Imagine a bowl of pure comfort that combines the rustic charm of Italian cuisine with creamy, hearty goodness. This Creamy Tortellini Fagioli Soup is not just a meal; it's a warm hug in a bowl that will transport your taste buds straight to the cozy kitchens of Italy. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or seeking the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, this recipe promises to be your new obsession that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and vegetable broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Add cheese tortellini to the pot and cook for 7-8 minutes or until tortellini is tender and floating, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream, allowing the soup to become creamy and rich without boiling.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and pepper.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast on the side for a complete meal.
Tips
- Vegetable Prep is Key: Take your time chopping vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Allow your onions, carrots, and celery to develop a slight caramelization for deeper flavor complexity.
- Tortellini Timing Matters: Add tortellini towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain their delicate texture.
- Cream Addition Technique: Stir in heavy cream slowly on low heat to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth, luxurious consistency.
- Fresh Herb Magic: Always add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright flavor and aromatic qualities.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to prepare it in advance.
- Customization Options: Feel free to swap vegetable broth with chicken broth or add some cooked Italian sausage for extra protein.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and quality.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
