Tortellini Minestrone
A hearty tortellini minestrone packed with vegetables, flavorful broth, and tender tortellini, perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with robust Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 medium red onion, sliced ⓘ
- 2 small yellow squash, sliced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 5 c. canned beef broth ⓘ
- 2 oz. day-old Italian bread, cubed ⓘ
- 8 oz. refrigerated or frozen meat-filled tortellini ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen chopped broccoli, partially thawed ⓘ
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté sliced red onion until softened.
- Add sliced yellow squash and chopped garlic; cook for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in canned beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add cubed Italian bread and cook until slightly softened.
- Stir in tortellini and frozen chopped broccoli; cook until tortellini are tender.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Thicken the soup as desired; add more broth if thinner soup is preferred.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or basil during cooking. If you don’t have beef broth, vegetable broth works well for a lighter version. You can also substitute the tortellini with another pasta like small shells or even gnocchi for a different texture. For a heartier soup, add cooked beans or lentils.
Serving Suggestions
This Tortellini Minestrone pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty Italian bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. For a comforting dinner, serve alongside a bowl of Creamettes Lasagna or your favorite Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore consistency. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortellini Minestrone contains roughly 877 calories, with 10g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 763mg per serving (33% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this Tortellini Minestrone vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for beef broth and using cheese-filled tortellini. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or regular blender, then stir it back into the pot. Alternatively, add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to help achieve your desired thickness.
What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
You can customize this soup by adding a variety of vegetables such as carrots, spinach, or kale. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand or what's in season to enhance the flavors and make the dish even more nutritious.
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).