Tortellini en Brodo is a warm and cozy dish perfect for chilly days. It features little pasta pockets filled with tasty ingredients, swimming in a delicious broth.
There’s just something about slurping those tender tortellini that makes everything feel right in the world. I love serving it with a sprinkle of cheese on top—heavenly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Fresh tortellini is key for this dish. Use cheese or meat-filled varieties depending on your preference. If fresh isn’t available, frozen tortellini works too—just adjust cooking time as needed.
Broth: Homemade chicken broth adds depth, but high-quality store-bought is a great substitute if you’re short on time. For a vegetarian option, swap in vegetable broth.
Onion, Carrot, & Celery: These vegetables are optional for a richer broth. If you don’t have them on hand, just stick with the broth; your soup will still taste great without them!
Sage: Fresh sage is wonderful for flavor but can be switched with thyme or parsley if sage isn’t your favorite. Dried herbs can also work; just reduce the amount.
How Do You Make Broth with Depth of Flavor?
Making a flavorful broth can elevate your Tortellini en Brodo. If you choose to make it from scratch, start with fresh ingredients for the best result.
- Combine your chicken bones or meat with water in a large pot.
- Add onion, carrot, and celery for richness.
- Simmer gently for 30-40 minutes—don’t rush this part; slow and steady builds flavor!
- Strain the broth to remove solids, leaving you with a nice clear liquid.
Remember, tasting along the way is essential. Adjust seasoning as you go to get that perfectly balanced broth!
Tortellini en Brodo
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb fresh tortellini (cheese- or meat-filled)
- 8 cups homemade chicken broth or high-quality store-bought broth
- 1 small onion, peeled (optional, for homemade broth)
- 1 large carrot, peeled (optional, for homemade broth)
- 1 celery stalk (optional, for homemade broth)
- 1-2 fresh sage leaves (for garnish and subtle flavor)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Olive oil or butter (optional, to finish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes for preparation and cooking. If you’re making homemade broth, it may take an additional 30-40 minutes for simmering. Total time will vary, but the soup itself comes together quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth (if homemade):
Start by filling a large pot with chicken bones or meat and water, adding the optional onion, carrot, and celery for flavor. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for about 30-40 minutes. Once done, strain out the veggies and keep the delicious broth for your soup.
2. Heat the Broth:
If you’re using homemade broth, return it to the pot and bring it to a gentle boil. If you’re using store-bought broth, pour it into a pot and heat it over medium heat until warm and ready to go!
3. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the fresh tortellini to the boiling broth. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 2-4 minutes, or until they start floating to the surface. This means they’re all set!
4. Add Sage Leaves:
In the last minute of cooking, drop in the fresh sage leaves. They’ll add a lovely aroma and flavor to your dish.
5. Season:
Give the broth a taste and add salt to your liking. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some freshly ground black pepper as well.
6. Serve:
Ladle the tortellini and broth into warm soup bowls. If you’d like, drizzle a little olive oil or melted butter over the top for added richness and flavor.
7. Garnish:
Finish off your dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. It adds a delicious cheesy touch!
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Tortellini en Brodo, which is perfect as a starter or a light meal. It’s sure to warm your belly and your heart!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as frozen tortellini may take a minute or two longer to cook through. You can follow the same instructions; just keep an eye on them until they float to the top!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Tortellini en Brodo, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can still add the fresh vegetables like onion, carrot, and celery for extra flavor!
Can I Make This Soup in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the broth and cook the tortellini ahead of time. Just store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the broth and add the tortellini to warm through. This will help keep the pasta from getting mushy!
What Can I Use Instead of Sage?
If you don’t have fresh sage on hand, you can use dried sage or other herbs like thyme or parsley for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to use dried herbs sparingly, as they can be more potent than fresh.
