Showing posts with label italian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label italian. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

One-Pot Vegetable Tortellini Soup (Ready in 30 Minutes)


One-Pot Vegetable Tortellini Soup is a cozy, hearty weeknight dinner made with tender tortellini, colorful vegetables, and savory broth — ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights and chilly evenings.

 



One-Pot Vegetable Tortellini Soup (Ready in 30 Minutes)


I love a weeknight meal that is uncomplicated.   I certainly don’t want three pans in the sink, a long prep list, or a recipe that feels like a project. I just want something warm, comforting, and reliable — the kind of meal that makes the evening feel cozy the minute it starts simmering on the stove.

This is the soup I reach for on those nights.

Take a package of tortellini, a helpful bag of frozen vegetables, and a handful of pantry staples you turn into a soul-satisfying dinner. You'll only need one pot, and about thirty minutes later, there’s a big pot of cozy soup on the stove — fragrant with herbs, dotted with tender pasta, and full of color.

It’s not fancy. It’s not fussy. It’s the kind of recipe you make once and then keep in your back pocket for the rest of winter — and honestly, long after.

This One-Pot Vegetable Tortellini Soup has become one of those dependable favorites in my kitchen. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, comforting enough for cold evenings, and simple enough that you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Enjoy!





Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy one-pot soup:

  • Olive oil
  • Yellow onion
  • Celery
  • Garlic
  • Diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • Frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, green beans)
  • Bay leaves
  • Dried parsley
  • Dried rosemary
  • Italian seasoning
  • Low-sodium chicken broth
  • Better Than Bouillon (chicken flavor)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Refrigerated cheese tortellini

Optional Topping

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Dutch Oven - I love this smaller version for quick soups.







-- Let’s Make It Together

Let’s walk through this together — it’s simple, flexible, and very forgiving.

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant.

Next, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), bay leaves, dried parsley, rosemary, Italian seasoning, broth, and Better Than Bouillon (this add more depth to the chicken broth). Season lightly with salt and pepper and bring everything to a gentle boil.

Once simmering, add the frozen vegetables and let them cook for a few minutes until tender.

Stir in the tortellini and cook just until they float to the top and are tender. This only takes a few minutes, so keep an eye on them.

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves, ladle into bowls, and finish with Parmesan if you like.




-- Perfecting the Cooking Process

The key to making this soup taste slow-simmered — even though it’s fast — is layering flavor early. Taking a few minutes to sauté the onion and celery until they soften and sweeten, then blooming the garlic and herbs in the pot before adding liquid, builds a rich foundation for the broth. That simple step is what gives this soup its deep, comforting flavor without needing hours on the stove.




-- Add Your Touch

This soup is easy to personalize depending on what you have on hand.

You can add a handful of fresh spinach at the end, stir in cooked shredded chicken, swap in vegetable broth, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a little heat. If you love extra herbs, fresh basil or parsley is lovely on top.

Make it yours — that’s part of the charm.






If you love simple, comforting meals like this, you might also enjoy my Cozy Pinto Bean Soup or Baked Ranch Chicken for Two. Both are easy, dependable recipes that fit perfectly into busy weeknights.

These are the kinds of dishes I turn to when I want dinner to feel good — not stressful — and I hope they become favorites in your kitchen too.








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Before You Start

Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but the tortellini will soften over time. Add extra broth when reheating.

How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze it?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Just know the pasta may soften after thawing.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes — use vegetable broth and vegetable bouillon.

What if my soup gets too thick?
Simply stir in more warm broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.






 

 

 











Thursday, December 11, 2025

The Viral Lasagna Soup Everyone’s Making — A Cozy Winter Comfort Food (Perfect for Christmas Eve)

 

This viral lasagna soup is a cozy winter comfort food made in one pot and packed with classic lasagna flavor. Perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or Christmas Eve.




The Viral Lasagna Soup Everyone’s Making — And Why It’s Perfect for Christmas Eve


When the weather turns cold and comfort food cravings hit, this viral lasagna soup is exactly what you want simmering on the stove.  If you’ve been on social media at all lately, you’ve seen the viral lasagna soup taking over everyone’s feeds — and for good reason. It’s cozy, cheesy, and packed with all the flavor you love in traditional lasagna, but without the hours of prep and baking. One pot, a handful of simple ingredients, and a few minutes later, you have a steaming bowl of comfort that tastes like it belongs at a family dinner table. 

This year, I’m putting a holiday twist on this internet favorite. Imagine serving a warm, twirly bowl of lasagna soup on Christmas Eve — something that feels festive and indulgent, yet keeps your kitchen stress-free. It’s also perfect for busy evenings, casual family gatherings, or even a quiet, cozy night at home with your loved ones. The aroma alone will make your house feel like all cozy and warm, and the cheesy, meaty, tomato-rich broth guarantees smiles all around.

And the best part? This viral soup is ridiculously easy to make, but it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. With every bite, you’ll get the nostalgia of traditional lasagna without the heavy lift, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a recipe you’ll want to keep on your rotation. Trust me — once you try it, this lasagna soup will become your new holiday and winter tradition.








What Ingredients Do I Need?

  • Ground Sirloin – Adds a rich, beefy flavor and keeps the soup hearty and filling.
  • Ground Italian Sausage – Brings seasoning, depth, and the classic lasagna flavor you expect.
  • Yellow Onion – Builds a savory base and adds natural sweetness as it cooks.
  • Garlic – Essential for that warm, aromatic flavor that ties the whole soup together.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Intensify the tomato flavor and add a subtle tangy richness.
  • Red Pepper Flakes – Add a touch of heat you can scale up or down to taste.
  • Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that gives the soup its familiar lasagna essence.
  • Salt & Pepper – Balance, enhance, and bring out all the savory flavors.
  • Crushed Tomatoes – The main body of the broth, giving the soup its rich tomato base.
  • Tomato Paste – Deepens the flavor and thickens the broth slightly.
  • Red Wine – Adds boldness and complexity (and cooks off!), but can be swapped if needed.
  • Beef Broth – Forms the savory liquid base and keeps the soup hearty.
  • Lasagna Noodles – Broken into pieces for that fun, twirly “lasagna-in-a-bowl” effect.
  • Ricotta Cheese – Creates that creamy, classic lasagna topping when dolloped onto the soup.
  • Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the hot broth.



Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

  • Ground Sirloin → Use ground turkey, ground chicken, or extra sausage.
  • Italian Sausage → Replace with mild or spicy sausage, or use all ground beef if preferred.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes → Skip them or swap in a spoonful of tomato pesto for added depth.
  • Red Wine → Replace with beef broth, chicken broth, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
  • Beef Broth → Chicken broth or vegetable broth both work in a pinch.
  • Lasagna Noodles → Any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, mafalda, or broken fettuccine.
  • Ricotta Topping → Swap for cottage cheese blended smooth or use a dollop of mascarpone.

Variations

  • Creamy Lasagna Soup – Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a rich, silky broth.
  • Veggie-Loaded Version – Add mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to bulk it up and make it extra hearty.






Kitchen Notes & Tips

  • Break the noodles into large pieces so they mimic real lasagna layers and don’t overcook too quickly.
  • Cook the noodles right in the soup for maximum flavor — they soak up all that tomato-rich broth.
  • Taste as you go, especially after simmering — soups need seasoning adjustments at the end.
  • Use a Dutch oven or heavy pot to help the soup simmer evenly without scorching.
  • Let the ricotta topping sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors meld.
  • Add extra broth if your soup thickens too much; the noodles continue to absorb liquid as it rests.
  • Top with chopped parsley, or basil for a little garnish.







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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     




















Saturday, September 27, 2025

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches – Easy & Irresistible!


Crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-easy! These Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Ready in minutes with a golden, crunchy crust.




Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches – Easy & Irresistible!



If you love a good sandwich for lunch or a quick weeknight dinner, you’re going to adore this one. These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Sandwiches are golden, crunchy, and topped with melty mozzarella and tangy marinara—all in under 30 minutes. The air fryer makes getting perfectly crispy chicken a breeze, without the mess of deep frying.

We’re big fans of easy chicken sandwiches here, and if you’re craving more, you can also check out my Air Fried Tuscan Chicken Sandwich and Crispy Air-Fried Greek Tzatziki Chicken Sandwiches—both just as simple and full of flavor. This Parmesan sandwich is a fast, satisfying way to enjoy a classic favorite any night of the week.

















What Ingredients Do I Need?

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these crispy, cheesy sandwiches. I’ve skipped the measurements here so you can get a feel for the ingredients first.

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy, the perfect base for our crispy cutlets.
  • Eggs – Help the coating stick beautifully to the chicken.
  • All-purpose flour – Creates the first layer of coating so the crumbs hold tight.
  • Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor right in the dredge.
  • Italian seasoning – A quick blend of herbs to give the chicken extra flavor.
  • Black pepper – Just enough kick to balance the richness.
  • Crushed corn flakes – Our crispy coating! They stay light, golden, and crunchy in the air fryer.
  • Cooking spray or olive oil spray – Helps the coating turn crisp and golden without extra oil.
  • Marinara sauce – Tangy and flavorful, the classic Chicken Parmesan partner.
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese – Melts into gooey perfection over the chicken.
  • Sandwich rolls or hamburger buns – Soft and toasty, the perfect way to serve it up.





Substitutions and Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy swaps and flavor twists:

  • Chicken: Try turkey cutlets or even thin pork chops for a different spin.
  • Corn flakes: Panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers work if that’s what you have on hand.
  • Cheese: Provolone or fontina can replace mozzarella for a different melty vibe.
  • Sauce: Swap marinara with a spicy arrabbiata for extra kick.
  • Rolls: Use ciabatta rolls, focaccia, or even garlic bread for an indulgent upgrade.
  • Healthier twist: Serve the cutlets open-faced over a salad instead of on a roll.





Kitchen Tips

  • Parmesan Placement: Since crushed corn flakes are lighter and less dense than traditional breadcrumbs, mixing the Parmesan with the flour during the dredging step helps it stick to the chicken evenly instead of falling to the bottom.
  • For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle a little Parmesan on top of the marinara just before adding the mozzarella.
  • Make sure cutlets are evenly pounded for consistent cooking and crispiness.
  • Work in batches if your air fryer basket is small to avoid overcrowding.










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Thursday, September 18, 2025

One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo in 30 Minutes


Whip up this Hearty One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo in 30 Minutes—a budget-friendly, family-approved dinner made with pantry staples. Quick, cozy, and perfect for busy nights or summer-to-fall transitions!




One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo in 30 Minutes


Some nights call for a dinner that’s fast, comforting, and doesn’t require a last-minute trip to the store. That was exactly my situation the other evening—I needed a quick meal and decided to scroll through my saved Pinterest recipes for inspiration. I landed on a ground beef and orzo idea, but instead of following it exactly, I decided to make my own spin with the ingredients I already had on hand.

What came together was this Hearty One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo, a dish that checks all the boxes: easy to make, ready in about 30 minutes, and packed with flavor. It’s hearty enough to satisfy both adults and kids, and it reheats beautifully, making it just as good the next day.

I especially love how this recipe feels right for the season—it’s light enough for the tail end of summer, yet cozy enough to carry straight into fall. Plus, it’s a true “use-what-you-have” kind of meal, which makes it not only stress-free but also budget-friendly. This one-pan wonder has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen, and I think it might just become one in yours too.

Enjoy!




What Ingredients Do I Need?

  • Onion
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Ground beef
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Garlic
  • Diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
  • Orzo pasta
  • Low-sodium beef broth
  • Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Fresh spinach (or other leafy greens)



Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have exactly what’s listed? No problem! This recipe is perfect for mixing and matching:

  • Protein swaps: Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even  chicken work wonderfully.
  • Greens: Kale, Swiss chard, or arugula can replace spinach.
  • Orzo alternatives: Any small pasta shape like ditalini, acini di pepe, or even small shells will work well.
  • Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes can be used.  Or take whole tomatoes and mash them up.
  • Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of crushed red pepper can give it a new twist.



Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • One-pan magic: Using a large skillet or sauté pan keeps cleanup minimal—perfect for weeknights.
  • Browning the beef: Make sure to break it up and brown it well for maximum flavor.
  • Orzo cooking: Keep an eye on the liquid; orzo cooks quickly and absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Add the greens last: Stirring in spinach or other greens at the end preserves color, texture, and nutrients.
  • Storage: This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and can also be frozen for meal prep.






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    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     
















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