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Tortellini Minestrone with Spinach and Garlicky Croutons

If you’re of the opinion that a bean and pasta soup doesn’t sound delicious then this recipe will make you reconsider.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 mini French baguette
  • garlic use 2 large cloves
  • 1 ⁄4 oz fresh thyme
  • 1 ⁄4 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1 can beans
  • 2 pkts vegetable broth concentrate
  • 1 pkg cheese tortellini
  • 3 oz baby spinach
  • 3 ⁄4 oz Parmesan
  • olive oil
  • coarse kosher salt
  • freshly ground pepper

Instructions
 

Recipe:

  • Prep ingredients: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut roll into 1⁄2- inch thick slices, then tear into rough 1⁄4- inch pieces. Grate 2 large garlic cloves.
    Tortellini Minestrone 3
  • Make garlicky croutons: On a rimmed baking sheet, toss bread with 1 tablespoon oil, 1⁄2 of the thyme sprigs, and half of the grated garlic. Season lightly with salt and bake until toasted, stirring once, about 15 minutes. Let cool, then pull crisp thyme leaves from stems and toss with croutons. Discard stems.
    Tortellini Minestrone 4
  • Sauté aromatics: Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon oil with remaining thyme sprigs and grated garlic and a small pinch crushed red pepper. Cook over medium-high until garlic is beginning to brown, about 1 minute.
    Tortellini Minestrone 9
  • Build soup: Add beans and their liquid, 3 cups water, both packets of vegetable broth concentrate, and 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Simmer over medium heat until slightly reduced, about 10 minutes.
    Tortellini Minestrone 6
  • Finish soup: Stir in tortellini and cook until just tender, 3–4 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook just until wilted, about 1 minute.
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  • Finish & serve: Remove thyme sprigs. Grate Parmesan and stir half of it into soup. Ladle soup into bowls and top with remaining cheese and garlicky croutons. Garnish with remaining crushed red pepper if desired and serve immediately. Enjoy!