Description
This Creamy Cajun Tortellini Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender cheese tortellini with a spicy, creamy broth infused with Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Packed with fresh vegetables and spinach, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
Spices
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Liquids and Main Components
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
Greens and Garnish
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: Add the minced garlic and diced bell pepper to the pot. Continue to sauté for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the bell pepper softens.
- Add Spices: Stir in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Cook for about 1 minute to let the spices bloom and become fragrant.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook Tortellini: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
- Add Cream: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the heavy cream, allowing the soup to become rich and creamy. Let it simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Spinach and Season: Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for about 1 minute. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper according to your preference for spice.
- Use vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian-friendly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though this will reduce the richness.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
