Soup: Tortellini Pasta alla Vodka

Obsessed.

That’s truly all I can say about this soup. Well that and it’s straightforward, creamy, comforting has cheese filled tortellinis – I mean, need I say more?

I first started testing this method last fall. It was only me and A friend one night binging old America’s Next Top Model episodes and we were hungry. I was wanting soup, A friend was wanting pasta. Wouldn’t you know it, I had only about all the stuff to make pasta alla vodka… so I made it, but into a soup. A friend loved it, I loved it… but the only thing is that I used huge raviolis (because that’s all I had on hand) which wasn’t terrible, only a tad difficult to eat. So after a few test rounds (and using tortellini instead) I finally am so excited to share it here.

If you like spicy pasta alla vodka, you’re going to love this soup!

For this Tortellini Pasta all Vodka Soup Gather:

• butter – For sautéing onion and garlic. Also, lends satisfying flavor.
• yellow onion – Adds a subtle sweet onion flavor.
• garlic – Adds another layer of distinct flavor to the soup.
• tomato paste – Lends complex tomato flavor.
• red pepper flakes – Gives this soup a spicy kick.
• vodka – Wouldn’t be “alla vodka” with out it. I use Tito’s but use what you have.
• low-sodium chicken broth – May substitute with vegetable broth.
• crushed tomatoes – I prefer using Tuttorosso or DeLallo crushed tomato sauce (not sponsored).
• fresh cheese-filled tortellini – I like 4 cheese and try to find tortellini smaller in size. Could also use small raviolis instead.
• heavy cream – Adds richness and creaminess.
• parmesan cheese – Lends a fruity, nutty and slightly salty flavor.
• kosher salt – Enhances flavor to the soup.
• black pepper – This will add some subtle bite and flavor.
• basil (fresh) – Adds a pop of green and herbaceous flavor.

Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 (medium) finely diced yellow onion with a pinch of kosher salt into a dutch oven. Sauté over medium to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until tender. About 6 minutes.

Next add in 6 cloves minced fresh garlic and cook 1 to 2 minutes.

To the sautéed onion and garlic, add 1/4 cup tomato paste and 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or more if desired.

Stir and cook 3 minutes or until it has slightly thickened and caramelized.

Pour in 1/4 cup vodka.

Stir and cook 2 minutes.

Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour and cook 2 to 3 minutes.

Pour in 4 cups (1 quart) low-sodium chicken broth.

Stir until there are no longer any lumps of tomato paste.

Add in 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes. I like to swirl some water in the can to loosen any tomato stuck to the inside.

Once bubbling, stir in 20 ounces of cheese filled tortellini.

Stir and cook 4 to 5 minutes.

Next add in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Stir and season with 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt (salt to taste) and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Heat through and serve. If the soup becomes too thick, thin out with more broth.

Serve ladled into bowls and top with extra parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (for an extra kick) and sliced fresh basil.

Even more satisfying if served with garlic bread, grilled cheese or, if wanting protein, this chicken caprese panini! Either way you can’t lose!

Enjoy! And if you give this Tortellini Pasta alla Vodka Soup recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!