Creamy Bacon and Kale Parmesan Tortellini Soup is a delectable combination of flavors and textures that is sure to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.
With crispy bacon, tender cheese tortellini, hearty kale, and a creamy base enriched with Parmesan cheese, this soup is a true delight. This is an easy soup recipe that comes together quickly.
Each spoonful delivers a burst of savory goodness, perfectly balanced with a touch of heat from red pepper flakes and the aromatic notes of garlic powder. The whole family loves how hearty and filling this soup is.
Grab a cozy mug or bowl and get ready to indulge in a bowlful of comfort. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you simply crave a comforting meal, this creamy bacon and kale Parmesan tortellini soup will never disappoint.
It’s especially nice coming home to a pot of soup on a cold and chilly day.
Parmesan Tortellini Soup Ingredients
Often, I am asked about recipe ingredient substitutions. So, let’s dive into the recipe ingredients and explore potential substitutions for each:
Bacon: The diced bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the soup. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon or smoked tempeh for a similar flavor profile.
Onion: The diced onion provides a sweet and aromatic base for the soup. If you’re not a fan of onions or want to try something different, you can substitute it with shallots or leeks for a milder flavor.
Chicken Broth: The chicken broth forms the flavorful base of the soup. For a vegetarian or vegan option, you can use vegetable broth or mushroom broth as a substitute. Chicken bouillon dissolved in warm water also works.
Kale: Kale brings a nutritious element to the soup and adds a slightly earthy taste. If you’re not a fan of kale, you can swap it with fresh spinach or Swiss chard for a similar leafy green component.
Heavy Cream: The heavy whipping cream contributes to the soup’s creamy and luscious texture. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead. If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream or cashew cream can be used. However, I find that using heavy whipping cream stays thick and creamy, whereas milk can sometimes separate or curdle.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to the soup. If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for a similar effect. Cream cheese can be used and will add lots of cheesy creaminess to the soup.
Parmesan Cheese: The shredded Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor and adds a nutty, salty note to the soup. If you prefer a different cheese or need a vegan option, you can use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute.
Seasoning Options
Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes provide a hint of spiciness to the soup. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a convenient and consistent garlic flavor to the soup. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can use minced garlic cloves as a substitute. Adjust the amount according to your taste.
Black Pepper: I just added pepper to this soup rather than salt and pepper. There is enough saltiness to this soup from the bacon and parmesan cheese.
Additional Recipe Options.
Yes, you can even swap out one of the main ingredients. Cheese Tortellini: The cheese-filled tortellini adds richness and a delightful texture to the soup. If you prefer a different type of pasta or want a gluten-free option, you can substitute it with your favorite pasta, such as penne or gluten-free tortellini. I used frozen tortellini, but you can use fresh tortellini. Pro Tip. If using fresh, add it during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Otherwise, it can become mushy if overcooked.
Add 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, or ¼ cup of tomato paste and it will become more of a creamy tomato tortellini soup.
Enjoy customizing the recipe to your liking and creating a delicious soup tailored to your preferences.
What would go good with tortellini soup?
Tortellini soup is already a satisfying and complete meal on its own, but if you’d like to enhance your dining experience or create a well-rounded meal, here are some ideas for accompaniments that would go well with tortellini soup:
Salad: A fresh and crisp salad can complement the richness of the soup. Consider a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Alternatively, a Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and shaved Parmesan cheese would be a flavorful option.
Breadsticks or Garlic Bread: Serve some warm and crusty breadsticks or garlic bread on the side. They are perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up the flavors. You can also opt for a crusty baguette or a loaf of Italian bread for a heartier accompaniment.
Bruschetta: This Italian appetizer featuring toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil is a fantastic choice to pair with tortellini soup. The vibrant flavors of bruschetta provide a refreshing contrast to the soup’s creaminess.
Antipasto Platter: Create a delightful spread of cured meats, cheeses, olives, marinated vegetables, and bread or crackers. An antipasto platter adds variety and a touch of indulgence, allowing you to enjoy a diverse range of flavors alongside your soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, or carrots can be a fantastic side dish. The caramelized flavors and slightly charred edges of the vegetables complement the soup’s creaminess and add an extra element of texture to your meal.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp Skewers: If you desire a protein boost or want to make the meal more substantial, consider serving grilled chicken or shrimp skewers alongside the soup. The tender and flavorful protein pairs well with the creamy tortellini soup.
Light Dessert
Fruit Salad: For a refreshing and light option, a fruit salad can provide a delightful contrast to the warm soup. Choose a variety of seasonal fruits, such as berries, melons, grapes, and citrus, to create a vibrant and refreshing side dish.
Feel free to mix and match based on what you enjoy and the overall desired dining experience.
How do I keep the tortellini pasta from becoming mushy?
By using these tips, you can maintain the desired texture of the tortellini in your soup, ensuring that it remains al dente and doesn’t become mushy.
Adjust cooking time. Be mindful of the cooking time specified in the recipe. If the recipe suggests a longer cooking time for the soup, you may need to reduce it slightly to account for the tortellini. Remember that tortellini cooks relatively quickly compared to other pasta types, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Serve immediately. Once the tortellini are cooked to your desired texture, it’s crucial to serve the soup promptly. Leaving the tortellini in the hot liquid for an extended period can lead to further softening and potential mushiness.
Serve the soup as soon as the tortellini is cooked and enjoy it while it’s still hot and flavorful.
How Long Will this Soup Last?
This soup will last in the refrigerator 3-4 days. To reheat use the microwave and heat in 1 minute increments until piping hot. Alternatively, if you are going to heat up a few portions, you can reheat it in a saucepan over the stovetop.
Can you freeze tortellini soup?
Yes, you can freeze tortellini soup. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini may change slightly after freezing and reheating. The pasta may become softer or slightly mushy, but the overall flavor should still be good.
Here’s a general guide on how to freeze tortellini soup:
Let the tortellini soup cool down completely before freezing. This helps prevent the formation of ice crystals and maintains the quality of the soup.
Pro Tip. Divide the soup into individual or family-sized portions, depending on your needs. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat later without having to defrost the entire batch.
Transfer the portions of soup into a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to leave some room at the top for expansion during freezing.
Label each container or bag with the name of the soup and the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of what’s in the freezer and ensure you use it within a reasonable timeframe.
Thawing and reheating:
When you’re ready to enjoy the tortellini soup, remove the desired portion from the freezer and transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can thaw it in the microwave using the defrost setting.
Once thawed, reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s piping hot.
Other Soup Recipes
If you are like our family and like this cheesy tortellini soup, you are sure to enjoy this simple comfort food. Here are a few soups we think you’ll enjoy and many are made with pantry staples. So, the next time you’re in the mood for soup, give these recipes a try.
Easy Stuffed Pepper Soup Recipe
Creamy Bacon and Kale Parmesan Tortellini Soup
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 9 Slices Bacon Diced into bite-size pieces
- 1 Medium Onion Diced
- 6 Cups Chicken Broth
- 4 ½ Cups Cheese Tortellini 1 bag, 19 ounces
- 6 Cups Kale Roughly chopped
- 1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 8 Ounces Sour Cream
- 8 Ounces Parmesan Cheese Shredded
- 1/4 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or other large pot, fry the diced bacon on medium heat until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a plate lined with a paper towel. Remove the bacon grease from the pan.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Scrape the bacon bits stuck to the bottom of the pan as it has lots of flavor in that.
- Add the chicken broth, tortellini, and chopped kale. Cover and cook over medium-high heat until the tortellini are al dente and the kale has softened about 5-7 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the bacon, whipping cream, sour cream, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and garlic powder. I did not add extra salt because the bacon and parmesan cheese add a nice saltiness to this soup.
- Lastly, stir in the shredded parmesan cheese.
- Ladle the soup into mugs or bowls while it is still hot.
