If you’re searching for the ultimate cozy comfort meal, look no further than this Tortellini Soup Recipe. It’s a one-pot wonder loaded with pillowy cheese tortellini, vibrant vegetables, leafy greens, and a broth so rich and savory, it’ll warm you from the inside out. The best part? You can have this flavorful Italian-inspired soup on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays alike. Whether you’re craving something hearty, nutritious, and just a little bit indulgent, this Tortellini Soup Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few simple, everyday ingredients can create such a deeply satisfying bowl of comfort. Each component in this Tortellini Soup Recipe plays an essential part, adding color, flavor, and just the right amount of texture to every spoonful.
- Olive oil: Gives the veggies a rich, fragrant base to sauté in and adds a lovely, subtle flavor.
- Yellow onion: Diced onion brings sweetness and depth to the soup’s foundation.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses every bite with irresistible aroma and a classic Italian flair.
- Carrots: Their natural sweetness and bright orange color cheer up the bowl and balance the flavors.
- Celery: Sliced celery adds a gentle crunch and savory notes, making the broth taste complete.
- Dried Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon provides all the herby flavor you need for that authentic, homey taste.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient, tying everything together. Adjust to your liking.
- Black pepper: Delivers a gentle heat without overpowering the soup—perfectly balanced.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Adds tang, color, and a bit of body to the broth; canned tomatoes are ideal for convenience.
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Forms the soul-soothing, savory base of the soup—choose your favorite!
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star of the show—tender, cheesy little pasta pockets that soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Fresh spinach: Stirred in at the end, this adds vibrant color, tender texture, and a boost of nutrients.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the hot broth for salty, creamy richness in every bite.
- Optional red pepper flakes and chopped parsley: Sprinkle these on top for a touch of heat and a fresh, herby finish.
How to Make Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté them together for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the onions look translucent and the carrots and celery have softened a bit. This aromatic base gives the Tortellini Soup Recipe its comforting, homestyle flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Sprinkle in your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, and let it cook for just 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and the spices release their aroma. Trust me, once you smell this, you’ll know you’re on the way to something delicious!
Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and your broth of choice. Increase the heat slightly to bring everything up to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it all simmer for about 10 minutes. This melds the flavors beautifully and deepens the soup’s rich color.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
It’s tortellini time! Add the cheese tortellini straight into the simmering broth. They’ll only need about 4 to 6 minutes—just follow the instructions on the package. You’ll know they’re ready when they float to the top and become perfectly tender. Don’t wander off; nobody likes overcooked pasta!
Step 5: Add Spinach and Cheese
Now, stir in those two cups of fresh spinach and let them wilt into the hot soup for about 1 to 2 minutes. Finish this step by stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into the broth for luscious, creamy flavor. Give everything a taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Your Tortellini Soup Recipe is ready to be ladled up and enjoyed piping hot.
How to Serve Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your bowl with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, and a shower of fresh chopped parsley. These finishing touches add color and extra pops of flavor, making each bowl look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair your Tortellini Soup Recipe with a crusty baguette or a slice of warm, garlic-rubbed Italian bread for dunking. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a simple antipasto platter with olives and cheese also makes a fantastic companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in oversized mugs for a cozy, casual vibe or ladle it into shallow bowls and top with homemade croutons. For a dinner party, offer assorted toppings—like tiny mozzarella balls, basil ribbons, or sun-dried tomatoes—so everyone can customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the soup has cooled completely, transfer it to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tortellini might soak up a bit of the broth as it sits, but that only makes it heartier—just add an extra splash of broth when reheating if desired.
Freezing
For best results, freeze the soup before adding the tortellini and spinach, as the pasta can soften too much and the greens may turn mushy. Freeze the base in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then simply reheat and add fresh tortellini and spinach when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
Warm individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave in a bowl, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. If the soup thickens, stir in a little extra broth or water to reach your ideal consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works beautifully in this Tortellini Soup Recipe. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time as needed, and check the package instructions to be sure.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply use vegetable broth and ensure your cheese tortellini is vegetarian-friendly. It’ll still be wonderfully flavorful and hearty.
Can I add protein to make it more filling?
For a protein boost, add cooked Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even cannellini beans right before simmering. These additions make the Tortellini Soup Recipe extra satisfying, especially for hungry eaters.
What can I use instead of spinach?
If spinach isn’t your favorite, swap it for kale, escarole, or even Swiss chard. Just chop your greens and add them a few minutes before the soup is done so they wilt nicely.
How can I keep the tortellini from getting mushy?
To avoid overcooked pasta, cook the tortellini just until tender and try to add it right before serving. If you know you’ll have leftovers, store the soup and tortellini separately and combine them when reheating.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope this Tortellini Soup Recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. With its quick prep, vibrant flavors, and soul-soothing comfort, it’s a dish worth adding to your regular rotation. Give it a try the next time you need a delicious dinner in a pinch—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can become an instant family favorite!
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Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Tortellini Soup recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that comes together quickly in one pot. Filled with cheese tortellini, nutritious vegetables, and savory broth, it’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant.
- Cook Soup: Add tomatoes and broth, simmer, then add tortellini and cook until tender.
- Finish Soup: Add spinach, Parmesan, adjust seasoning, and serve hot garnished with more cheese, red pepper flakes, or parsley.
Notes
- Add cooked sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier soup.
- Swap spinach for kale or escarole if preferred.
- Use frozen tortellini, adjusting cook time as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
