100 Days of Pinning: The MOST Amazing Soup!

I apologize for my week long hiatus, but I was in Disney World on vacation with my family. However, I PROMISE this recipe will make up for the wait!

This amazing soup, which we simply call "Tortellini Soup," was adapted from a Taste of Home recipe a few years back, titled "Holiday Tortellini Soup." The original combined my two favorite things: Bacon and cheese tortellini. I understand why they titled it Holiday Tortellini Soup.... because this soup is a major crowd pleaser, and I have made it for many holiday celebrations. However, my healthy adaptations over the years, in my opinion, have made this easy crowd-pleaser into a regular in the Lopez household.... and hopefully yours, too.

Ingredients: (MY version)
1 tbsp olive oil
6 strips turkey bacon
1 cup diced yellow onion (about 1 medium onion)
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 large can (49 1/2 oz.) of chicken broth
2 tsp. italian seasoning
1 package whole wheat cheese tortellini (Bertolli makes the BEST)
1 can (14.5 oz.) petite diced tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz.) tomato sauce
2 to 3 heaping handfuls of fresh baby spinach (about 1/2 a standard pre-packed bag)
salt & pepper to taste
shredded mozzarella cheese (for garnish)

(Note: If you prefer the fatty version - also amazing - use real bacon and flour tortellini..... just be sure to drain the bacon before adding in the onions, etc. in the steps below)

Begin by heating the olive oil to medium in a large pot. Chop your bacon as it heats.

Add the bacon to the pot and allow it to crisp (about 3-4 minutes). Add your diced onion; cook 3-4 minutes, or until soft. Then add garlic and cook one more minute. (Already the aroma of this soup will have you drooling)

Add the chicken broth and italian seasoning; bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Then, drain.