This Creamy White Bean Ham Tortellini Soup brings together the perfect balance of flavors: the creamy broth, hearty white beans, savory ham, and tender cheese tortellini. The addition of spinach adds a fresh, earthy element, making this soup a comforting and well-rounded meal.
This soup is perfect for a chilly day or when you need something hearty and satisfying. It’s easy to make with pantry staples and leftover ham, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s simple to customize—swap in your favorite greens or add extra veggies to suit your tastes.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups diced ham (or leftover ham)
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1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
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4 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups fresh spinach
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1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for about 3 minutes, until softened.
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Add the diced ham to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Stir in the white beans, chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes.
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Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream, spinach, tortellini, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
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Simmer the soup for 10-12 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked and the soup is heated through.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Creamy White Bean Ham Tortellini Soup: The Perfect Comforting Meal for Every Occasion
If you’re looking for a satisfying, comforting, and flavorful soup that’s sure to warm your soul, then Creamy White Bean Ham Tortellini Soup is exactly what you need. This rich and creamy soup brings together a delightful combination of hearty white beans, savory ham, and tender tortellini. The addition of fresh spinach enhances the flavor profile and makes this soup a healthy, hearty meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or serving up something special for a weekend gathering, this soup is easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
Comfort food comes in many forms, but nothing quite compares to the soothing sensation of a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s filled with familiar ingredients. The idea behind Creamy White Bean Ham Tortellini Soup is to combine pantry staples and fresh ingredients in a way that’s both simple and indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that can be made in a short amount of time, yet tastes like it has been simmering for hours. The rich broth, creamy texture, and well-balanced flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
This soup is inspired by classic Italian tortellini dishes, but it takes a comforting turn by adding ham, white beans, and spinach. These ingredients not only add texture and flavor but also bring in extra nutrients to make the dish more filling. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—you can adjust it according to what you have available, ensuring that it can be made year-round, no matter the season.
The Creaminess That Sets This Soup Apart
The real star of this soup is its creamy texture. By using a combination of chicken broth and heavy cream, the soup achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency that coats the back of your spoon. The cream adds richness without being overwhelming, while the broth ensures that the soup remains light enough to enjoy without feeling too heavy. The result is a soup that feels indulgent but doesn’t weigh you down.
What makes the creaminess even more appealing is the way it complements the ingredients. The white beans, once softened in the broth, help thicken the soup naturally, providing a smooth texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel. The creamy base creates the perfect backdrop for the other ingredients—like the savory ham and tender spinach—to shine through. It’s a comforting combination that’s satisfying and well-balanced.
Why Ham and Beans Make the Perfect Pair
Ham and beans are a classic combination in many cultures, especially in hearty soups and stews. The ham adds a smoky, savory element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy broth. Using leftover ham is also a smart way to repurpose what might otherwise go to waste, turning it into a delicious meal. Not only does it reduce food waste, but it also adds a layer of richness to the soup that’s hard to replicate with other meats.
White beans, on the other hand, are naturally creamy and soft, making them an excellent choice for this recipe. They absorb the flavors of the broth while maintaining their shape and texture, which helps create a satisfying and filling meal. Whether you choose cannellini beans or great northern beans, they provide a mild flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine, without overpowering the dish.
The Role of Spinach: Freshness and Nutrients
While the ham and beans offer richness and depth, the spinach provides a refreshing contrast. Fresh spinach wilts down into the soup, adding a pop of color as well as a boost of nutrients. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, and vitamin K, making it an excellent addition to this dish. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens while adding an earthy note to balance the richness of the broth.
One of the great things about this soup is its versatility. If you don’t have fresh spinach on hand, you can easily substitute it with frozen spinach or even another leafy green, like kale. However, fresh spinach offers the best texture and flavor, so it’s always a great choice if you’re able to get your hands on some.
Making It Your Own: Customization Tips
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. While Creamy White Bean Ham Tortellini Soup is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to make it your own depending on your tastes or dietary needs.
For example, if you’re looking to make the soup lighter, you can use half-and-half or even low-fat milk in place of the heavy cream. While this will result in a slightly less rich texture, it will still provide a creamy soup that’s satisfying and flavorful. On the other hand, if you want to take the creaminess to the next level, you can add a bit of cream cheese to the broth for an even thicker, more luxurious texture.
Additionally, you can mix up the type of beans you use. While white beans are a traditional choice, feel free to swap in kidney beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas if that’s what you prefer. The beans will still add that creamy texture and hearty consistency that makes this soup so satisfying.
If you’re looking to make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the ham and swap in vegetable broth for the chicken broth. You can also add some roasted vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes to enhance the flavor and texture.
Pairing This Soup with Sides
While Creamy White Bean Ham Tortellini Soup is a meal in itself, it’s always nice to serve it with a side or two to complete the experience. A warm, crusty loaf of bread is a classic pairing—perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
For a more indulgent pairing, you can serve the soup with a side of garlic bread or a cheesy baked focaccia. The savory bread complements the creamy soup, making it the ultimate comfort meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Another great thing about this soup is that it stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep. After you’ve made a batch, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply reheat the soup on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or cream if needed to maintain its creamy consistency.
If you want to make a big batch to freeze, this soup freezes well too. Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stovetop.
Conclusion: A Versatile, Hearty Dish
In conclusion, Creamy White Bean Ham Tortellini Soup is an ideal recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even special occasions when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it to suit your tastes, you’re sure to end up with a flavorful, satisfying bowl of soup that’s perfect for any time of year. Its combination of rich creaminess, savory ham, tender beans, and fresh spinach ensures it will become a family favorite in no time.