Imagine a soul-warming dish that combines the richness of cheese-filled tortellini with a delicate, flavor-packed broth that hugs your taste buds and warms your heart. This Italian-inspired recipe is not just a meal; it's a quick culinary escape that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or someone who wants to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this Cheese Tortellini in Light Broth is your perfect solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 celery stalk, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: slice the carrot and celery into thin, uniform pieces, and roughly chop the spinach.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced carrots and celery, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
- Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, allowing the vegetables to infuse their flavors into the broth.
- Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering broth. Cook for 7-9 minutes, or according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- When tortellini is almost cooked, add the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the broth for 1-2 minutes.
- Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Carefully ladle the tortellini and broth into serving bowls, ensuring an even distribution of pasta, vegetables, and broth.
- Garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality tortellini and a good-quality broth as the foundation of your dish.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Follow package instructions carefully and check tortellini a minute before the recommended cooking time to ensure they remain tender and not mushy.
- Vegetable Prep Matters: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
- Layer Flavors: Sautéing vegetables before adding broth helps release deeper, more complex flavors.
- Fresh Parmesan is Key: Grate Parmesan cheese fresh just before serving for the most vibrant taste and texture.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after cooking, to maintain the perfect texture of tortellini and brightness of the broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
