Warm up your winter evenings with a bowl of our delightful Winter Soup with Tortellini and Pistou! This Italian-inspired dish not only warms the soul but also tantalizes your taste buds with a medley of fresh vegetables, hearty tortellini, and aromatic herbs. In just 45 minutes, you can create a comforting meal that serves four, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Ready to discover the secrets to this heartwarming recipe? Let’s dive in!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups tortellini
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate diced carrots and celery into the pot. Cook vegetables together, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their aromatic flavors, about 5 minutes.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the broth simmer with the vegetables for 10 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
- Add tortellini to the simmering broth. Cook according to package instructions, typically 7-9 minutes, until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite.
- Stir in chopped spinach and let it wilt into the soup for 1-2 minutes. The spinach should turn bright green and become tender.
- Remove the pot from heat and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Garnish the soup with freshly chopped basil and parsley just before serving. The herbs will add a fresh, vibrant flavor to the winter soup.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Optional: Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for additional richness.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and herbs ahead of time. You can store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Greens: If you don’t have spinach on hand, feel free to substitute with kale or Swiss chard for a different twist.
- Perfect Tortellini: Be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the tortellini package closely to ensure they are perfectly al dente.
- Add Depth of Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth before simmering the vegetables.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh herbs make a big difference! Don’t skip the basil and parsley garnish—they add a burst of freshness that elevates the entire dish.
- Leftover Love: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove and enjoy again!
- Extra Richness: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving can enhance the flavors and add a luxurious touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
