Tortellini en Brodo is a heartwarming soup filled with flavorful pasta rings. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days!
The rich broth along with the tasty tortellini makes every spoonful a delight. I love how it warms me up and lifts my spirits! Just imagine enjoying it on a rainy day! ☔️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Fresh tortellini is the star here, filled with cheese or meat. If you cannot find fresh, frozen tortellini works too. You can even use other pasta shapes if needed; just adjust the cooking time!
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth really makes a difference in flavor. But if you’re short on time, use store-bought broth. Look for low-sodium varieties so you can control the saltiness of your soup.
Vegetables: The onion, carrot, and celery create a flavorful base. You can substitute with leeks for a milder taste or add parsnips for a sweeter touch. Don’t skip the garlic, as it adds a nice warmth!
Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano adds a delicious finish. If you’re vegan or lactose-intolerant, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or skip the cheese entirely.
How Do You Make a Flavorful Broth?
Making a great broth is key to enhancing your tortellini in broth. Start by simmering your broth with aromatics like onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Here’s how:
- Combine your broth and diced vegetables in a large pot.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. This helps extract flavors.
- Strain the broth to remove vegetables and herbs for a clear soup.
Season with salt and pepper to your liking! The result will be a delicious base for your tortellini.
Tortellini en Brodo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh tortellini (cheese or meat-filled)
- 8 cups homemade chicken broth (or high-quality store-bought)
- 1 small onion, peeled
- 1 small carrot, peeled
- 1 celery stalk
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 sprig fresh parsley
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients, and approximately 30 minutes for the broth to simmer. The total time from start to enjoying your Tortellini en Brodo is roughly 40 minutes. It’s quick, simple, and oh-so-satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Broth:
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, parsley, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes—this helps all the delicious flavors meld together. Once it’s done, season with salt and pepper to taste. Strain the broth, discarding the vegetables and herbs, and then return the clear broth to the pot.
2. Boil the Broth:
Bring the strained broth back to a gentle boil over medium heat. This is where the magic happens as you prepare to cook the tortellini!
3. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the fresh tortellini to the boiling broth. Cook them according to the package instructions or until they float to the surface and become tender (this usually takes about 3-5 minutes). Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overcook!
4. Serve Up:
Carefully ladle the tortellini and broth into serving bowls. The warm broth will make your heart sing! 😊
5. Finish With Cheese:
Serve immediately and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese if you like. It adds an extra layer of flavor that’s simply delightful!
Enjoy your wonderful bowl of Tortellini en Brodo! This classic Italian soup is perfect for any occasion and is sure to warm your soul!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini can be used in this recipe. Just add them directly to the boiling broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually a minute or two longer than fresh tortellini.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Tortellini en Brodo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, be sure to add a splash of broth or water to help restore the soup’s consistency.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and substitute the tortellini with vegan tortellini or another pasta of your choice. You can also skip the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
What Should I Serve with Tortellini en Brodo?
This soup is great on its own, but you can pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top right before serving adds a lovely touch!
