Description
This vibrant Pesto Tortellini Soup, also known as Green Minestrone, is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines fresh vegetables, tender tortellini, and aromatic pesto in a savory broth. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, it offers a delightful Italian-inspired twist on classic minestrone using a simple stovetop cooking method.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 sticks celery, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup peas
- Asparagus (amount not specified, assume 1 cup chopped)
Liquids & Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 lemon, juice only
- 1 cup pesto
Pasta
- 12 oz tortellini
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the crushed garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add vegetables: Toss in the diced celery, zucchini, peas, and chopped asparagus. Sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to slightly soften while maintaining their crunch.
- Simmer the soup base: Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock, season with salt and pepper to taste, and bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Let the soup cook for about 5 minutes to marry the flavors and tenderize the vegetables.
- Cook the tortellini: Add the tortellini to the simmering soup and cook for 3-4 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Finish with pesto and lemon juice: Remove the pot from heat, then stir in the pesto and squeeze in fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
- Note 1: Use either chicken or vegetable stock based on preference or dietary needs.
- Note 2: Fresh or frozen tortellini can be used; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Note 3: For a dairy-free option, use vegan pesto or make it at home using nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
- Optional: Add grated Parmesan on top when serving for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
