Creamy Ham and Tortellini Soup with White Beans

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 large onion,, chopped
• 1 celery rib,, chopped
• 1 carrot,, peeled and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves,, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chopped ham
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans,, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

Steps

1. 1

   Melt butter over medium heat in a large Dutch oven.

2. 2

   Add onion, celery, and carrots and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.

3. 3

   Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

4. 4

   Sprinkle flour over cooked veggies and stir and cook for 1 minute.

5. 5

   Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. Add bay leaf, black pepper, chicken bouillon, and ham and bring to a simmer.

6. 6

   Simmer for 20 minutes. Add white beans, parsley, and half-and-half.

7. 7

   When mixture returns to a simmer, add tortellini. Cook for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.