Tortellini Basil Soup
A comforting, flavorful tortellini basil soup featuring tender cheese-filled pasta, fresh tomatoes, beans, and aromatic basil, perfect for a quick, hearty meal on any day.
Ingredients
- 4 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth, undiluted ⓘ
- 9 ounces fresh cheese-filled tortellini ⓘ
- 15 ounces great northern beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped fresh tomato ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded fresh basil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1-1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the tortellini and cook for 6 minutes or until tender.
- Stir in the drained great northern beans and chopped fresh tomato.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and salt.
- Ladle the soup into individual bowls.
- Sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced carrots or celery when you first boil the broth. If you can't find fresh tortellini, dried tortellini can be used; just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions. To enhance the flavor further, try incorporating a dash of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tortellini basil soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top enhances the dish, while a glass of white wine pairs beautifully with the flavors. This soup also makes a great starter for Italian recipes like Chicken Al Forno.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy. You can also add a splash of broth to help revive the soup's consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortellini Basil Soup contains roughly 225 calories, with 15g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (78% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1529mg per serving (66% 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 well in this recipe. Just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time when boiling them in the broth until they float and are tender.
What can I substitute for the great northern beans?
You can use any white bean such as cannellini or navy beans as a substitute for great northern beans. They will provide a similar texture and flavor profile, making your soup just as delicious.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegetarian alternative. This will keep the soup flavorful while making it suitable for vegetarians.
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).