Tortellini en Brodo is a warm and comforting soup that’s sure to make you smile! This dish features delicious tortellini pasta stuffed with tasty fillings, swimming in a flavorful broth.
It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! I love to enjoy it on chilly days, and I often add a sprinkle of cheese on top for an extra touch of yum. You can’t go wrong with this classic! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Fresh tortellini is fantastic, but if you’re in a rush, store-bought works great too. They usually come filled with cheese, meat, or veggies, so pick your favorite! You can use other pasta shapes if tortellini isn’t available.
Broth: I recommend using homemade broth for the best flavor, but good-quality store-bought options are also fine. Chicken broth brings a light flavor, while beef broth gives a deeper richness. You can also opt for vegetable broth for a vegetarian version!
Veggies: The onion, carrot, and celery form the traditional mirepoix base. If you don’t have these on hand, leeks or shallots can be good substitutes. You can also skip them for a quicker version if you’re short on time.
Seasoning: Fresh parsley brings a vibrant touch, but dried herbs like thyme or oregano can also add nice flavor. Parmesan cheese adds richness, but nutritional yeast is a good alternative for a dairy-free option!
How Do I Make the Perfect Broth?
Creating a flavor-packed broth is key to this recipe! If you’re going homemade, here’s how:
- Start by combining your broth with the quartered onion, chopped carrot, chopped celery, and whole garlic cloves.
- Bring it all to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low and let it simmer for about 30-45 minutes. This makes your broth taste amazing!
- Remember to strain out the solids before you add your tortellini. You want just the clear, flavorful liquid for the soup.
With a little patience, this homemade broth will enhance your Tortellini en Brodo significantly!
How to Make Tortellini en Brodo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound fresh or store-bought tortellini (typically filled with a mix of meat, cheese, or spinach)
- 8 cups beef broth or chicken broth (homemade or high-quality store-bought)
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 30-45 minutes if you are making homemade broth. If you’re using store-bought broth, you can cut down on the time significantly! In total, you can whip up this comforting dish in about 20-30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth (if making homemade):
In a large pot, add the beef or chicken broth along with the quartered onion, chopped carrot, chopped celery, and peeled garlic. Turn on the heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer gently for about 30-45 minutes. This step is crucial for developing rich flavors! After simmering, strain the broth and discard the vegetables. If you’re using store-bought broth, you can skip this step and go straight to heating it.
2. Heat the Broth:
Pour the prepared or store-bought broth back into a clean pot and bring it to a gentle boil again over medium heat.
3. Cook the Tortellini:
Once the broth is boiling, add the tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini. They’re done when they’re tender but still have a little bite (al dente).
4. Season:
Taste the broth and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Stir gently to mix.
5. Serve:
Using a ladle, pour the tortellini and broth into serving bowls. For a little extra richness, drizzle with olive oil or melt a small pat of butter on top.
6. Garnish:
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup and add grated Parmesan cheese if you like. It adds a lovely touch!
7. Enjoy Immediately:
Serve your Tortellini en Brodo hot and enjoy every comforting sip of this delightful soup!
This classic Italian dish is not only easy to make but also wonderfully satisfying. Perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on a cozy night in! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works just as well. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time as they may take longer to reach the al dente texture. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Can I Customize the Broth Flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to add herbs like thyme or bay leaves while simmering the broth for additional flavor. You can also toss in some spices like red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Is This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and filling your tortellini with cheese or vegetables. This way, everyone can enjoy a comforting bowl of soup!