When my family craves a truly satisfying, comforting meal, I often turn to a hearty bowl of soup. This Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach delivers pure warmth, filling your kitchen with an inviting aroma of rich tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or anytime you need an easy dinner that feels genuinely homemade. Our tried-and-true method ensures maximum flavor in minimum time, delivering delicious results every time. Get ready for a comforting bowl of this Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach that everyone will love, making dinner a breeze!
What You’ll Need (Ingredients and Why They Matter)
Crafting a delicious Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach starts with quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building rich flavor and satisfying texture, ensuring your meal is both healthy and incredibly tasty.
- Tortellini: One 19-oz (540g) package, fresh or frozen (cheese-filled offers a classic, hearty base; or use a meat-filled variety).
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: One 28-oz (794g) can, undrained (fire-roasted adds depth, while crushed creates a smoother texture).
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth: 6 cups (1.4L) (low sodium for better salt control; quality broth makes a big difference).
- Fresh Spinach: 5 oz (140g) (adds nutrients and vibrant color, wilts quickly into the soup).
- Fresh Basil: ½ cup (12g) chopped (essential for that classic tomato basil flavor, brightens the aroma).
- Onion: 1 medium (diced) (forms the aromatic foundation for a rich flavor base).
- Garlic: 2 cloves (minced) (enhances the savory depth of the soup).
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) (for sautéing aromatics, a healthy fat for flavor).
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp (builds layers of authentic Italian taste).
- Salt: ½ tsp (enhances all flavors, adjust to taste).
- Black Pepper: ¼ tsp (adds a subtle warmth and spice).
For a premium touch, opt for organic tomatoes and fresh, vibrant spinach. This ensures healthy meals and peak flavor. This family-friendly Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach can fit various dietary needs. For gluten-free diets, use gluten-free tortellini (or even cauliflower gnocchi if that’s what’s on hand). Dairy-free? Swap in a plant-based tortellini or plain pasta. For extra protein, cooked sausage or shredded chicken makes a great addition. A dash of balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice can further boost its bright flavors.
Easy Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Making this Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach is straightforward, even on your busiest weeknights. Follow these steps for a comforting and flavorful meal.
- Sauté Aromatics (5 mins): Heat 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil in a large pot or 5-quart Dutch oven until shimmering. Add 1 diced onion; cook until softened (3-4 min). Stir in 2 minced garlic; cook 1 min until fragrant.
- Build the Broth (10 mins): Pour in 6 cups (1.4L) vegetable or chicken broth and one 28-oz (794g) can diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in 1 tsp Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Tortellini (5-7 mins): Add one 19-oz (540g) package tortellini. Cook 3-7 minutes until tender. If soup thickens, add ½ cup (120ml) more broth. I often cook tortellini directly in the pot to save on dishes, making cleanup a breeze.
- Wilt the Spinach & Add Basil (2 mins): Stir in 5 oz (140g) fresh spinach until wilted (1-2 min). Remove from heat. Stir in ½ cup (12g) fresh chopped basil, adjusting seasonings as needed.
For faster prep, use pre-minced garlic or frozen chopped onion. Cooking the tortellini directly in the soup saves on dishes.
For a vegetarian option, ensure you use vegetable broth and cheese tortellini. For dairy-free, use a plant-based tortellini or plain pasta instead.
Serving Ideas, Pairings, and Make-Ahead Uses
This delightful Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting lunch, or a hearty starter for gatherings. It’s a wonderful addition to your easy dinner ideas.
- Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette makes a perfect pairing.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese on top.
The soup base (without tortellini or spinach) can be made 2-3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Store cooked Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed. Freezing the full soup isn’t recommended as tortellini can become mushy; freeze the broth base separately and add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Wellness and Lifestyle Benefits with Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach
This nourishing Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach offers a balanced meal, combining carbs, vegetables, and protein (especially with cheese tortellini or added meat). It’s a fantastic option for healthy meals at home.
This quick prep recipe delivers a nutrient-rich, family-friendly meal, perfect for healthy eating. It’s an easy recipe for busy nights that provides satisfaction without much fuss.
Everyday Value and Flexibility
Making Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach is a smart choice for its everyday value and flexibility in meal planning.
- Cost-effective: Uses common pantry staples, often cheaper than takeout.
- Reduces waste: Easily adaptable with leftover veggies or proteins.
- Meal planning: Simple to incorporate into weekly meal plans, offering a hearty and quick dinner solution.
- Versatility: Great as a light meal or a substantial appetizer.
Chef’s Notes and Customization Options
For an intensified flavor, I sometimes roast the diced tomatoes before adding them to the pot. Another trick I use is adding a Parmesan rind to the broth while simmering for extra umami depth.
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist. For kids, consider smaller pasta shapes if preferred, or blend a portion of the soup for a smoother texture. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based tortellini or plain pasta and omit Parmesan. Consider adding cooked sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, cannellini beans, or extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for more substance.
Common Questions Answered
Is Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach suitable for low-carb diets?
No, traditional tortellini is carb-heavy. For a lower-carb option, consider swapping tortellini for cauliflower gnocchi or adding extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
Can I order Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach ingredients online?
Absolutely! Most grocery delivery services carry all the necessary ingredients for this simple and delicious recipe, making shopping for your family dinners a breeze.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini may soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavor remains wonderful.
Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, dried tortellini works well, but it will require a longer cooking time. Always refer to the package instructions and adjust your cooking time accordingly for tender pasta.
How can I make this Tortellini Soup creamier?
For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or a dairy-free cream alternative at the very end of cooking, just before serving. This creates a luxurious texture.
What kind of broth is best for this recipe?
Vegetable broth keeps the soup vegetarian, while chicken broth adds a deeper, more savory flavor. I always recommend using low-sodium options to control the overall salt content of your Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach.
Conclusion
This Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach is a true family favorite – easy, comforting, and packed with incredible flavor. It’s perfect for bringing warmth and joy to your table, supporting healthy eating with quick meals.
Save this recipe for your next busy weeknight, share it with a friend, or add it to your upcoming meal plan on Pinterest!
Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tortellini Soup Cozy Tomato Basil With Spinach is a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. It delivers rich tomato and fresh basil flavors with a satisfying texture, making dinner easy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 19-oz package tortellini, fresh or frozen (cheese-filled or meat-filled)
- 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted or crushed)
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- 0.5 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or 5-quart Dutch oven until shimmering. Add 1 diced onion; cook until softened (3-4 min). Stir in 2 minced garlic; cook 1 min until fragrant.
- Build Broth: Pour in 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth and one 28-oz can undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook Tortellini: Add one 19-oz package tortellini. Cook 3-7 minutes until tender. If soup thickens, add 0.5 cup more broth.
- Wilt Spinach and Add Basil: Stir in 5 oz fresh spinach until wilted (1-2 min). Remove from heat. Stir in 0.5 cup fresh chopped basil, adjusting seasonings as needed.
Notes
For faster prep, use pre-minced garlic or frozen chopped onion. Cooking tortellini directly in the soup saves on dishes. For dietary variations, use gluten-free or plant-based tortellini for gluten-free or dairy-free options. Add cooked sausage or shredded chicken for extra protein, or a dash of balsamic vinegar, red pepper flakes, or lemon juice for brighter flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360 ml)
- Calories: 400 calories
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg