It’s that time of year when the temperature drops and you find yourself craving something warm and satisfying.
In my blog, I’ve shared some of my favorite cold-weather comfort foods – Chinese dumplings for those cozy weekend cooking sessions, tortellini when you want something a bit fancy, and hearty beef stew for those lazy Sunday afternoons.
Today, I’m excited to introduce another recipe that’s become my absolute lifesaver: this incredibly comforting ravioli soup that’s quick, simple, and incredibly easy to cook. Whether you’re putting together a quick meal prep for your lunch break or scrambling to get a busy weeknight dinner on the table, this one fits perfectly into any schedule.
I usually make a big batch and pack it with a little crusty bread – it gives me just enough carbs to power through a long day shift, and honestly, there’s something so comforting about having a thermos of homemade soup waiting for you during a hectic day.
The best part? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, and it comes together in less time than it takes to decide what to order for takeout.
Now that we’ve covered all the delicious possibilities for your family feast, let’s dive into the recipe that’ll be the star of your table!
This hearty and comforting soup features tender ravioli swimming in a flavorful broth with colorful vegetables and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- For the Soup Base:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (optional, if you prefer a less clear broth)
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme sprigs)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Ravioli:
1 (20-25 ounce) package fresh or frozen ravioli (cheese, spinach, or mushroom work well)
- For Garnish:
Fresh dill, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Directions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Broth: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. If using, add the diced tomatoes.
- Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Cook Ravioli: Add the ravioli to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 3-7 minutes for fresh ravioli or a bit longer for frozen, until they are al dente and float to the top.
- Add Peas and Season: Stir in the frozen peas and dried thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the peas are heated through. Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with plenty of fresh chopped dill and, if desired, fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Ways to Make It Your Own
Want to switch things up? Here are some of my favorite tweaks that really make this soup shine:
For extra heartiness, try tossing in some shredded rotisserie chicken, homemade mini meatballs, or a can of cannellini beans. It transforms the soup into a proper meal that’ll keep you satisfied.
To sneak in more veggies, I love wilting a big handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale right at the end – just stir it in during the last couple minutes and watch it melt into the broth. Your future self will thank you for the extra nutrition.
Feeling like some heat? A generous pinch of red pepper flakes while everything’s simmering adds just the right amount of warmth without overwhelming the other flavors.
For those cozy, comfort-food vibes, swirl in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of good pesto right before serving. It creates this beautiful, velvety finish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
And don’t forget about herbs! While the recipe might call for one thing, I’ve had great luck experimenting with fresh chives for a mild oniony note, or torn basil leaves for something more aromatic and bright.
Perfect Menu for Family Gatherings
If you’re planning a family gathering, tortellini or ravioli soup makes a wonderful centerpiece because it’s both comforting and elegant – plus everyone can customize their bowl with their favorite pasta shapes. For bigger gatherings, why not make both? I love pairing it with creamy pumpkin pasta (the colors look gorgeous together), a crisp Caesar salad, and of course French fries or fried chicken for the kids who need their familiar favorites.
Bread is always a winner – a crusty sourdough or Italian bread for dipping is classic, but garlic bread takes it to the next level. I also love those soft dinner rolls that soak up every last drop of broth.
Cheese and charcuterie work wonderfully too. A small antipasto plate with some sliced salami, fresh mozzarella, olives, and maybe a few roasted peppers turns dinner into something special without much extra effort. It gives people something to nibble on while the soup finishes simmering, and honestly, watching everyone gather around the cheese board with wine glasses in hand is half the magic of family dinners.
I love when the big family gathers together, especially on New Year’s Eve and Christmas – we eat and share our stories, and somehow those steaming bowls and shared plates create this perfect backdrop for catching up, laughing, and making new memories together.
The beauty of this kind of spread is that it satisfies everyone – from the adventurous eaters who’ll try everything to the picky ones who stick to what they know.
So gather your loved ones, fill those bowls with warmth, and let the delicious chaos of family dinner unfold. Here’s to full bellies, fuller hearts, and memories made one shared meal at a time. Happy cooking!
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