Everyday Living Food & Lifestyle
Tortellini and Spinach Soup
Tortellini is an Italian bite size pasta which is stuffed with ricotta or parmesan cheeses, pork meat, sausage, dried mushrooms, herbs and vegetables.
This ring shaped pasta is traditionally served in a broth but tomato, mushroom and meat sauces are also popular. Italy is recognized for its food culture and the work of rolling out the dough evenly and then cutting it into small squares, followed by the stuffing and shaping of the tiny tortellini is an art in itself.
Tortellini and Spinach Soup is the perfect week night supper that can be enjoyed by every member of the family. It is delicious on its own or with a tossed salad and garlic or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 15 Min Servings: 4 - 5
Ingredients:
- • 1 package Spinach or cheese stuffed tortellini (350 gm)
- • 1 tbsp Olive oil
- • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- • 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
- • 6 tbsps tomato paste
- • 3 cups fresh spinach leaves stems removed
- • 2 carrots chopped
- • 10 cups of low sodium chicken broth
- • 1⁄2 tsp ground black pepper
- • Salt to taste
- • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- • 1 cup half and half cream
- Garnish:
- • Grated parmesan cheese
- • Parsley leaves
- • Red chilli flakes (optional)
directions:
1. Place the olive oil, onion, garlic and carrots in a medium size pot or Dutch oven. Sauté the vegetables until the onions are translucent approximately 4 – 5 mins.
2. Add the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper stirring frequently. Next add the broth and bring to a boil. Add tortellini and cook until the tortellini is al dente, about 5 mins.
3. Reduce heat to low and gently add the half and half cream and the spinach leaves and continue to simmer for a couple of minutes or until spinach leaves are wilted and then remove from heat.
4. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated parmesan cheese, parsley leaves and chilli flakes (optional).
Bon Apetit....
Jen’s Cooking Tips
Tortellini and Spinach Soup is Italian inspired and a family friendly tomato and cream based soup.
I have used fresh tortellini but you can use frozen tortellini and follow the cooking instructions on the package.
You can substitute the spinach with Swiss chard, zucchini or broccoli.
Remember to reduce the heat to low before slowly adding the cream to prevent it from curdling.
Vegetarians can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Leftover soup can be stored in an air tight container for up to 3 days.
For those of you who like a little heat add a few drops of tabasco sauce or a sprinkle of red chilli flakes at the time of serving.
YOU WILL NEED:
• Tortellini
• Broth
• Tomato Paste
• Olive Oil
• Onion and garlic
• Vegetables
• Half and half cream
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper
Latest Recipes
Easy Turkey Chilli
TURKEY is a large bird which is rich in protein and other nutrients such as iron, zinc and selenium. It provides many of the same calories as chicken and most people are easily able to digest it......
Easy Turkey Chilli
TURKEY is a large bird which is rich in protein and other nutrients such as iron, zinc and selenium. It provides many of the same calories as chicken and most people are easily able to digest it.
Ground turkey is an inexpensive way to consume turkey and over the years has grown in popularity as a subsItute for ground chicken. Rich in vitamins and minerals it can contribute to a healthy diet as it is low in fat. Dark meat is more flavourful but has more calories than white meat without the skin.
Turkey can be added to soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers or chilli as shown in the EASY TURKEY CHILLI recipe below.
Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 1 HourServings: 6
Ingredients:
- • 1 lb lean ground turkey
- • 2 tbsps olive or vegetable oil
- • 3 garlic cloves finely chopped
- • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- • 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
- • 1 900 ml carton (low sodium) chicken broth
- • 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- • 1 small can corn niblets drained and rinsed
- • 1 540 ml can black beans drained and rinsed
- • 1 540 ml can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- • 1⁄2 tsp chilli powder
- • 2 tsps ground cumin
- • 1 tsp dried oregano
- • 1 tsp salt
- • 1⁄2 tsp ground black pepper
directions:
In a large pot add olive or vegetable oil, chopped onion, garlic and red pepper. Saute the vegetables for 3 - 4 minutes unIl onions are sofgtened and then add the ground turkey. Saute the turkey for 4 - 5 minutes unIl cooked through.
Add the chilli powder, ground cumin, oregano, salt and black pepper and continue to cook for a couple of minutes.
Add the black beans, kidney beans, corn and diced tomatoes and blend in with the turkey.
Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil and then reduce heat and allow the chilli to simmer for approximately 45 minutes, sIrring occasionally.
Garnish the Turkey Chilli with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese and chopped coriander leaves or taco chips and sliced avocado if preferred.
Bon Apetit....
Flatbread Pizzas
FLATBREADS are used to create wraps and quesadillas but the most popular use of flatbreads is pizza Rich in fiber, flatbreads are typically unleavened bread and do not contain yeast. Flatbreads.....
Flatbread Pizzas
FLATBREADS are used to create wraps and quesadillas but the most popular use of flatbreads is pizza.
Rich in fiber, flatbreads are typically unleavened bread and do not contain yeast. Flatbreads originated in ancient Egypt but today are produced and enjoyed around the world. Some of the most popular flatbreads are Focaccia, Naan, Tortillas, Pita, Oatcake, Green Onion Cake, Torta and Injera.
Flatbreads have a lower caloric and carbohydrate content due to their thinner crusts and are ideal as appetizers or light entrees as shown in the FLATBREAD PIZZA recipes below.
ROASTED RED PEPPER AND OLIVE FLATBREAD
Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 10 - 12 min Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- • 1 flatbread
- • 1 1/2 cups of roasted red peppers sliced
- • 1/2 cup seedless black olives halved
- • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
- • 1 tsp chopped fresh oregano leaves
Directions:
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on flatbread, then top with sliced roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, oregano and basil leaves. Bake on middle rack of pre-heated oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 -12 minutes. Serve immediately.
Bon Apetit...
PEACH AND PROCIUTTO FLATBREAD
Prep Time: 10 min Cook Time: 7 - 8 min Servings: 2
Ingredients:
- • 1 flatbread
- • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- • 1 1/2 cups sliced peaches
- • 6 – 8 slices prosciutto
- • 3 tsps balsamic vinegar
- • 3/4 cup shredded Gouda cheese
- • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves
- • 1 tsp chilli flakes (optional)
Directions:
Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on flatbread, then top with sliced peaches, prosciutto, balsamic vinegar, gouda cheese, basil leaves and chilli flakes. Bake on middle rack of pre-heated oven (400 degrees Fahrenheit) for 7 – 8 mins. Serve immediately.
Bon Apetit...
Leave a Comment
Bacon and Herb Wrapped Chicken
THANKSGIVING is a holiday when family and friends gather together to express gratitude and enjoy a festive meal which usually includes a roasted turkey. However, BACON AND HERB......
Bacon and Herb Wrapped Chicken
THANKSGIVING is a holiday when family and friends gather together to express gratitude and enjoy a festive meal which usually includes a roasted turkey. However, BACON AND HERB WRAPPED CHICKEN is a great option for a smaller gathering. Bacon is the key ingredient to locking in moisture and flavour and this dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, broccoli, caramelized carrots or pumpkin and cranberry sauce.
Thighs or drumsticks can be substituted instead of chicken breasts. If using chicken breasts make sure that each piece is roughly the same size, approximately 4- 5 ounces.
Prep Time: 15 min Cook Time: 30 - 40 min Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- • 4 skinless Chicken breasts 4-5 oz each
- • 12 thin slices of bacon
- • 2 tbsp olive oil
- • 1/3 cup maple syrup
- • 2 tsps Dijon mustard
- • 2 garlic cloves finely chopped
- • 1/2 tsp of salt
- • 1/4 tsp of coarsely ground black pepper
- • 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- • 1 tbsp finely chopped thyme
Directions:
Pre heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a small bowl mix together olive oil, garlic, maple syrup, dijon mustard, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper.
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and brush the olive oil mixture over each one making sure that each side of the breasts is covered. Wrap 2 – 3 slices of bacon around each breast and then place them seam side down on a foil covered baking pan or tray.
Drizzle any leftover olive oil mixture over the breasts and then bake for 30 – 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked and the bacon is crisp. Insert a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast to check if chicken is cooked through which should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes and garnish with parsley before serving.
Bon Apetit....
Leave a Comment
Find a Recipe
About Me
Jennifer
Hi there, I am Jennifer Puri and welcome to CookLaughLive. The recipes presented here are simple, quick, and relatively healthy and are inspired by my family and friends and my love for cooking.
As a mom and grand mom I appreciate the value of simple recipes that don’t take a lot of time to prepare and use fresh, tasty and mostly inexpensive ingredients.
I live in Calgary, Alberta and in addition to testing, preparing and photographing recipes, I also enjoy reading, getaways to the mountains, interior decorating and the occasional “friendly” political discussion.
“Food is how we bring people together and show love.” - Giles Duley
Thanks for being here
Jennifer
Read MoreDid You Know?
Did You Know that taking time out of your day to take care of your skin could be so rewarding.
January 17th 2025
SKIN is your largest organ and protects you from bacteria, injuries, chemicals and helps keep your body at the right temperature.
FACIAL SKIN is particularly vulnerable but there are SIX simple steps you can follow to neutralize damage to your skin....
Taking time out of your day to take care of your skin could be so rewarding.
Use MOISTURIZER daily to help keep your skin hydrated.
Use an antioxidant rich SERUM daily to help reduce brown spots and uneven skin tones.
Use FACE MASK SHEETS once or twice a week
Use gentle FACIAL PEELS to help strip away dead skin every second month
Use SUNSCREEN outdoors to protect your skin from sun damage
Use a JADE FACIAL ROLLER 4-5 times a week to massage your skin
My daughter gifted me a Jade Facial Roller a couple of years ago and I have included it in my arsenal of facial “skin defenders” ever since. Inexpensive, easy to use and keep clean, the rolling motion of the Jade Roller helps stimulate blood flow, improve skin tone and reduce puffiness. See the Jade Roller Video Tutorial below..
THE FOODS WE EAT also help our skin look brighter and fresher. Some of the foods that benefit our skin and help it retain its youthful appearance are:
- Nuts and Seeds
- Citrus Fruits
- Berries
- Avocadoes
- Leafy Greens
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Sweet potatoes
- Beans
- Oatmeal
- Oily fish
- Green Tea
- Eggs
- Turmeric
Lastly drinking WATER helps keep our skin hydrated and is one of the easiest and best beauty treatments of all time.
Now you know..
Sephora For Skin Care
Published mid month focusing on topics that are interesting, informative and engaging.
Leave a Comment
Red River Leasing is committed to seeing your business realize its full potential.
We offer creative financial solutions for your business, your vision.
For more information call us at (403) 714-2572 or email jennifer@redriverleasing.com
Thank you for your email!
Your email has been already submitted.
We are having issues accepting your email.
Leave a Comment