Hearty tortellini soup is a comforting and satisfying dish packed with cheese-filled tortellini, flavorful broth, and wholesome vegetables. This one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights and is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter meal or a quick dinner option, this soup is sure to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Rich and Comforting – A warm and satisfying dish for chilly days.
- Customizable – Swap proteins, veggies, or broth to match your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.
- Kid-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Celery
- Diced tomatoes (canned)
- Tomato paste
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Italian seasoning
- Spinach or kale
- Ground sausage or shredded chicken (optional)
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Build the Broth:
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Stir in the tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 5-7 minutes).
- Add Greens and Finish:
- Stir in spinach or kale and let it wilt.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve:
- Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Creamy Tortellini Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for richness.
- Protein Boost: Add ground sausage, shredded chicken, or beans for extra protein.
- Vegetarian Option: Use vegetable broth and skip the meat.
- Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a spoonful of harissa.
- Different Greens: Swap spinach for kale, Swiss chard, or escarole.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without the tortellini for up to 3 months. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add extra broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just add it directly to the simmering soup and adjust the cooking time.
How do I prevent tortellini from getting mushy?
Cook the tortellini separately and add it to individual bowls before serving.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, adding the tortellini in the last 30 minutes.
What’s the best type of tortellini to use?
Cheese tortellini is classic, but you can also use meat or spinach-filled tortellini.
Can I add cream to make it richer?
Absolutely! Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream at the end for a creamy texture.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with gluten-free pasta.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 4-5 diced fresh tomatoes instead of canned.
What’s a good substitute for spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or even zucchini can work well.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, cook the tortellini separately and add it when serving.
What’s the best way to add extra flavor?
Try adding a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers or a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end.
Conclusion
Hearty tortellini soup is a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with flavor, texture, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a comforting dish the whole family will love. Whether you make it creamy, spicy, or protein-packed, this versatile soup will quickly become a favorite!
Print
Hearty Tortellini Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Hearty Tortellini Soup is a comforting, flavor-packed meal filled with tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a rich tomato broth. It’s an easy, one-pot dinner perfect for chilly nights. Serve it with crusty bread for a cozy meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the sausage – Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
- Sauté aromatics – Add diced onion and cook until soft (about 3 minutes). Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the broth – Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes.
- Add beans & greens – Stir in white beans (if using) and chopped spinach or kale. Let it cook until the greens wilt (about 2 minutes).
- Cook the tortellini – Add tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes).
- Make it creamy (optional) – Stir in heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Season & serve – Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot!
Notes
- Make it vegetarian: Swap sausage for mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Use frozen tortellini: Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Want more protein? Add shredded rotisserie chicken or extra beans.
- Spicy kick: Increase red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.