Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that warms you from the inside out, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup! This delightful soup is a family favorite in my home, bursting with flavors that remind me of sunny Italian kitchens. It’s rich and creamy, featuring tender cheese-filled ravioli swimming in a luscious tomato broth.
Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or hosting a casual family gathering, this soup is your go-to. It comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it the ideal choice for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy evenings.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy ravioli and creamy broth, making it a hit at any table.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes!
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.
- Deliciously Comforting: Each spoonful is like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather around because these ingredients are simple and wholesome! You probably have most of them stocked in your pantry already. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this delicious Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup.
For the Soup Base
- 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 (I’m using Kettle & Fire chicken bone broth)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
For the Creaminess
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 10 oz ravioli
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have or prefer.
- Swap the protein: Use cheese ravioli for an even richer flavor or try spinach and ricotta for a fresh twist.
- Add veggies: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
- Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to give your soup an extra kick!
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
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 minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until everything is softened. This step builds the foundation of flavor in your soup!
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Sugar
Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes along with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. The sugar helps balance out the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a beautiful harmony of flavors.
Step 3: Pour in Broth
Pour in 1 ½ cups of chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and add the fresh thyme. Allow it to simmer partially covered for about 15–20 minutes. This simmering time lets all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Using an immersion blender (or transferring to a regular blender in batches), blend the soup until smooth. This step gives your soup that creamy texture we all love!
Step 5: Stir in Cream
Return the blended soup to the pot and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where it really becomes creamy and delicious!
Step 6: Cook Ravioli
Add your ravioli into the pot and cook until they float to the top—about 3-5 minutes depending on their size. Floating ravioli means they’re perfectly cooked!
Step 7: Serve Up!
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, a drizzle of cream, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy every spoonful as you savor this comforting bowl of goodness!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Making a delicious soup is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you create the most flavorful Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup possible with these handy tips!
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor of your soup significantly. They add vibrant taste and aroma that dried or canned counterparts simply can’t match.
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Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more heavy cream or even a splash of unsweetened plant-based milk. This allows for flexibility in achieving your desired texture while keeping it rich and comforting.
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Experiment with ravioli fillings: Feel free to use different types of ravioli such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom. This will not only change the flavor profile but also keep your meals exciting!
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Simmer longer for deeper flavor: Letting your soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more robust taste that is absolutely irresistible.
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Don’t skip the blending: Blending part of the soup gives it a creamy texture without needing too much cream. It creates a luscious mouthfeel that complements the ravioli perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Serving this delightful soup is just as important as making it! Here are some ideas to present it beautifully and make your meal even more enjoyable.
Garnishes
- Fresh basil: A sprinkle of fresh basil on top not only adds a pop of color but also brings out the Italian flavors in the soup.
- Drizzle of cream: A light drizzle of heavy cream swirled on top gives an inviting look and signals just how creamy this dish is.
- Grated Parmesan alternative: For those who enjoy cheesy goodness, consider using a dairy-free cheese alternative to sprinkle over each bowl for added richness.
Side Dishes
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Garlic Bread: This classic companion is perfect for scooping up every bit of your creamy soup. The buttery garlic flavor complements the tomato broth wonderfully.
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Caesar Salad (without anchovies): Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with a light dressing provides freshness that balances out the richness of the soup, making it an ideal side dish.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized offers both color and nutrition on your plate. Try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus seasoned simply with olive oil and herbs.
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Pesto Pasta Salad: A cool pasta salad tossed with fresh basil pesto pairs excellently with this warm soup, adding another layer of flavor while keeping things light and refreshing.
Enjoying a bowl of Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup with these thoughtful additions will surely make for an unforgettable dining experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade comfort food throughout the week. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it holds up beautifully when stored properly.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best flavor, consume within the first few days.
Freezing
- Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Leave some space at the top of each container for expansion as it freezes.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Alternatively, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 1-minute intervals until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup:
Can I use other types of ravioli for this Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fillings like spinach and ricotta or mushroom. Just ensure they fit well with the creamy tomato broth.
How can I make this Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat-based ravioli. The soup will still be rich and satisfying!
What can I serve alongside Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with garlic knots for a delightful addition!
Can I add more vegetables to my Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup?
Yes! Adding vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini would enhance both nutrition and flavor. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
How long does it take to prepare Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup?
The total time from prep to serving is approximately 40 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this delightful Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup! There’s something truly special about savoring a warm bowl of this comforting dish, especially on chilly evenings. Enjoy every spoonful and share it with loved ones; it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Happy cooking!
Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Indulge in the creamy comfort of Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup, a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and cozy warmth in just 40 minutes. This one-pot wonder features tender cheese-filled ravioli nestled in a luscious tomato broth, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. With minimal prep and a blend of fresh ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for meal prep, it offers versatility with ingredient swaps to suit your taste. Serve it up with fresh basil and a drizzle of cream for an inviting presentation that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 10 oz cheese-filled ravioli
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté onions, celery, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Add whole peeled tomatoes and brown sugar; stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and add thyme; simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Add ravioli to the pot; cook until they float (about 3–5 minutes).
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
