This Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. With its rich and creamy tomato broth, combined with cheese-filled ravioli, this soup is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or a gathering with friends. It highlights the delightful flavors of Italian cuisine while being incredibly easy to make. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of warmth and comfort that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of creamy broth and savory Italian seasoning creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily switch up the ravioli fillings or add extra vegetables based on what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love this soup, making it a hit at the dinner table.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make preparing your Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup a breeze.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chopping knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients together, ensuring even heating and flavor melding.
- Immersion blender: Allows for quick blending directly in the pot, saving time and reducing cleanup.
Ingredients
This rich and comforting one-pot soup recipe is loaded with cheese-filled ravioli, a creamy tomato broth, and savory Italian seasoning. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, this hearty soup comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
Main Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery (with leaves), chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 10 oz ravioli
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery (with leaves), and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes along with brown sugar. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, add the fresh thyme, and let it simmer partially covered for 15–20 minutes.
Step 3: Blend the Soup
Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender in batches).
Step 4: Incorporate Cream
Return the blended soup to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Cook the Ravioli
Add the ravioli to the pot. Cook until they float to the top, indicating they are done.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, a drizzle of cream, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup!
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Serving Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup can elevate your meal experience. This hearty dish is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Basil: Top your soup with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
- Drizzle of Olive Oil: A light drizzle enhances the richness of the soup.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate some Parmesan on top for added flavor and creaminess.
Accompanying Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Serve with slices of crusty baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: Add a side of garlic bread to complement the soup’s flavors.
- Breadsticks: Crunchy breadsticks are perfect for scooping up ravioli.
Salad Pairings
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad balances the creamy broth with crisp greens.
- Caprese Salad: Refreshing tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add a light contrast to the rich soup.
Beverage Suggestions
- White Wine: A chilled glass of white wine pairs beautifully with this dish.
- Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water adds a refreshing touch.
How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
To achieve the best version of your Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Blend Thoroughly: Ensure you blend the soup until smooth for a creamy texture.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
- Experiment with Broths: Try different broths for unique flavors; vegetable broth can be a great vegetarian option.
- Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes roasted with garlic and Parmesan make a delightful side.
- Italian Chopped Salad: This colorful salad combines fresh veggies, olives, and cheese for a zesty addition.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic drizzle adds freshness to your meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an earthy flavor that complements the soup’s richness.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, and olives offer a flavorful assortment alongside the soup.
- Spinach Artichoke Dip: Warm spinach artichoke dip served with pita chips is perfect for scooping up while enjoying your soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup can be a breeze, but there are some common mistakes you should avoid to ensure the best results.
- Ignoring the onion: Sautéing the onion properly adds depth to the flavor. Don’t skip this step; let it soften and become translucent before adding other ingredients.
- Using low-quality tomatoes: The soup’s base relies on good tomatoes for flavor. Opt for high-quality whole peeled tomatoes for a richer taste.
- Rushing the simmering process: Allowing the soup to simmer is key for melding flavors. Don’t rush this step; aim for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Overcooking ravioli: Cooking ravioli too long can make them mushy. Add them just before serving and cook until they float to ensure they remain tender.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Taste your soup as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors; don’t assume it’s perfect without tasting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup, here are some common questions.
Can I use frozen ravioli?
Yes, frozen ravioli works perfectly in this soup. Just add them straight from the freezer without thawing.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even water, but chicken broth adds a richer flavor.
How spicy is Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup?
This recipe is not spicy. You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer some heat.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free ravioli and check your broth label for any gluten-containing ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup is not only rich and comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or kale, or even switch up the protein. It’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners that everyone will love!
Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine to your table. This rich and flavorful soup features a creamy tomato broth filled with delicious cheese-filled ravioli, making it an ideal choice for cozy weeknight dinners or gatherings with family and friends. In just 40 minutes, you can create a satisfying meal that combines effortless preparation with delightful taste. With its aromatic herbs and hearty ingredients, this one-pot wonder will leave everyone asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 10 oz ravioli
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add whole peeled tomatoes and brown sugar; pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, add thyme, and simmer partially covered for 15–20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
- Return the blended soup to the pot; stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Add ravioli; cook until they float to the top to indicate they are done.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
