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tortellini in brodo christmas recipe

Tortellini in Brodo (Italian Christmas Soup)

Tortellini in Brodo is a comforting Northern Italian soup featuring delicate pasta parcels filled with a rich mixture of meats, served in a flavorful, clear broth. This dish is a holiday tradition but can be made easily any time with store-bought components for a quicker, satisfying meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: First Course / Soup
Cuisine: Italian, Northern Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Broth:
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth or a mix of beef and chicken broth
  • 1 Parmesan rind
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 carrot diced
  • 1 celery stalk diced
  • 1 lemon for zest and juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For the Tortellini:
  • Store-bought tortellini meat, cheese, or seasonal varieties

Method
 

Prepare the Broth:
  1. In a large pot, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
  2. Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth and add the Parmesan rind. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Add the Tortellini:
  1. Add the tortellini to the pot and cook for 3-5 minutes (or as per package instructions). Make sure not to rely solely on the tortellini floating to the top as the indicator for doneness. Taste one to check.
Finish the Soup:
  1. Turn off the heat. Add lemon zest (in wide strips) and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Ladle the soup into bowls, adding tortellini and broth. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top before serving.

Notes

  • If you're looking for a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and cheese-filled tortellini.
  • You can freeze leftover tortellini for up to a month, which makes it easier for future meals.
  • For a heartier version, consider adding chicken or more vegetables like spinach.