Craving a warm, comforting meal that comes together in a flash? This tortellini soup recipe is your answer for busy weeknights! You can whip up this rich, creamy, and satisfying dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for families. Packed with tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a savory broth, it’s a hearty meal everyone will adore. Get ready to add this easy recipe to your rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Soup Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this delightful tortellini soup recipe for so many reasons. It boasts a wonderfully creamy texture that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. This dish is incredibly quick and easy to make, delivering a full meal to your table in under 30 minutes. We use simple, fresh ingredients you likely already have or can easily find at any grocery store. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners on chilly evenings or whenever you need a quick, satisfying meal. Plus, this versatile soup adapts well to various occasions and dietary preferences.
Quick & Easy Creamy Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in vegetable broth until smooth. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes.
- Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Remove from heat. Stir in spinach, Parmesan, and heavy cream until spinach wilts and soup turns creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Ingredients
Gather these fresh and pantry staples to make your delicious creamy tortellini soup:
- Produce: 1 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1½ cups packed fresh spinach leaves, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves.
- Pantry: 1 Tablespoon olive oil, 1 Tablespoon butter, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 3 cups vegetable broth, 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, 8 ounces tomato sauce, ½ teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning, pinch crushed red pepper flakes (to taste).
- Dairy: 8 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini, ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ½ cup heavy cream (or half and half).
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste).
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility with many ingredients for this wonderful tortellini soup recipe. For the onion, use either yellow or white varieties. Fresh garlic always offers the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic works in a pinch. If you prefer, substitute chicken broth for the vegetable broth to add a different depth of flavor. Consider fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular ones for an extra smoky taste. For a lighter soup, use half & half instead of heavy cream. Any type of refrigerated cheese tortellini, be it three-cheese or another blend, will work perfectly in this recipe.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy tortellini soup recipe. Gather these kitchen essentials to get started:
- A large saucepan or Dutch oven
- A sturdy cutting board
- A sharp chef’s knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A whisk for smooth mixing
Instructions
Creating this flavorful creamy tortellini soup recipe is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the olive oil and butter to a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Place the pot over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the diced onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent.
- Next, add the minced garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir well and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the pot with the cooked aromatics. Stir continuously for 1 minute, cooking the flour to create a roux. This step helps thicken your soup.
- Build Broth: Gradually pour the vegetable broth into the pot while whisking constantly. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps of flour.
- Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, and Italian seasoning to the broth. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
- Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the broth and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
- Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup mixture to a gentle boil. Maintain this boil for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook Tortellini: Carefully add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the gently boiling soup. Stir gently to ensure the tortellini are submerged.
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions, which typically takes only a few minutes, until they are tender yet still al dente. Avoid overcooking them, as they will continue to soften slightly.
To achieve the desired texture, many culinary experts recommend draining pasta 2-3 minutes before the suggested cooking time on the packaging for a perfect al dente finish.
- Finish Soup: Remove the pot from the heat immediately after the tortellini are cooked. This prevents the delicate ingredients from curdling.
- Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the soup.
- Gently pour in the heavy cream (or half and half). Stir until the cream is fully combined and the soup has a rich, creamy consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the warm creamy tortellini soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil leaves for added aroma and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, comforting meal.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering this creamy tortellini soup recipe is simple with a few expert tips. To prevent your tortellini from becoming mushy, always add it last and cook only until tender, checking the package for exact times. If your soup is too thin, you can adjust the flour amount initially, or later, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and whisk it into the simmering soup until thickened. Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end; a little extra salt or a dash more Italian seasoning can make a big difference. Add the heavy cream only after removing the pot from the heat to prevent it from curdling. A common mistake is letting the soup boil after adding cream; this can cause it to separate.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile tortellini soup recipe offers many delightful possibilities for serving and adapting.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot bowls of this creamy soup with warm, crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- Offer extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil on the side for guests to add as they wish.
Storage Instructions
- Store any leftover creamy tortellini soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Note that the tortellini may absorb more liquid and soften further upon storage.
Freezing Instructions
- To freeze, prepare the soup base (everything except the tortellini, fresh spinach, and heavy cream). Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw the base, bring it to a gentle boil, then add fresh tortellini, spinach, and cream.
Recipe Variations
- Sausage Tortellini Soup: Brown ½ pound of Italian sausage with the onion for a heartier version. Drain any excess fat before adding garlic.
- Chicken Tortellini Soup: Stir in 1-2 cups of shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!) along with the spinach.
- Extra Veggies: Boost nutrition by adding diced carrots, celery, zucchini, or kale with the onion.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for more heat.
- Slow Cooker/Crockpot: Sauté the aromatics, then combine all ingredients except tortellini, spinach, and cream in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours. Add fresh tortellini, spinach, and cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
This comforting creamy tortellini soup recipe offers a delicious balance for your meal planning. Per serving (yields 4 servings), you can expect approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
This soup provides beneficial vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A from spinach and tomatoes, and a good source of calcium from the dairy. It’s a satisfying and relatively balanced option for a vegetarian comfort food meal.
FAQ
You might have a few questions about making this fantastic tortellini soup recipe. Here are some common inquiries.
What kind of tortellini is best for soup?
Refrigerated fresh tortellini is highly recommended for its tender texture and quick cooking time, perfect for this soup.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the broth base a day or two in advance. Add the fresh tortellini, spinach, and cream just before serving for the best texture.
How do I prevent the tortellini from getting mushy?
Add the tortellini right before serving and cook only until it’s al dente according to package directions, then remove from heat.
Is this soup spicy?
Only a small pinch of red pepper flakes is included in this recipe for a subtle warmth. Feel free to adjust the amount to match your personal spice preference.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! You can dice 2-3 medium fresh tomatoes and sauté them along with the onion for a fresher flavor profile.
Conclusion
This quick and easy creamy tortellini soup recipe truly delivers on comfort and flavor without demanding much of your time. It’s a delicious, satisfying meal that brings warmth and coziness to any table, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend lunch. We encourage you to try making this simple yet incredible soup for your family soon. Enjoy this creamy delight, and let us know what you think!
