup on a beautiful, porcelain or ceramic plate to create a sense of sophistication and refinement.
Incorporate edible flowers: For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a few delicate edible flowers as a garnish. This adds a touch of whimsy and a burst of color to the presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Tortellini Soup
- Large pot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot is essential for cooking the soup and allowing enough space for all the ingredients to simmer together.
- Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the soup and ensuring that the ingredients are well combined without damaging the pot's surface.
- Chef's knife: A sharp chef's knife is necessary for chopping the onion, garlic, and any other ingredients that require slicing or dicing.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing the vegetables and other ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in the soup, making these tools essential.
- Soup ladle: A soup ladle is useful for serving the creamy Tuscan garlic tortellini soup, allowing for easy portioning and serving.
- Potato masher: This tool can be used to lightly crush some of the white beans in the soup, adding a creamy texture and thickening the broth.
- Grater: A grater is necessary for grating the parmesan cheese, adding a rich and savory flavor to the soup.
- Tongs: Tongs are helpful for adding and stirring the tortellini and spinach in the soup without damaging the delicate pasta or greens.
- Soup bowls: The finished soup can be served in soup bowls, allowing for a comforting and satisfying presentation.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for This Soup Recipe
- To store leftover creamy tuscan garlic tortellini soup, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating refrigerated soup, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out, as the tortellini will continue to absorb liquid during storage.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. However, keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
- To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy reference.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheat the thawed soup gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add some additional chicken broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
- If you plan on freezing the soup, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it to the soup upon reheating. This will help maintain the texture of the pasta.
How To Reheat Leftover Tortellini Soup
Stovetop method: transfer the leftover creamy tuscan garlic tortellini soup to a pot and reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. if the soup appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out. heat until the soup is warmed through and the tortellini is tender.
Microwave method: place the desired portion of leftover soup in a microwave-safe bowl. cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. microwave on high power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through and the tortellini is tender. be cautious when removing the bowl from the microwave, as it may be hot.
Slow cooker method: transfer the leftover soup to a slow cooker and set it on low heat. cover and let the soup reheat for 1-2 hours, or until it is warmed through and the tortellini is tender. this method is ideal if you have a large quantity of leftover soup and want to reheat it gradually.
Oven method: preheat the oven to 350°f (175°c). transfer the leftover soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. place the dish in the preheated oven and reheat for 20-30 minutes, or until the soup is warmed through and the tortellini is tender. stir the soup occasionally to ensure even heating.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. you may find that the flavors have intensified or mellowed during storage, so a little extra salt, pepper, or parmesan cheese can help revive the taste. additionally, if the tortellini has absorbed much of the liquid and the soup appears too thick, simply thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Interesting Fact About Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup
Tuscan garlic tortellini soup is a popular Italian dish that originated from the Tuscany region. It is known for its rich and creamy texture, and it often incorporates ingredients such as tomatoes, beans, and tortellini. This soup is a comforting and hearty meal that is perfect for chilly evenings.
Is Making Tortellini Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
This creamy Tuscan garlic tortellini soup recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of affordable ingredients like canned tomatoes, white beans, and chicken makes it budget-friendly. The addition of heavy cream and parmesan cheese may slightly increase the cost, but the dish still offers good value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Creamy Soup Healthy or Not?
This creamy Tuscan garlic tortellini soup recipe, while undeniably delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to several factors:
- The use of butter and heavy cream adds significant amounts of saturated fat to the dish, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- The inclusion of parmesan cheese further increases the saturated fat content and adds additional sodium to the recipe.
- The tortellini, depending on the brand and filling, may be high in calories and refined carbohydrates, providing limited nutritional value.
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as spinach, white beans, and tomatoes, which provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the butter with a healthier cooking oil, such as olive oil, which is rich in monounsaturated fats and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Swap the heavy cream for a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or evaporated skim milk, to reduce the saturated fat content without compromising too much on the creamy texture.
- Opt for whole-grain or legume-based tortellini to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of energy.
- Increase the amount of spinach and other vegetables in the soup to boost its nutritional value and fiber content.
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese used, or choose a low-sodium variety to help control the overall sodium content of the dish.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to further reduce the sodium content.
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of this comforting soup while still enjoying its delightful flavors.
Editor's Opinion on Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup
The creamy Tuscan garlic tortellini soup recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory depth to the soup, while the tender tortellini and hearty white beans provide a satisfying bite. The addition of spinach brings a pop of color and freshness to the dish. Overall, this recipe offers a comforting and indulgent soup that is perfect for a cozy night in or for impressing guests with its luxurious flavors.
Why trust this Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience, as it features tuscan flavors, creamy textures, and a harmonious blend of garlic and parmesan cheese. The use of fresh ingredients such as spinach and chicken ensures a wholesome and flavorful dish. With a balance of savory and rich elements, this tortellini soup promises to satisfy your cravings and elevate your culinary repertoire.
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