Friday, November 6, 2009

Veggie & Tortellini Soup

My husband & I have been trying to eat healthier as well as grocery shop on a budget. Those two things can go together, believe it or not! With a little creativity and a semi-homemade attitude, I came up with this soup. Calorie count is low, its chock full of vegetables, and it only costs about $7 for the whole pot.
Meat eaters can use chicken or sausage tortellini, but to make it vegetarian, I used cheese tortellini (yum!).

1/2 onion, chopped
Handful of mushrooms, chopped
6 cups water
1 package powdered veggie soup & recipe mix (like Knorr's, for making spinach dip!)
1 package fresh tortellini, any flavor (in the refrigerated section)
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess moisture
Grated Parmesan cheese & red pepper flakes for serving

In a large pot, saute onion & mushrooms (in either olive oil or nonstick cooking spray) on medium heat for a few minutes or until tender and fragrant.
Add water and soup mix and bring to a boil on high heat; reduce heat to medium and add tortellini and spinach.
Cook, stirring occasionally for about 8-10 minutes or until tortellini is cooked & tender.
Dish it up and top with parmesan & pepper flakes if desired.