One Christmas Eve, in Bologna Italy, a very long time ago, an innkeeper was excited to learn that Venus, goddess of beauty, was staying at his Inn. Curious, and wanting to see her beauty, he went to her room and peeked through the keyhole to get a glimpse of her. All he could see was her bellybotton, but it was the most beautiful bellybutton he had ever seen. Immediately, he rushed to recreate the sight – not in clay, not in marble, not on canvas, but in pasta, the medium he knew best. That’s why tortellini is often served in Italy on Christmas Eve. This luscious Christmas Eve Tortellini Soup is a great way to serve it, and everyone will love the flavors and colors.

While this soup can be made ahead, it’s a good idea to add the tortellini at the end so that it doesn’t overcook. Serve it with freshly baked Italian bread or focaccia. This soup is quick and easy, since it’s made creamy with the versatile Basic Cream Soup Mix.


18 Servings

6 ounces bacon, chopped

1 1/2 pounds chicken breast , cleaned of fat and veins and cut into 1/2" pieces
1 medium onion, chopped

10 cups chicken broth
2 cups Basic Cream Soup Mix.

3 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 1/2 pounds cheese filled tortellini, fresh or frozen
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 large green bell pepper, diced
1 large red bell pepper, diced

1. Cook the bacon in a large Dutch oven or soup pot.
2. Remove the bacon to drain.
3. Add the chicken breast pieces and onion; stir over medium-high heat until the chicken turns white.
4. Add the chicken broth and whisk in the cream soup mix.
5. Bring to a boil, whisking occasionally until slightly thickened.
6. Add the tortellini and cook 2 minutes; turn heat to low and add the drained bacon, whipping cream and green and red bell pepper.
7. Heat through and serve.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 324 Calories from Fat 160
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 49% Protein 20% Carb. 31%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 18 g
Saturated Fat 10 g
Cholesterol 72 mg
Sodium 1454 mg
Total Carbohydrate 25 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 1 g
Protein 16 g

Vitamin A 23% Vitamin C 50% Calcium 0% Iron 2%