Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tortellini Soup is incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in just about 30 minutes. The combination of tender tortellini, savory vegetables, and a flavorful broth makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners. Plus, it’s easily customizable, and you can make it vegan by using plant-based tortellini. The kale pesto topping is the perfect finishing touch, adding a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that takes the soup to the next level.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 fennel bulb, diced
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
3 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
9 to 12 ounces cheese tortellini, or vegan tortellini
5 cups torn kale
Kale pesto (for serving)
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, fennel, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 8 minutes.
Add the flavorings: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cover the pot and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Cook the tortellini: While the soup simmers, cook the tortellini in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine and finish: Add the cooked tortellini and kale to the soup. Simmer for 2 more minutes, until the kale wilts.
Season and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed. Serve in bowls with a generous scoop of kale pesto and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Vegan option: Use vegan tortellini and a dairy-free pesto for a completely plant-based meal.
Add protein: Include cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage for an extra boost of protein.
Swap veggies: Feel free to substitute the kale with spinach, chard, or another leafy green.
Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package directions before adding it to the soup.

2. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the tortellini separately and add it when you’re ready to serve to avoid it becoming too soft.

3. Can I freeze the soup?

You can freeze the soup without the tortellini. Once thawed, add fresh tortellini to the reheated soup.

4. What other vegetables can I add?

You can add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase the veggie content of the soup.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese tortellini?

Yes, any cheese tortellini you like will work well, whether it’s ricotta, mozzarella, or another blend.

6. How can I make this soup spicier?

For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you cook the vegetables.

7. Can I make this soup creamy?

Yes, for a creamy version, you can stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.

8. Can I substitute the kale pesto?

Yes, you can use regular pesto, spinach pesto, or even a simple drizzle of olive oil in place of kale pesto.

9. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?

Absolutely, chicken broth will work just as well and add more depth of flavor.

10. How do I know when the soup is done?

The soup is ready when the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together. The tortellini should be al dente, and the kale should be wilted.

Conclusion

This Tortellini Soup is the perfect comforting meal for any occasion. With its delicious combination of tender tortellini, fresh vegetables, and vibrant kale pesto, it’s both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold day or preparing a quick dinner, this soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to customize and full of flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Tortellini Soup

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Tortellini Soup is a comforting, hearty meal featuring cheese-filled pasta, tender vegetables, and a flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly nights, this easy-to-make soup offers both warmth and nutrition, topped with vibrant kale pesto for an extra burst of flavor.

Instructions

Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, fennel, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 8 minutes.

Add the flavorings: Stir in balsamic vinegar, garlic, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

Cook the tortellini: While the soup simmers, cook the tortellini in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Combine and finish: Add the cooked tortellini and kale to the soup. Simmer for 2 more minutes until the kale wilts.

Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve in bowls with a generous scoop of kale pesto and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

Make it Vegan: Use vegan tortellini and a dairy-free pesto to create a plant-based version.

Add Protein: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage to make it heartier.

Swap Veggies: Substitute kale with spinach, chard, or another leafy green for variety.

Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or hot sauce for added heat.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian