Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
If you’re looking for a cozy meal that wraps you in warmth like a big hug, you’ve come to the right place! My Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup is not just a dish; it’s a comforting bowl of happiness. This recipe has been a favorite in my home for years—perfect for busy weeknights or those moments when you want something special to share with family and friends. The rich, creamy texture mixed with the delightful flavors of Italian seasoning makes every spoonful feel like a little celebration.
Imagine coming home after a long day, and the aroma of this delicious soup fills your kitchen. It’s the sort of meal that invites everyone to gather around the table and savor each bite together. Plus, it’s so simple to make that you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This one-pot meal comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings.
- Family-Friendly Flavors: Kids (and grown-ups) will adore the cheesy ravioli nestled in a creamy tomato broth.
- Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and reheat when ready to enjoy, perfect for meal prep!
- Comforting & Hearty: Each bowl is filled with wholesome ingredients that warm you from the inside out.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Great as a main course or served alongside crusty bread—everyone will love it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful soup! Each component plays an important role in creating that creamy, dreamy flavor we all crave.
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
For the Ravioli
- 10 oz ravioli
For Garnish
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your tastes! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale during the simmering stage for added nutrition and color.
- Change Up the Protein: Use cheese-filled ravioli or even add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra heartiness.
- Spice It Up: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes when sautéing your veggies.
- Creamy Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or oat cream.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
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 these aromatics for about 5 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This step is key because it builds a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Create the Tomato Base
Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes along with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. The sugar helps balance out the acidity from the tomatoes, giving your soup a lovely depth of flavor. Then pour in your chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Simmer Together
Once boiling, reduce the heat and add in your fresh thyme. Let this simmer partially covered for about 15–20 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Blend It Smooth
Using an immersion blender (or transferring to a regular blender in batches), blend your soup until smooth. This step is important as it gives your soup that creamy texture we love while hiding all those veggies!
Step 5: Add Creaminess and Seasoning
Return your blended soup back to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. The cream adds richness that elevates this dish from good to simply divine!
Step 6: Cook the Ravioli
Add your ravioli into the pot and cook until they float to the top—this usually takes just a few minutes! Floating means they’re perfectly cooked and ready to soak up all that deliciousness.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, a drizzle of cream if desired, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Now gather everyone around—it’s time to dig into this comforting bowl of Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Creating the perfect bowl of Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup is a delightful experience, and a few helpful tips can make it even better!
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile of your soup, making it more vibrant and full of life.
- Blend thoroughly: For an ultra-creamy texture, ensure you blend the soup until it’s completely smooth. This step helps to create a luxurious mouthfeel that complements the ravioli beautifully.
- Adjust seasoning: Don’t hesitate to taste as you go! Adjusting salt, pepper, or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish to your personal preference.
- Cook ravioli separately (optional): If you prefer firmer pasta, consider cooking the ravioli separately and adding them to bowls before ladling in the soup. This prevents overcooking and keeps your ravioli al dente.
- Make it ahead of time: This soup tastes even better the next day! Allowing it to sit overnight lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Presenting your Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup can be just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas on how to serve this comforting dish for maximum enjoyment.
Garnishes
- Fresh basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a burst of color and an aromatic touch that complements the dish perfectly.
- A drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle adds richness and enhances the flavor without overwhelming the soup.
- Grated Parmesan cheese alternative: If you enjoy cheesy flavors, sprinkle some grated dairy-free Parmesan on top for a delicious finishing touch.
Side Dishes
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is an ideal companion. Its crunchy texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup while soaking up every last drop!
- Simple Salad: A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the soup. The crispness of fresh veggies provides a satisfying crunch.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli is not only healthy but also adds a lovely green color and texture, making your meal more visually appealing.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa make for an excellent side dish that complements the Italian theme while being hearty enough to satisfy any appetite.
Enjoy crafting this delicious meal that warms both your heart and your home!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a comforting bowl throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat this delicious dish!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For best results, keep the ravioli separate from the soup if possible, as they can become too soft when stored together.
Freezing
- Cool the soup completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to maintain creaminess.
- Stir gently to avoid breaking apart the ravioli.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup.
Can I make Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and use cheese-filled ravioli for a delightful vegetarian option.
How do I thicken Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can blend a portion of the soup back into the pot or add a bit more heavy cream and let it simmer until it reaches your desired thickness.
What can I serve with Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup?
This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or even garlic knots for dipping!
Can I use frozen ravioli in Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup?
Yes! Frozen ravioli works perfectly. Just add them directly to the soup and cook according to package instructions until they float.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup as much as I do! It’s a soul-warming dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to be a hit at your family dinners. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations you try! Happy cooking!
Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy weeknights or gatherings with family and friends. This rich and creamy soup envelops tender ravioli in a delightful tomato broth infused with aromatic herbs. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that invites everyone to gather around the table and savor each spoonful. With its simple preparation and bold flavors, this one-pot wonder will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Elevate your dinner routine with this wholesome dish that warms both heart and home.
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
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 sprig fresh thyme
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 10 oz ravioli (cheese-filled or your choice)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until soft.
- Add tomatoes and brown sugar, then stir in chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, add thyme, and simmer covered for 15–20 minutes.
- Blend soup until smooth, then return to pot. Stir in cream and season to taste.
- Cook ravioli in the soup until they float to the top.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
