Hearty & Healthy: Tortellini Minestrone Soup Recipe

Tortellini minestrone soup is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines the comforting flavors of classic minestrone with the delightful chewiness of cheese-filled tortellini. This recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a potluck gathering. It’s packed with vegetables, making it a healthy and nutritious option, and it’s customizable to your preferences and what you have on hand. This recipe will guide you through creating a flavorful and satisfying tortellini minestrone soup that will surely become a family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Minestrone Soup

* **Hearty and Filling:** The combination of vegetables, beans, pasta, and broth creates a satisfying and filling meal.
* **Nutritious and Healthy:** Loaded with vegetables, this soup is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables and dietary needs.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is relatively simple and straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Delicious and Flavorful:** The combination of herbs, vegetables, and broth creates a truly delicious and comforting flavor.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Kids love the pasta and the colorful vegetables.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This soup keeps well in the refrigerator and can be easily reheated for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** You can easily freeze leftover soup for a quick and easy meal later on.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious tortellini minestrone soup:

* **Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding flavor.
* **Onion:** Adds a savory base flavor to the soup. Yellow or white onions work best.
* **Carrots:** Contribute sweetness and color to the soup.
* **Celery:** Adds a subtle, savory flavor and texture.
* **Garlic:** Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Vegetable Broth:** Forms the base of the soup. Use low-sodium broth to control the salt content.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** Adds acidity, sweetness, and body to the soup. Canned diced tomatoes are a convenient option.
* **Tomato Paste:** Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness.
* **Kidney Beans:** Adds protein and fiber. Canned kidney beans are convenient, but you can also use cooked dried kidney beans.
* **Great Northern Beans:** Another source of protein and fiber, adding a creamy texture to the soup. Canned or cooked dried beans work well.
* **Zucchini:** Adds a mild flavor and texture. You can substitute with other summer squash.
* **Spinach:** Adds nutrients and color. Fresh or frozen spinach can be used. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
* **Cheese Tortellini:** The star of the show! Use your favorite type of cheese tortellini. Fresh or frozen tortellini can be used. Cooked tortellini will also work if you are trying to use up leftovers, just add them at the very end.
* **Italian Seasoning:** A blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Adjust according to your preferences.
* **Parmesan Cheese (Optional):** For garnish, adds a salty and savory flavor.
* **Fresh Parsley (Optional):** For garnish, adds freshness and color.

**Ingredient Substitutions:**

* **Beans:** You can substitute kidney beans and Great Northern beans with other types of beans, such as cannellini beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas.
* **Vegetables:** Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Some other great options include bell peppers, corn, green beans, peas, and kale.
* **Pasta:** If you don’t have tortellini, you can use other small pasta shapes, such as ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni.
* **Broth:** Chicken broth can be substituted for vegetable broth.
* **Vegan Option:** To make this soup vegan, use vegan cheese tortellini or substitute with another type of vegan pasta. Ensure your vegetable broth is also vegan.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Pot or Dutch Oven:** For cooking the soup.
* **Cutting Board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring ingredients.
* **Ladle:** For serving the soup.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious tortellini minestrone soup:

**Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables**

* Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 2: Add Broth and Tomatoes**

* Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
* Stir well to combine.

**Step 3: Add Beans and Seasoning**

* Add the kidney beans, Great Northern beans, and Italian seasoning.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

**Step 4: Add Vegetables and Tortellini**

* Add the zucchini and spinach to the soup.
* Stir in the cheese tortellini.
* Cook until the tortellini is tender and heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini.

**Step 5: Serve and Garnish**

* Ladle the soup into bowls.
* Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for the Best Tortellini Minestrone Soup

* **Don’t Overcook the Tortellini:** Overcooked tortellini can become mushy. Cook them just until they are tender and heated through.
* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the soup. Use fresh vegetables and high-quality broth for the best results.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste:** Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.
* **Simmer for a Deeper Flavor:** Simmering the soup for at least 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
* **Add a Splash of Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors of the soup.
* **Use a Good Quality Broth:** The broth is the base of the soup, so using a good quality broth will make a big difference in the overall flavor. Homemade broth is always best, but store-bought broth can also work well.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, beans, and pasta to create your own unique version of tortellini minestrone soup.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little heat.

## Variations and Additions

This tortellini minestrone soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are some variations and additions you can try:

* **Add Meat:** Add cooked Italian sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken for a heartier soup.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, green beans, peas, kale, or butternut squash.
* **Add Pesto:** Stir in a spoonful of pesto at the end for a burst of fresh flavor.
* **Add a Creamy Texture:** Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier soup. (Although this does deviate from the traditional minestrone style.)
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cheese tortellini or substitute with gluten-free pasta.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use vegan cheese tortellini or substitute with another type of vegan pasta. Ensure your vegetable broth is also vegan.
* **Add a Parmesan Rind:** Adding a parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers adds a depth of umami flavor. Remove the rind before serving.
* **Add a Bay Leaf:** A bay leaf added during simmering adds another layer of aromatic flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.

## Serving Suggestions

Tortellini minestrone soup is a complete meal on its own, but it can also be served with:

* **Crusty Bread:** For dipping into the soup.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing for tomato-based soups.
* **Side Salad:** A light and refreshing salad to complement the soup.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

**Storage:**

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freezer:** Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing. It’s best to freeze in individual portions for easy reheating.

**Reheating:**

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat the soup in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: Approximately 300-400 per serving
* Protein: 15-20 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 10-15 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams

This soup is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and potassium.

## Recipe Card

**Tortellini Minestrone Soup**

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 cups vegetable broth
* 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15 ounce) can Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 medium zucchini, chopped
* 5 ounces fresh spinach, chopped (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
* 1 (9 ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
* 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the kidney beans, Great Northern beans, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Add the zucchini and spinach to the soup. Stir in the cheese tortellini. Cook until the tortellini is tender and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Enjoy this comforting and delicious Tortellini Minestrone Soup! It’s a perfect way to get your vegetables in, and the tortellini adds a fun and satisfying twist to a classic soup. Experiment with different vegetables and beans to create your own unique version. Happy cooking!