This Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, hearty, and loaded with flavor, making it perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. This one-pot recipe combines cheesy ravioli with a creamy tomato broth enriched by fresh herbs. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this soup is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of tomatoes, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning creates a deliciously savory broth.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main dish or a starter; it pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad.
- Comforting Dish: The creamy texture and warm ingredients make it ideal for chilly evenings.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy ravioli and flavorful broth.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools before you begin.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Immersion blender (or regular blender)
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: A sturdy pot allows for even heating and ample space to cook all ingredients together.
- Immersion blender: This tool makes blending the soup easy without transferring hot liquids to another container.
Ingredients
This rich and comforting one-pot soup recipe is loaded with cheese-filled ravioli, a creamy tomato broth, and savory Italian seasoning. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners, this hearty soup comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
For the 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
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, celery (with leaves), and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Sugar
Stir in the whole peeled tomatoes and brown sugar.
Step 4: Pour in Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, add the fresh thyme, and let it simmer partially covered for 15–20 minutes.
Step 5: Blend Until Smooth
Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender in batches).
Step 6: Stir in Cream
Return the blended soup to the pot, stir in the heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Cook Ravioli
Add the ravioli and cook until they float to the top.
Step 8: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, a drizzle of cream, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as part of a larger meal, there are plenty of options to enhance your dining experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a burst of flavor and freshness. Sprinkle it on top just before serving.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan offers a salty, nutty finish that complements the creamy soup beautifully.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will spice things up.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A slice of warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds crunch and flavor, making each bite more enjoyable.
- Homemade Focaccia: Soft and flavorful focaccia can soak up the rich broth wonderfully.
Add Protein
- Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken breast brings extra protein and heartiness to the meal.
- Italian Sausage: Crumbled cooked Italian sausage adds robust flavor and makes the soup even more filling.
Create a Salad Bar
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Caesar Salad: The classic Caesar salad pairs well with this creamy dish, adding crunch and tang.
How to Perfect Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
To ensure your Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors significantly. Opt for seasonal produce when possible.
- Blend Thoroughly: For a smooth texture, blend the soup until there are no chunks. An immersion blender works great for this.
- Adjust Seasoning Last: Taste before adding salt and pepper at the end to avoid over-seasoning during cooking.
- Experiment with Ravioli Varieties: Try different types of ravioli like spinach or mushroom for unique flavor combinations.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Complement your Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup with delicious side dishes that enhance its flavors and textures. Here are some excellent options.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing contrast.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil provides a crunchy bite that pairs well with creamy soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth to your meal while keeping it healthy.
- Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette keeps things fresh without overpowering the soup.
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: These soft knots are perfect for dipping in the soup’s rich broth.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can be served alongside to create a hearty meal experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here’s how to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time.
- Overcooking the Ravioli: Overcooked ravioli can turn mushy and lose their texture. Follow the package instructions for cooking time and add them to the soup just before serving.
- Skipping Seasoning: A bland soup can disappoint. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and seasoning as needed for a well-balanced flavor.
- Not Blending Enough: If you don’t blend the soup thoroughly, it may have an unappealing texture. Ensure you blend until smooth for that creamy consistency.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can affect flavor. Opt for fresh herbs, quality broth, and good ravioli for the best results.
- Ignoring Garnishes: Garnishes enhance presentation and flavor. Don’t skip the fresh basil or drizzle of cream; they add a lovely touch to your dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
- Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot throughout.
- Stovetop: Gently heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup.
How can I make Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup vegetarian?
You can easily make this soup vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and using cheese-filled ravioli.
What type of ravioli works best in this recipe?
Any type of cheese-filled ravioli works well. You could also experiment with spinach or mushroom ravioli for added flavor.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned whole peeled tomatoes are perfect for this recipe as they provide rich flavor without needing extra prep work.
How do I store leftover Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for up to two months.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup is a delightful and comforting dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Its creamy texture paired with savory flavors makes it truly irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings to suit your taste!
Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup
Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup is the ultimate comfort food that combines cheesy ravioli with a luscious creamy tomato broth, elevated by fresh herbs. This one-pot wonder comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Each spoonful is rich and hearty, ensuring that everyone at the table will be impressed. Whether served as a main dish or starter, this soup delights with its savory flavors and satisfying texture. Add some crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that warms both the heart and the soul.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot
- Cuisine: Italian
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 ravioli
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Stir in tomatoes and brown sugar.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil; simmer for 15–20 minutes with thyme.
- Blend soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Return soup to heat; stir in heavy cream and season.
- Add ravioli; cook until they float.
- Serve hot with fresh basil on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
