Description
Discover ultimate comfort with this Creamy Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup. Featuring tender cheese tortellini, smoky turkey bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luscious creamy vegetable broth topped with shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), this soup offers a rich, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for any season or occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins & Dairy
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- 1 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (use gluten-free if needed)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Liquids & Seasonings
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Crisp diced smoked turkey bacon in a large pot over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Remove with a slotted spoon, leaving the flavorful fat in the pot. Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning to develop the Tuscan flavor foundation.
- Create the Broth: Pour in vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in apple cider vinegar for a subtle brightness. Allow the broth to simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, helping the flavors meld together thoroughly.
- Cook the Tortellini and Spinach: Add cheese tortellini directly to the simmering broth and cook according to package instructions until tender. In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in fresh spinach so it wilts gently and combines perfectly with the creamy soup base.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream or plant-based cream along with shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Stir occasionally until the cheese melts completely and the soup turns smooth and velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Cook smoked turkey bacon until crispy to add smoky texture.
- Always use fresh garlic for authentic flavor impact.
- Simmer gently after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Do not overcook tortellini; keep it al dente for texture.
- Season gradually, tasting as you go to balance flavors.
- Use gluten-free tortellini for a gluten-free version.
- For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Add extra vegetable broth or water when reheating if soup thickens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Tuscan garlic soup, creamy tortellini soup, comfort food, vegetarian, gluten-free, creamy soup, cheesy soup, spinach soup, turkey bacon soup
