This Tortellini Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tasty cheese-filled tortellini, fresh veggies, and a rich broth, it’s comforting and delicious.
Whenever I make this soup, it feels like a cozy dinner party! Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll want to sit back and enjoy every slurp!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds richness and healthy fats to your soup. You can also use avocado oil or butter if you prefer. I love the flavor that olive oil brings, but feel free to switch it up!
Onion: A finely chopped small onion adds sweetness. If you’re short on onions, shallots or leeks work well too. I often use yellow onions, but red onions can add a nice color!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives great flavor. If you don’t have garlic cloves, garlic powder (1/8 tsp per clove) can work in a pinch. Just remember fresh has more kick!
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Homemade broth is best, but store-bought works, too. For a vegetarian option, stick with vegetable broth. Bone broth can also enrich the flavor!
Crushed Tomatoes: Canned tomatoes are ideal for this soup. Diced tomatoes can work if you want a chunkier texture. I personally love using fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth!
Heavy Cream: This gives the soup its creamy texture. You can substitute with half-and-half, whole milk, or a plant-based cream if you’re dairy-free.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is essential, but you could use other types like spinach or meat-filled tortellini as well. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free tortellini.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds color and nutrients. Kale or Swiss chard are great substitutes if you want something heartier!
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Has Great Flavor?
Building flavor in this tortellini soup is crucial! Start with sautéing the onion and garlic to release their natural sweetness. It’s a tasty base for your soup. Don’t rush this step!
- Use medium heat, so the onions soften without burning.
- Add the broth and crushed tomatoes, then let everything simmer to meld those flavors. Patience is key here!
- Season well with salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Always taste your soup and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving!
Once your soup is ready, the creamy addition makes it rich. Remember to add spinach last to keep it vibrant and fresh!
Delicious Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 package (9-12 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious tortellini soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. Total, you’ll need about 30 minutes before you can enjoy a hearty bowl of this comforting soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir it occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells fragrant!
3. Combine the Base:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine the flavors. This is going to form the delicious base of your soup!
4. Season the Soup:
Add the dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Make it Creamy:
Stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and mix until the soup is creamy and smooth. The creaminess makes the soup super comforting!
6. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook as per package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top and are tender.
7. Add Fresh Spinach:
Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the fresh spinach and let it cook until it wilts, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh sliced basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This adds that lovely finishing touch!
9. Enjoy!
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting tortellini soup. It’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you need a little warmth!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini Instead of Refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just add the frozen tortellini directly to the pot and increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes as needed. They should float to the top when they’re done!
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream, such as coconut cream or almond milk. You could also blend some soaked cashews with water for a creamy texture!
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just chop them small and add them when you sauté the onion to ensure they cook through.
