Stuffed Pasta in Broth / Tortellini in Brodo

Tortellini can be stuffed with meat, cheese, or even some types of vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms. Any kind of filling will work for this dish.

2 14½-oz. cans vegetable broth*
9 oz. fresh or frozen tortellini
¼ c. chopped fresh parsley
½ c. grated Parmesan cheese
pepper to taste

1. Bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Add the tortellini and lower heat to medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender but still firm.
2. Divide the soup among 4 individual bowls. Sprinkle each serving with parsley, Parmesan cheese, and pepper. Serve hot.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 7 to 10 minutes
Serves 4

*Some cooks like to liven up this simple soup by adding ingredients to the broth. Try adding a cup of frozen peas at the same time that you add the tortellini. Or, in the last two or three minutes of cooking, add one 14½-oz. can of stewed tomatoes or a thawed and drained package of frozen spinach. For a spicier dish, sauté a chopped medium onion or a minced clove of garlic and add it to the broth before boiling.