Tortellini Soup

 This is a yummy soup, and super popular with our kids. I mean, c'mon, what kid doesn't like tortellini? Plus they are getting some healthy veggies in the process like zucchini, carrot and tomatoes. This meal is very quick and has minimal ingredients. Feel a hankering to serve it with warm, homemade bread? Try out a Honey Oat No-Knead Bread recipe that I really enjoy and make a lot. If you've never made homemade bread before, this is a good first bread recipe to try.

*got this recipe from Family Fun magazine. You can also find the recipe on their website

Tortellini Soup Recipe

Serves: 4-6  Prep: 10 minutes Cooking Time:  17 minutes

(Printable Recipe) 

1 TB olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 small zucchini, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
5 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth/stock
1 tsp dried basil or 1 TB fresh basil
1 bay leaf
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
8-9 oz fresh or frozen tortellini (cheese or meat)
2-3 TB fresh parsley, chopped
Black pepper to taste

1.Heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, zucchini and carrot. Saute 8-10 minutes, until onion is soft and translucent.
2. Add stock, basil, bay leaf, crushed tomatoes and salt.  Bring to a boil. Add tortellini and bring soup to a low boil. Cook for 2 minutes then reduce to simmer for 5-6 minutes. Gently stir in parsley and pepper.

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Plan and Prep Ahead 

Here are some helpful techniques to make life a little easier once dinner time hits. These tips will especially help those that work full-time and don't have a lot of time to prepare dinner. 

~Chop ingredients ahead of time and keep in fridge.

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Who likes to CHANGE IT UP? 

~Add shredded chicken instead or in addition to the tortellini

~Fry up some sausage and add to soup instead or in addition to tortellini
~Mix in some ground beef/chicken/turkey and add to soup

~Use different vegetables like frozen peas, corn, eggplant, green onion, spinach or chard
~Instead of basil try thyme, oregano, or dill