Tortellini en Brodo

Tortellini en Brodo is a simple recipe for tortellini served in a light broth with vegetables. This light soup comes together in less than 30 minutes and is filled with flavor and texture.

What is Tortellini en Brodo?

Tortellini en Brodo simply means tortellini served in broth. It is an Italian dish that is traditionally served as the first course for Nothern Italian Christmas meals.

It is easy to make, full of flavor, and in my opinion, should be enjoyed year-round.

My Recipe for Tortellini en Brodo

My recipe has been inspired by the classic Italian recipe, but I have added a few non-traditional ingredients to elevate this dish's flavor.

• Wine. Adding a bit of dried white wine to the broth adds acidity and depth of flavor. It can be omitted, but does add a layer of flavor.
• Fresh Herbs. Fresh thyme gives the broth a lemon, herby undertone that really enhances the simple broth.
• Tomatoes. Most recipes call for fresh spinach to be folded into the broth before serving, but I also add in fresh grape tomatoes. They add a burst of flavor, texture, and acidity that pairs beautifully with the soup.
• Gremolata. A gremolata is simply a bread crumb topping and this addition finishes the soup with just the right about of texture that gives the dish restaurant flair.

How to Make Tortellini in Brodo

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil and cook tortellini until it just floats. Drain the tortellini and set aside. For this recipe, it is important to cook the tortellini separately, rather than in the broth.
• While the tortellini is cooking, bring the broth, wine, garlic, and thyme to a boil.
• Reduce the heat heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce and deepen in flavor.
• Turn off the heat, and add the juice of of a fresh lemon to really wake up the flavors.
• While the broth is reducing, prepare the gremolata by heating olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs and thyme and toast, watching closely for 2-3 minutes.
• To serve, evenly divide the fresh spinach, tomatoes, and tortellini between 4 bowls. Ladle the broth over each bowl. Top with the gremolata and fresh parmesan cheese.

Recipe Tips and Modifications

• In case you are serving picky kids, give them the cheese tortellini plain, but enjoy yours dressed up a bit.
• Use either chicken broth or vegetable broth. And if you would like your tortellini to really be submerged in broth, double the amount of broth used.
• Cherry Tomatoes can be used in place of grape tomatoes
• For dry wine, I really like to use Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
• The fresh lemon juice is key here. If you don't have fresh lemons, do not substitute jarred lemon juice. Just omit completely.
• If you don't have fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon dry thyme.

More Recipes using Pasta

• Tortellini Soup
• Easy Homemade Lasagna
• Ravioli Lasagna
• Instant Pot Minestrone Soup

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If you enjoyed this simple recipe for tortellini served with broth, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.