Cheese Tortellini Soup

Cheese Tortellini Soup Recipe from Italy - Chicken Broth, Carrots, Celery, Onions, Garlic, Tortellini, Escarole, Parmesan Cheese

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cheese Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is filled with delicious flavors and is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

Tortellini soup has been a popular dish in Italian cuisine for centuries. The origins of this recipe can be traced back to the region of Emilia-Romagna in Northern Italy. Traditionally, tortellini soup is made with a rich and flavorful broth, filled with tender tortellini pasta and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

8 cups chicken broth, defatted
0.5 cup carrots, diced
0.5 cup celery, diced
0.5 cup onions, diced
1 garlic clove, minced fine
1 x 16 oz (454 g) bag frozen cheese tortellini
2 cups escarole, washed and chopped, or 10 oz (283 g) box frozen chopped spinach
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
0.25 tsp Mrs. Dash extra-spice
freshly grated parmesan cheese as garnish
croutons as garnish

How to prepare

Place the first 5 ingredients in a 5 qt (4.73 liter) Dutch oven.
Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat to simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes.
Add the cheese tortellini and cook it in the broth, according to the directions on the package.
Add salt and pepper to taste, and also add Mrs. Dash.
Remove the soup from the heat and add escarole or spinach (if using spinach, thaw it under running hot water, squeeze out excess moisture, and then add it to the soup).
Cover the soup and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Ladle the soup into large soup bowls.
Garnish each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and/or croutons, if desired.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.
Add diced tomatoes or white beans for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to defat the chicken broth before using it in the soup to reduce the fat content.

- Thaw the spinach under running hot water and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the soup.

- Garnish each bowl of soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and croutons for added flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheese Tortellini Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the soup partially covered to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Thaw the spinach before adding it to the soup to prevent excess moisture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of frozen tortellini or pasta in place of cheese tortellini.

- Substitute escarole or kale for the spinach in this recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

Cheese Tortellini Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few croutons for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Cheese Tortellini Soup with a glass of white wine or a light beer for a delicious pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheese Tortellini Soup contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheese Tortellini Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheese Tortellini Soup contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheese Tortellini Soup contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cheese Tortellini Soup is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Parmesan cheese) and wheat (tortellini), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Cheese Tortellini Soup is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Cheese Tortellini Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This soup is filled with tender tortellini pasta, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion. Enjoy this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a cold winter day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria. She had a pot of soup simmering on the stove, filling the air with the most tantalizing aroma. As she ladled out a steaming bowl of Cheese Tortellini Soup, I knew I had to learn how to make it.

Maria chuckled at my enthusiasm and invited me to watch her as she prepared the soup. She explained that the key to this recipe was using high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese tortellini. She shared with me the story of how she had learned to make this soup from her own grandmother, who had passed down the recipe through generations.

As I watched Maria effortlessly chop vegetables and stir in the broth, I realized that cooking was not just about following a recipe – it was about tradition, love, and sharing a piece of oneself with others. I knew that I wanted to carry on this tradition and make this soup for my own family and friends.

After tasting the soup, I was blown away by the rich and savory flavors. The tender cheese tortellini melted in my mouth, while the vegetables added a fresh and comforting touch. I felt like I was wrapped in a warm hug with every spoonful.

As I bid farewell to Maria that day, she handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe for Cheese Tortellini Soup. I treasured this gift and promised myself that I would make this soup for my family very soon.

When I got home, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work. I sautéed the onions and garlic until they were golden brown, then added in the carrots and celery. The kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of vegetables cooking in butter and olive oil.

Next, I poured in the chicken broth and added in the diced tomatoes, letting everything simmer together for a while. Finally, I dropped in the cheese tortellini, letting them cook until they were tender and plump.

As I ladled out the soup into bowls, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The Cheese Tortellini Soup looked just like Maria's, and I couldn't wait to share it with my loved ones.

When my family sat down to eat, they were amazed by the rich flavors and comforting warmth of the soup. They couldn't believe that I had made it from scratch, and they eagerly asked for seconds.

From that day on, Cheese Tortellini Soup became a staple in our household. Whenever there was a chilly day or someone was feeling under the weather, I would whip up a batch of this soup, and it never failed to bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Over the years, I have made this soup countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my family's tastes. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy and comfort that this soup brings.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about the first time I saw the recipe for Cheese Tortellini Soup, I am filled with gratitude for the wonderful tradition that Maria shared with me. This soup has brought my family together, warmed our hearts, and created memories that will last a lifetime.

I may have learned how to make this soup from Maria, but the true secret lies in the love and passion that I pour into every pot. And as I watch my grandchildren slurp up their bowls of Cheese Tortellini Soup with smiles on their faces, I know that this recipe will continue to be passed down through generations, just like Maria's grandmother did for her.