Frankly, I substituted everything but the broth. And added bacon because everything's better with bacon. ;) Our local store puts boxed locally-smoked (nitrate free!!!) bacon ends and pieces on sale fairly regularly, and I always try to buy a box, and I chop it up and use it in all sorts of things for added flavor and protein. The slices aren't pretty, but they're damn tasty, especially in soup.
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| Pulled from my pantry and super yummy! |
For my version...
About 1/3lb bacon, or big handful of ends and pieces
1 1/2 quarts chicken broth
1 8oz pkg dried cheese tortellini
1 14oz can chopped tomatoes (I used petite cut with oregano, onion and garlic, but any would work)
1T Ranch Dressing Mix (or a little dill weed)
1/2 8oz pkg cream cheese
Chop the bacon. In your soup pot, brown bacon until cooked. Add broth, deglaze, and bring to a boil. Add tortellini and boil until cooked al denté, about 15 min. Lower heat. Stir in tomatoes, ranch seasoning, and cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and serve!
