Tortellini is an Italian bite size pasta which is stuffed with ricotta or parmesan cheeses, pork meat, sausage, dried mushrooms, herbs, and vegetables.
This ring-shaped pasta is traditionally served in a broth, but tomato, mushroom, and meat sauces are also popular. Italy is recognized for its food culture and the work of rolling out the dough evenly and then cutting it into small squares, followed by the stuffing and shaping of the tiny tortellini which is an art in itself.
Tortellini and spinach soup is the perfect weeknight supper that can be enjoyed by every member of the family. It is delicious on its own or with a tossed salad and garlic or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 to 5
Ingredients:
- 1 package spinach or cheese stuffed tortellini (350 gm)
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 6 tbsp. tomato paste
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves, stems removed
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 10 cups of low sodium chicken broth
- ½ tsp. ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 cup half and half cream
Garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Parsley leaves
- Red chili flakes (optional)
Directions:
- Place the olive oil, onion, garlic, and carrots in a medium size pot or Dutch oven. Sauté the vegetables until the onions are translucent, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, stirring frequently. Next add the broth and bring to a boil. Add tortellini and cook until the tortellini is al dente, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and gently add the half and half cream and the spinach leaves and continue to simmer for a couple of minutes or until spinach leaves are wilted and then remove from heat.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated parmesan cheese, parsley leaves, and chili flakes (optional).
Note: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to three days.
Note: Vegetarians can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Bon Appétit!
