Basil Tortellini Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup featuring tender cheese tortellini, white beans, fresh tomatoes, and basil, all simmered in savory chicken broth. This dish offers a delightful blend of herbs and acidity, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch for herb lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and cook until tender, about 6 minutes.
- Stir in the rinsed and drained white kidney or cannellini beans, chopped tomato, and shredded fresh basil.
- Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
- Add balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper; stir well.
- Serve the soup hot, optionally garnished with additional basil or cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing onions and garlic before adding the broth. If you don't have fresh basil, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried basil, but reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. If desired, add some diced carrots or spinach for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside chicken recipes like Chicken And Tomato or a light Italian pasta dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the soup, as it may thicken when stored.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Basil Tortellini Soup contains roughly 145 calories, with 8g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1493mg per serving (65% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add them directly to the boiling broth and increase the cooking time by a few minutes until they're tender. This is a great way to keep the soup convenient and still delicious.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. However, it's best to add the tortellini just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy. You can prepare the broth and vegetables in advance and then finish the dish when you're ready to enjoy it.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider adding cooked chicken, sausage, or even shrimp. Diced rotisserie chicken is an easy option. This will make the soup heartier and more filling, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).