NEW YEAR; NEW SOUP

It's been awhile since I had this soup at Macaroni Grill, so I can't compare but everyone here enjoyed it for lunch today. I will revisit MG soon and figure out how to tweak this recipe a bit more.

TOSCANA SOUP
adapted from Macaroni Grill

4 T          Olive oil
1 cup       Onion, chopped
2 cloves   Garlic, chopped
4 cups      Chicken broth
2 cups      Chicken breast, boneless and diced
2 cups      Tomatoes, diced**
16 oz       Tortellini or gnocchi
2 cups      Half-n-half or milk
2 cups      Fresh baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup    Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, shredded

1. Saute the onions and garlic in olive oil for about 5 minutes, or until onion becomes soft and transparent and garlic is golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic or it will taste bitter.
2. Add chicken broth. Turn up the heat and let it come to a boil.
3. After the broth is boiling, add the diced chicken, pasta, and chopped tomato.
4. Turn down the flame to simmer. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
5. Add the half-n-half or milk.
6. Add spinach last; stir until it wilts. Remove from heat
7. After serving the soup in individual bowls, top with grated Parmesan and basil.

** I use 14.5 oz. can of Hunts Fire-roasted tomatoes.