Showing posts with label pasta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pasta. 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.






 

 

 











Saturday, December 27, 2025

The 10 Recipes Readers Loved Most on Slice of Southern in 2025

 

A look back at the 10 recipes readers loved most on A Slice of Southern in 2025—from easy weeknight dinners and fresh salads to comforting classics you cooked again and again.



The 10 Recipes Readers Loved Most on Slice of Southern in 2025


As 2025 comes to a close, I found myself looking back through the recipes you spent the most time with this year—the ones you searched for, cooked, and came back to again and again. From cozy one-pot dinners to fresh seasonal salads and a surprise breakfast favorite that truly ran away with the year, these dishes quietly tell the story of how we cooked in real life: practical, comforting, and full of flavor. These are the recipes that stood out not because they were flashy, but because they worked—and because you welcomed them into your kitchens.



Most Loved Recipe of 2025

Tomato-Mozzarella Scrambled Eggs – A Savory Morning Upgrade



Why readers loved it: Simple ingredients and big flavor made this an easy, elevated breakfast readers kept coming back to.




Best Weeknight Dinner

One-Pot Ground Beef & Orzo in 30 Minutes




Why readers loved it: This weeknight-friendly, one-pot meal delivered comfort and convenience without sacrificing flavor.




Southern Comfort Classic

Southern Skillet Cornbread: Buttery, Golden, & Irresistible



Why readers loved it:
A classic Southern staple with crisp edges and a tender crumb that fits just as well on a weeknight table as a holiday spread.




Most Popular Salad

Late Summer Fig Salad with Cucumbers & Feta




Why readers loved it: Sweet figs, crisp cucumbers, and salty feta struck the perfect balance of fresh and satisfying.




Most Impressive (But Approachable)

Rustic Tomato Galette with Gruyère & Thyme




Why readers loved it: This savory galette felt special enough for entertaining but approachable enough for home cooks.




Sleeper Hit of the Year

Leftovers Transformed: Pearl Couscous Risotto with Chicken & Greens




Why readers loved it: A creative, resourceful way to turn leftovers into something comforting and completely new.




Bold Weeknight Favorite

Summer Cajun Chicken Skillet – Light, Bold, and Low-Carb



Why readers loved it: Bold Cajun flavor and a quick skillet method made this a standout for easy, flavor-packed dinners.





Best Protein-Packed Salad

The Ultimate Summer Steak Salad with Zesty Avocado Chimichurri




Why readers loved it: Hearty enough for dinner, fresh enough for warm weather, this salad checked all the boxes.





Best Seasonal Recipe

Summer Stone Fruit Salad with Two Dressings to Love




Why readers loved it: The option of two dressings gave readers flexibility while letting peak-season fruit shine.




Comfort Pasta Favorite 

Creamy Lemon Herb Pasta Primavera



Why readers loved it: Bright lemon, fresh herbs, and creamy pasta came together in a comforting dish that still felt light.




Can’t wait to see what we’ll be cooking together in 2026! Save your favorites and get ready for more cozy, flavorful recipes.


















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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Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Spicy Beef and Macaroni Soup 2.0: The Arrabbiata Upgrade

 

Warm, bold, and irresistibly cozy — this Spicy Beef and Macaroni Soup 2.0 features an arrabbiata upgrade that adds deeper flavor and a fiery kick. A hearty one-pot twist on the original fan-favorite soup that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or chilly nights.



Spicy Beef and Macaroni Soup 2.0: The Arrabbiata Upgrade



If you’ve made my original Spicy Beef and Macaroni Tomato Soup, you already know it’s one of the coziest, most satisfying one-pot meals in my kitchen. But today, we’re turning up the heat—literally. This updated version swaps the classic marinara for bold, fiery arrabbiata sauce, adding a deeper, more vibrant spice that takes this soup to a whole new level. All the hearty comfort of the original remains, but with an extra kick that makes it perfect for chilly nights, easy weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving a bowl with personality. Welcome to Spicy Beef and Macaroni Soup 2.0: The Arrabbiata Upgrade.

It's amazing the way the arrabbiata sauce transforms this pot of soup. The broth becomes richer and redder, the aroma is gives off is deeper and more fragrant. As it simmers, you get this warm, peppery heat that wafts through the kitchen — not overwhelming, but enough to make you lean over the pot for another breath. The tender macaroni, savory beef, and bright tomatoes soak up every bit of flavor, creating a bowl that feels both nostalgic and exciting at the same time.

And if you loved the original, this upgrade is one you have to try. It has the same cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort that made the first version one of my most popular recipes, but with a bolder personality that keeps you coming back for more. It’s the kind of soup that wakes up your taste buds, warms you from the inside out, and makes you wonder how you ever made it without that extra hit of heat. One spoonful and you’ll know exactly why this version earned its “2.0” name.

Enjoy!




What Ingredients Do I Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this upgraded, spicy beef and macaroni soup. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the cozy, bold flavors you’ll love:

  • Ground Sirloin: Lean and flavorful, it forms the hearty base of the soup and pairs perfectly with the spicy tomato broth.
  • Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the soup’s savory flavor.
  • Garlic: Provides a fragrant punch that complements the heat of the arrabbiata sauce.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.
  • Oregano: A classic Italian herb that adds warmth and aromatic notes to the tomato base.
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful liquid backbone of the soup, keeping it light yet rich.
  • Arrabbiata Sauce: The star of this version — spicy, garlicky, and full of personality.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture, freshness, and extra tomato flavor to balance the heat.
  • Elbow Macaroni: The comforting, chewy pasta that soaks up all the bold flavors.
  • Parsley (Garnish): Adds a fresh, bright note to finish the soup beautifully.





Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few simple ingredient swaps and variations you can try:

Substitutions:

  • Ground Beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.
  • Chicken Broth: Substitute with beef broth, vegetable broth, or water with a splash of tomato paste for extra depth.
  • Elbow Macaroni: Try small shells, ditalini, or even gluten-free pasta to fit dietary needs.
  • Arrabbiata Sauce: Swap for marinara if you prefer a milder soup.

Variations:

  • Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Soup: Stir in shredded mozzarella or Parmesan just before serving for a creamy twist.
  • Veggie Boost: Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra color, nutrients, and texture.





Kitchen Tips and Notes

  • Browning the Beef: Don’t skip browning the ground beef well—it adds rich flavor and a heartier texture.
  • Simmer Gently: Let the soup simmer for the full time to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the broth.
  • Pasta Timing: Add the pasta last and cook until just tender to avoid overcooking.
  • Make Ahead: The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for easy future meals.
  • Adjust Heat: Arrabbiata sauce adds spice, but you can control it by choosing mild, medium, or hot versions depending on your taste.





       Set the Mood       


Turn a simple bowl of soup into an unforgettable cozy experience with these ambiance tips ↓




























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