This Tuscan Ravioli Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tasty cheese-filled ravioli, savory veggies, and a rich tomato broth, it’s comfort food at its best.
You can’t go wrong with soup that has pasta, right? I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or when you’re feeling chilly! ☁️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing vegetables. If you’re looking for a different flavor, feel free to use avocado oil or butter instead. Each will add its unique touch!
Cheese Ravioli or Tortellini: I suggest using cheese-filled varieties for a creamy texture. If you’re avoiding gluten, try gluten-free pasta options or even fresh vegetables like zucchini noodles for a lighter soup.
Chicken Broth: This broth gives a rich flavor. For a vegetarian version, opt for vegetable broth. Homemade broth can elevate the taste, but store-bought works just fine!
Heavy Cream: For creaminess, heavy cream is the best, but you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Each variation changes the flavor slightly—experiment to find your favorite!
How Do I Cook Vegetables So They’re Just Right?
Cooking the vegetables properly is key to making a great soup. Start by heating the olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, and carrots and sauté until they’re tender, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps release their flavors!
- Add minced garlic last, cooking for just 1 minute to avoid burning it.
- Take your time to let the veggies soften. Perfectly cooked vegetables create a solid base for your soup.
Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini or ravioli
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (optional)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tuscan Ravioli Soup will take about 30-40 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick dish to whip up for an enjoyable weeknight dinner, leaving you with plenty of time to relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender and fragrant.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent it from burning. You want the garlic scent to fill the kitchen!
3. Make the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing all those lovely flavors to meld together.
5. Add the Pasta:
Add the refrigerated cheese ravioli or tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
6. Stir in Chicken & Spinach:
If you’re using shredded chicken, add it now along with the fresh baby spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
7. Finish with Cream:
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the heavy cream, making the broth creamy and rich. Adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully ladle the soup into bowls, and don’t forget to garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Enjoy this comforting soup warmth and flavor!
Perfect for chilly days or simply when you’re craving something delicious and filling. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Ravioli for This Soup?
Yes, you can! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they are heated all the way through. No need to thaw them beforehand—just toss them directly into the simmering soup!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the cooked chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more veggies or even beans for protein!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth as the pasta can soak up some liquid.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the ravioli and then bring it to a boil when you’re ready to serve. This helps keep the pasta from getting too soft if stored for later.