Tomato Florentine Tortellini Soup
A comforting and flavorful tomato and spinach tortellini soup with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh basil, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suitable for any season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth and tortellini, bring to a boil, then reduce heat.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer until tortellini is just tender.
- Stir in stewed tomatoes, spinach, and basil, then simmer for 2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of canned. If you don't have tortellini, feel free to substitute with small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo. Fresh basil can replace spinach for a different taste profile. Adjust the garlic based on your preference, and for a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes. This soup is reminiscent of classic Italian recipes, making it a comforting choice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tomato Florentine Tortellini Soup with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top and a dash of freshly cracked pepper. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. This soup also pairs beautifully with Italian Wedding Chicken for a more substantial dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as this can overcook the tortellini and spinach, changing their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Florentine Tortellini Soup contains roughly 375 calories, with 11g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (80% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1958mg per serving (85% 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 works perfectly in this recipe. Just add them directly to the broth without thawing, and they will cook in the same time as fresh tortellini. This makes for a convenient option while still delivering great flavor.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make the soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any meat-based additions. You can enhance the flavor with additional vegetables like carrots or zucchini, and consider adding beans for protein.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for Parmesan cheese, try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both will add a nice depth to the soup while maintaining its creamy texture.
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).