Satisfying And Speedy Tortellini Soup Recipe For Busy Days

Ah, Tortellini Soup embodies home and heartwarming comfort in a bowl! As the days grow colder and the leaves descend, my kitchen gradually shifts to the rhythm of simmering pots and fragrant, steam-kissed windows. Get delighted in Tortellini Soup Recipe with Escarole and Zucchini.

There’s no recipe I reach for more often during these cozy autumn evenings than my cherished tortellini soup. It’s not just a soup; it’s a savory symphony of wholesome ingredients that play a culinary concerto on your palate.

Every ingredient has its own story. The tortellini, a culinary gift from the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, filled with cheese or spinach, adds a hearty, comforting feel to each spoonful. 

The red onion, zucchini, and mushrooms bring earthy flavors, while the escarole provides a mild bitterness that pairs beautifully with the rich broth. A dash of oregano and red pepper flakes adds depth and a hint of spice.

One bowl of this magic elixir, and you’ll understand why this soup holds a special place in my heart and my kitchen. Join me in this culinary adventure, and let’s create memories one spoonful at a time.

What Is Tortellini Soup? 

Tortellini soup is a hearty dish that marries Italian tortellini pasta with a warm, flavorful broth. The soup can be made with a variety of broths, from rich chicken or beef to a lighter vegetable base, depending on the chef’s preference.

The true star of the dish, tortellini, is a small, ring-shaped pasta usually stuffed with a blend of meats or cheeses. The tortellini is cooked directly in the broth, absorbing the soup’s flavors and contributing its rich, creamy filling to the dish’s overall taste.

Additional ingredients can include a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, celery, onions, and spinach. The soup is often finished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, Parmesan cheese, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Each spoonful of tortellini soup delivers a wonderful blend of textures and flavors, making it a beloved comfort food for many. The soup can serve as a warming lunch, a hearty dinner, or a special dish for festive occasions.

Its versatility and richness make it a delightful addition to any meal.

Can You Vary The Soup With Other Ingredients 

The beauty of soup is its versatility and adaptability to different dietary needs and preferences. Here are some modifications you can make for Keto, Paleo, Gluten-free, and Whole30 diets:

• Keto

For a keto-friendly tortellini soup, you’d need to replace the tortellini, as it’s high in carbs. You could use a low-carb pasta substitute like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
You might also add more fats, such as using heavy cream to make a creamier soup, and incorporating more high-fat, low-carb ingredients like avocados or cheese.

• Paleo

To make this soup Paleo-friendly, again, you must eliminate the tortellini because it’s a grain product. Instead, consider adding more vegetables or using a grain-free pasta substitute like spiralized vegetables or sweet potato noodles.
Ensure you use a bone or vegetable broth with no added sugars or preservatives.

• Gluten-free

This is simple to achieve by using gluten-free tortellini, which is widely available in most supermarkets. The rest of the soup is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to check the labels of your broth and any other packaged ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.

• Whole30

For Whole30, you’d need to replace the tortellini as it’s made from grains, and eliminate the cheese. Consider adding more veggies, or using a compliant substitute like spiralized vegetables or potatoes.
Be sure to use a compliant broth (no sugar, no dairy, no soy, and no grains) and check all other ingredients for compliance as well.

Recipe Directions

• Chop red onion, dice zucchini and mushrooms, rinse and chop escarole, and measure spices.
• Heat a Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat.
• Add olive oil and sauté red onion until translucent (1-2 minutes).
• Add zucchini and mushrooms, sauté until zucchini softens (2-3 minutes).
• Add escarole, oregano, red pepper flakes, and thyme.
• Cook for 2 minutes until escarole wilts.
• Pour in chicken stock, increase heat, and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Uncover pot and add diced cooked chicken (optional), dried tortellini, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rind.
• Cook uncovered for 10 minutes until the tortellini is soft and cooked.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

• Protein Variations: While classic tortellini soup often includes chicken, you could try other proteins such as Italian sausage, turkey, or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, consider adding beans, lentils, or tofu.
• Vegetable Additions: Adding more vegetables to your soup boosts the nutrition, flavor, and texture. Consider adding vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, kale, or peas.
• Different Types of Tortellini: Tortellini comes in many different fillings. You could experiment with cheese, spinach, or meat-filled tortellini for different flavors.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to change up the flavor. For example, add some fresh basil, oregano, rosemary, or even a touch of spice with red pepper flakes.
• Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier soup, consider adding a splash of cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.
• Grains: For a heartier soup, consider adding grains like farro, barley, or quinoa. Be mindful to adjust the cooking time to ensure the grains are cooked properly.
• International Twist: Give your soup an international twist. For example, add some curry powder, coconut milk, and cilantro for an Indian-inspired version, or some cumin, lime juice, and avocado for a Mexican-style soup.
• Toppings: Try different toppings for your soup. Crispy bacon bits, croutons, roasted seeds or nuts, a spoonful of pesto or salsa, or a swirl of yogurt or sour cream can all add extra flavor and texture.

Can I Make Tortellini Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

You can absolutely make this tortellini soup in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. Here’s how you can do it:

Slow Cooker Method

• Add the olive oil, red onion, zucchini, mushrooms, escarole, oregano, red pepper flakes, thyme leaves, chicken stock, and cooked chicken breast (if using) to your slow cooker.

• Stir well to combine the ingredients.

• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

• About 30 minutes before serving, add in the tortellini and the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rind. Stir well, cover, and continue to cook until the tortellini is tender.

• Before serving, adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to your taste.

Instant Pot Method

• Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the red onion and sauté until translucent. Add the zucchini and mushrooms, and sauté until the zucchini softens.

• Add the escarole, oregano, red pepper flakes, thyme leaves, chicken stock, and cooked chicken (if using), and stir to combine.

• Seal the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and set it to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.

• .
• Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release for 10 minutes naturally, then quick-release any remaining pressure.

• Open the Instant Pot, add the tortellini and the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rind, and set to the sauté function again. Cook for around 10 minutes or until the tortellini is tender.

• Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper before serving.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth Or Should I Make My Own?

You can certainly use store-bought broth for your tortellini soup. In fact, many home cooks prefer it for convenience. When selecting a store-bought broth, opt for a low-sodium version. This gives you more control over the final salt content of your soup.

However, if you have the time and ingredients, making your homemade broth can add more flavor and depth to your soup. Homemade broth allows you to adjust the flavor profile to your liking, and it’s a great way to utilize leftover chicken bones or vegetable scraps.

So, both options are viable and largely depend on your time, resources, and personal preference. Regardless of your choice, your tortellini soup is bound to be delicious!

How To Serve?

Ladle this hearty tortellini soup into deep bowls, ensuring you get a good mix of tortellini and veggies in each serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a sprig of fresh thyme, or a swirl of pesto. 

Accompany with a slice of crusty whole grain bread for a complete, comforting meal. Enjoy your soup hot, savoring the harmony of flavors with each spoonful.

Serving Tortellini

Tortellini soup is best served hot, directly after cooking. Here are some tips to elevate your serving style:

• Warm Bowls: Pre-warm your soup bowls before serving. This keeps the soup hot for a longer time. You can warm them in an oven set to a low temperature or by filling them with hot water and then emptying them right before serving.
• Garnishing: Consider garnishing your soup right before serving. Freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can enhance both the visual appeal and the flavor of the soup.
• Serving Accompaniments: Tortellini soup pairs well with a slice of crusty bread, a side salad, or even garlic bread. These can be served on the side, providing a contrast in textures.
• Presentation: Serve the soup in deep, wide bowls to showcase the tortellini and veggies. Using colorful bowls or dishes can make the soup look even more appealing.
• Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine with your meal, a light, crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with tortellini soup.

Perfect Side Dishes

Tortellini soup is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Salads: A crisp salad makes a great complement. For example, a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, a classic Caesar salad, or an Italian chopped salad would all work well.
• Sandwiches: A grilled cheese sandwich can be a delightful pairing, especially for a comfort meal. An Italian panini with mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes or a simple baguette with butter and prosciutto would also complement the flavors of the soup.
• Bread: Crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, or warm focaccia would be perfect for dipping into the soup. For a healthier alternative, consider whole-grain rolls.
• First Course: If you’re serving the soup as a main course, consider an antipasto platter as a first course. This could include a variety of Italian meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables.
• Wine Pairing: A light, crisp white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a dry Rosé can complement the flavors in the soup.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Refrigeration: Allow soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze soup without the tortellini for up to 3 months. Add cooked tortellini when reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply simmer gently on the stove until warmed through. Add more broth if needed.
• Make Ahead: Prepare soup without cooking the tortellini. Store in the refrigerator overnight. Cook tortellini separately just before serving and add to the reheated soup.
• Fresh Ingredients: For optimal taste, add fresh herbs and grated Parmesan when serving.

What Can Be Done With Leftover Soup? 

Leftover tortellini soup can be incredibly versatile, and you have several options to repurpose it:

• Pasta Bake: Add the leftover soup to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden on top. You can also add other ingredients like cooked chicken or vegetables to make it more substantial.

• Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with the leftover soup. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender, and the cheese is melted.

• Grain Bowls: Use the soup as a flavorful sauce in a grain bowl. Add it to cooked grains like quinoa or rice, and add your favorite roasted or sautéed vegetables.

• Pasta Sauce: Reduce the soup over medium heat until it’s thickened to a sauce-like consistency, and serve it over freshly cooked pasta.

• Frittata: Use the soup as a filling for a frittata or a quiche.

• Choose Quality Tortellini: Opt for fresh or high-quality dried tortellini. The better the tortellini, the more flavorful your soup will be.
• Use Homemade Broth: If possible, make your own broth using vegetables, herbs, and bones. Homemade broth adds depth and richness to the soup that store-bought versions often lack.
• Add Greens: Consider incorporating leafy greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard into the soup for added nutrition and color. They’ll wilt nicely into the broth and complement the tortellini.
• Enhance with Aromatics: Boost the flavor profile of your soup by sautéing aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, and celery before adding the broth. This step adds a savory base to the soup.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to elevate the flavor. Try adding a pinch of dried Italian herbs, crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Nutrition Table