Cheese Tortellini And Meatball Soup

Cheese Tortellini and Meatball Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini, savory mini meatballs, and a rich tomato-based broth. This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a satisfying meal any time of year. With the addition of aromatic Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, each spoonful is bursting with delicious flavors.

Easy to prepare in just a few simple steps, this soup is sure to become a favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings.

How to make Cheese Tortellini And Meatball Soup

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 small onion, diced (about 1 cup)

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 (28 oz) can petite diced tomatoes (not drained)

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

4 cups beef broth (or more to thin the soup if desired)

1 (20 oz) package frozen Italian mini meatballs, thawed

20 ounces fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini pasta

½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese, plus additional for garnish

Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the onion and cook until starting to soften, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 more minute.

Step 2:

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, beef broth, and meatballs.

Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low and simmer (uncovered) for 20 minutes.

Step 3:

Add tortellini and cook just until tender, about 5-7 more minutes.

Step 4:

Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if necessary.

Step 5:

Serve soup immediately, and garnish with additional cheese and fresh herbs.

Notes

This soup has a very thick consistency — almost like a stew. Feel free to stir in extra broth at the end to thin the soup, if desired.

Frozen Italian mini meatballs work best in this soup, since the smaller meatballs are a nice size for scooping up with a spoon.

I prefer the quick-cooking, fresh taste of refrigerated cheese tortellini. If you would like to substitute with dry tortellini or frozen tortellini, just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions on your specific product. You may also need to add more broth to the pot, since dry pasta tends to absorb more liquid than fresh pasta while it cooks.

Garnish each bowl of soup with chopped fresh parsley or other herbs, and an extra sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.

Flavorful Base: The soup starts with a base of olive oil, onions, and garlic, providing a fragrant and savory foundation.

Tomato Richness: The combination of petite diced tomatoes and tomato sauce offers a robust tomato flavor that complements the meatballs and tortellini.

Italian Seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs and spices that enhance the Mediterranean profile of the soup, providing depth and warmth.

Beef Broth: Provides a hearty backdrop to the soup, adding richness and savory notes. Adjust the amount to achieve desired consistency.

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Convenience of Frozen Meatballs: The use of frozen mini meatballs simplifies preparation while still delivering meaty flavor and texture.

Quick-Cooking Tortellini: Fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks quickly in the simmering broth, maintaining its delicate texture without becoming mushy.

Finishing Touches: The addition of Parmesan cheese enriches the soup with a creamy texture and salty tang. Season with salt and pepper to balance flavors.

Garnish Options: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness and a fresh finish to the soup, while additional Parmesan cheese enhances the cheesy richness.

Serve Immediately: Best enjoyed hot off the stove to preserve the textures of the tortellini and meatballs, and to savor the flavors at their peak.

Versatile and Comforting: This soup is versatile enough for a family weeknight meal yet impressive enough for casual entertaining, offering comforting flavors that appeal to all ages.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1cup

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen ones?

Absolutely! You can use fresh homemade or store-bought meatballs.

Just make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the soup.

What type of tortellini works best for this soup?

Fresh refrigerated cheese tortellini is recommended for this recipe.

It adds a delightful texture and flavor to the soup.

Can I use other types of tortellini?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of tortellini, such as spinach and cheese or mushroom-filled.

Choose a variety that complements your taste preferences.

Is there a substitute for beef broth?

If you prefer a different flavor, you can use chicken or vegetable broth.

Adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain the soup’s balance.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

However, it’s best to add the tortellini just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

What can I garnish the soup with, besides Parmesan?

Fresh chopped basil or parsley adds a burst of freshness.

You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Can I freeze this soup?

While the soup can be frozen, keep in mind that the tortellini may change texture upon thawing.

It’s recommended to freeze the soup without the tortellini and add it fresh when reheating.

How can I thin the soup if it’s too thick?

Simply add more broth, a little at a time, until reaching your desired consistency.

Adjust seasoning as needed.

Is there a low-sodium version of this soup?

Opt for low-sodium beef broth and tomato products, and adjust the salt to taste.

This allows you to control the sodium content.

Can I add vegetables to this soup?

Certainly! Consider adding diced carrots, celery, or spinach for extra flavor and nutritional value.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the vegetables you choose.