Quick Tortellini Soup(Excellent)
A hearty, flavorful tortellini soup featuring pancetta, spinach, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting meals that are quick to prepare and family-friendly.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 oz. pancetta or Canadian bacon, finely diced ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely diced ⓘ
- 9 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 tsp. Italian herb blend
- 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 package cheese or spinach tortellini ⓘ
- 8 oz. fresh spinach, rinsed, stemmed, and finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a stock pot over medium heat; add pancetta, garlic, and onion and cook until lightly softened, about 12 to 15 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and Italian herb blend; bring to a boil.
- Stir in tortellini and cook uncovered until tortellini is cooked, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for another 5 to 6 minutes.
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with chunks of Italian bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can substitute the pancetta with turkey bacon or omit it for a vegetarian option. Fresh tortellini cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. To add a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with chunks of Italian bread for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad, such as a Linguini Salad With Chicken And Dill, to balance the rich flavors of the soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it if necessary. Avoid boiling, as this can overcook the tortellini.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Tortellini Soup(Excellent) contains roughly 2129 calories, with 33g protein, 198g carbohydrates, and 138g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 fresh?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used in this recipe. Just add them directly to the boiling broth and cook according to the package instructions, which may take a few extra minutes compared to fresh tortellini.
What can I add for extra protein?
You can add cooked chicken or Italian sausage to the soup for an extra protein boost. Simply sauté the meat with the pancetta or cook it separately and stir it in before serving.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the pancetta. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini for added texture and nutrition.
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).