Creamy Ham, Bean, and Tortellini Soup

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped (1 cup)
• 3 carrots, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
• 3 celery stalks, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
• 1 (15-ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 pound fresh ham, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the great northern beans, tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, ham, tortellini, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the tortellini is cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Nutritional Information:

Per serving (1 cup):

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 5 grams
• Cholesterol: 45 milligrams
• Sodium: 500 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 30 grams
• Protein: 15 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Creamy and flavorful
• Hearty and filling
• Perfect for a cold winter day
• Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and ingredients

User Comments:

• "This soup is amazing! It's so creamy and flavorful, with the perfect amount of ham and vegetables."
• "I love the addition of tortellini - it makes this soup extra special."
• "This is one of my favorite go-to recipes for a quick and easy weeknight meal."
• "I've made this soup several times and it always turns out perfectly."
• "This soup is so comforting and satisfying."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have fresh ham, you can use pre-cooked ham instead.
• You can add other vegetables to this soup, such as potatoes, green beans, or peas.
• If you want a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to the soup and cook until thickened.