This ravioli soup is cozy and comforting, filled with tasty broth and delicious little pockets of pasta. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! 🍲
I love that it’s simple to make! Just toss in your favorite veggies and let everything simmer together. Perfect for a chilly day or when you need a little cheer!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: I use olive oil for its flavor and health benefits. You can swap it for vegetable or canola oil if needed. For a touch of extra flavor, try using garlic-infused oil!
Onion: A small onion is perfect for building the soup’s base. You could substitute with shallots, leeks, or even onion powder if you’re short on time.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a lovely aroma. If you’re out, garlic powder can work in a pinch—about 1/4 teaspoon should suffice.
Broth: I prefer chicken broth for depth, but vegetable broth makes this dish completely vegan. Homemade broth is great too!
Diced Tomatoes: I opt for canned tomatoes for convenience. Fresh tomatoes can be used but make sure they’re ripe. You could also try crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
Ravioli: Cheese ravioli is my go-to, but feel free to use meat or even gluten-free varieties. You can also try tortellini if you’re looking for something different!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. You can use kale or Swiss chard as alternatives, or even frozen spinach if that’s what you have.
How Can I Make Sure My Ravioli is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking ravioli just right makes all the difference! Here’s a simple method to ensure they’re tender and delicious:
- Watch your heat: After adding ravioli to the boiling broth, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This prevents them from breaking apart.
- Timing is key: Cook according to package directions, usually about 4-6 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when they float, they’re typically done!
- Taste test: Before serving, take one out and try it! You want it just tender but not mushy.
Following these steps will help you achieve a comforting and satisfying soup every time!
How to Make Ravioli Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 package (about 9 oz) refrigerated cheese or meat ravioli
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful ravioli soup will take about 10-15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be enjoying your soup in about 25-30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or when you need some comfort food!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. This will create a delicious foundation for your soup!
2. Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
After the onion and garlic are nice and soft, pour in 4 cups of chicken (or vegetable) broth and 1 can of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a lively boil!
3. Cook the Ravioli:
Once your broth is boiling, gently add 1 package of refrigerated ravioli to the pot. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the soup cook until the ravioli are tender and fully cooked through, which should take about 4-6 minutes (or follow the package directions for exact timing).
4. Add the Spinach:
Once the ravioli are ready, stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. Cook for just 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted but still vibrant. This adds a fresh and colorful touch to your soup!
5. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to enjoy your creation! Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a bit of chopped fresh basil on top. If you like, add a little more black pepper for extra flavor. Serve hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish!
This soup is a fantastic combination of tender ravioli, rich tomato broth, and bright spinach, topped with fresh herbs and cheese—so delightful and satisfying!
Can I Use Frozen Ravioli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen ravioli work just fine. Simply add them directly to the boiling broth, and increase the cooking time by a few minutes until they are heated through and tender. No need to thaw!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Soup?
Yes, feel free to customize the soup with other vegetables! Sliced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers would be great additions. Just add them along with the broth so they have enough time to cook until tender.
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Just be mindful that the ravioli might soften a bit more during reheating.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian or Vegan?
Yes, just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and choose cheese ravioli that is made without any animal products, or go for a vegan ravioli option if available. The soup will still be delicious and satisfying!