Tortellini Soup is the kind of meal that instantly warms you from the inside out and fills your kitchen with the coziest Italian aromas. Imagine plump cheese-filled pasta floating in a tomato-infused broth with tender veggies and fresh spinach—simple, hearty, and absolutely soul-soothing. This recipe comes together in just over half an hour but every spoonful tastes like it simmered all afternoon. If you’re in the mood for a nourishing bowl of comfort that brings the family together and doesn’t skimp on flavor, this Tortellini Soup is about to become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, each chosen for how they deepen flavor and brighten every bowl, making Tortellini Soup couldn’t be easier. These classic elements come together to create layers of taste and color, and you’ll notice how each one shines with every bite.
- Olive oil: The aromatic base that helps all the vegetables release their sweetness.
- Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Gives that foundational savory note and soft texture.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a punch of earthy good flavor—don’t skip it.
- Carrot (1, sliced): A hint of natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Celery (2 stalks, sliced): Brings fresh aroma and a tender crunch to the broth.
- Canned diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): Delivers acidity, richness, and a beautiful color to the soup base.
- Vegetable or chicken broth (4 cups): The foundation of your soup, choose whichever fits your mood (vegetarian or not).
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Brings a real Italian flair and fragrance.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Deepens the overall herbal note, marrying perfectly with basil.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (9 ounces): The star of the show—soft, cheesy, and satisfying.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Wilts down and adds a gentle, fresh green note.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, optional): A savory finishing touch that melts into the broth, if you desire.
How to Make Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat your olive oil in a big, sturdy pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sliced carrot, and celery. Sauté these veggies for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything turns beautifully soft and glossy. This gentle cooking coaxes out their natural sweetness and builds a lovely, fragrant foundation.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in your minced garlic and let it cook for just about a minute. You’ll notice the aroma instantly deepen—this quick sauté releases all the garlicky punch without burning it, which is key for a mellow, savory background.
Step 3: Create the Flavorful Broth
Add the diced tomatoes with all their juices, pour in your broth of choice, and sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Turn up the heat to bring the pot to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer. Let the mixture bubble away for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package directions, usually 5 to 7 minutes. The pasta will become pillowy and soak up all that delicious broth, making every bite extra satisfying.
Step 5: Add the Spinach
Just as the tortellini are almost finished, add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted—this only takes a minute or two. The bright green leaves will soften beautifully, finishing your soup with a nutritious touch and a burst of color.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste your Tortellini Soup and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle hot into bowls, and don’t forget to offer plenty of freshly grated Parmesan on top for a salty, cheesy finish that truly takes the soup over the top.
How to Serve Tortellini Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan is an absolute must for most, but fresh herbs like basil or parsley bring a welcome pop of color and brightness. A drizzle of robust extra virgin olive oil or a twist of cracked black pepper adds a restaurant-worthy touch right at home.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with a hunk of crusty bread—the golden kind perfect for soaking up the last drops of broth. If you want to add some veggies, a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully and keeps things light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special dinners, serve Tortellini Soup in small mugs or rustic bowls and top with Parmesan crisps or toasted pine nuts. An elegant touch: float a few tiny basil leaves or edible flowers over each bowl for a burst of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any extra Tortellini Soup cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The soup keeps well for up to three days—though the tortellini may absorb some extra broth, so consider adding a splash of water or stock when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing is possible, but for best results, freeze the soup before adding the tortellini and spinach, as the pasta can become mushy when thawed. When ready to eat, reheat the broth base and add fresh tortellini and spinach just before serving.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If the broth has thickened from overnight pasta soakage, simply add a splash more broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling to keep the tortellini tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when simmering the tortellini and make sure they’re cooked through before adding the spinach.
What proteins go well in Tortellini Soup?
Cooked Italian sausage, white beans, or even shredded rotisserie chicken are delicious additions—simply stir them in with the broth for extra heartiness.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Yes, use plant-based tortellini and skip the Parmesan, or opt for a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan cheese instead.
Can I add more vegetables to my Tortellini Soup?
Go for it! Zucchini, bell peppers, or kale can all be added before simmering the broth. Just be sure to chop them to similar sizes for even cooking.
How do I keep tortellini from getting mushy?
Try adding tortellini only to portions of soup you plan to serve immediately. If making ahead, store the tortellini and soup separately, combining just before reheating and serving for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that’s both effortless and impressive, this Tortellini Soup fits the bill. It’s the kind of dish that brings comfort with every spoonful—whether for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to share something special with friends. Try it out and discover just how delightful a simple soup can be!
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Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Tortellini Soup is a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for a cozy meal. Filled with cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth, it’s a simple and delicious recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additions:
- 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Sauté vegetables: Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook tortellini: Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 5–7 minutes.
- Add spinach: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can use meat or spinach tortellini for variety.
- Add cooked Italian sausage or white beans for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
