Delicious Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

Updated on: December 17, 2025

Creamy tortellini soup recipe with spinach, parmesan, and fresh herbs in a white bowl.

Get ready for a heartwarming meal that truly delivers on comfort and flavor! This amazing tortellini soup recipe features tender cheese tortellini swimming in a rich, creamy tomato-based broth with fresh spinach. It’s a perfect weeknight solution for busy parents and beginner cooks alike, ready in under 30 minutes. You’ll love how simple yet incredibly satisfying this delicious soup truly is!

Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Soup Recipe

You’ll quickly fall in love with this creamy tortellini soup recipe for so many great reasons. It’s designed to make your life easier and your meals more delicious.

Quick and Easy: Whip up this comforting meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Hearty and Satisfying: Loaded with cheesy tortellini and vegetables, it’s a complete meal in one bowl.
Packed with Savory Flavors: A rich, creamy tomato broth seasoned with Italian herbs ensures incredible taste.
Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite proteins or extra veggies.
Beginner-Friendly: Simple, step-by-step instructions make this a foolproof choice for any cook.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create your comforting tortellini soup recipe. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of delicious flavor. This list ensures you have everything needed for a perfect bowl of homemade goodness.

1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 Tablespoon butter
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups vegetable broth
14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
8 ounces tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 ounces cheese tortellini (the refrigerated kind)
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach leaves (packed)
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this tortellini soup recipe to suit your pantry and preferences. Feel free to get creative with these suggestions.

Tortellini Types: Use fresh or frozen tortellini. Adjust cooking time for frozen tortellini as needed; it usually takes a few extra minutes.
Broth Alternatives: Swap vegetable broth for chicken or even beef broth for a different flavor profile.
Cream vs. Half-and-Half: Heavy cream makes the soup richer. Use half-and-half for a slightly lighter consistency without sacrificing creaminess.
Additional Vegetables: Boost nutrition by adding chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini when sautéing the onion.
Spice Adjustments: Increase or decrease red pepper flakes to control the heat level. A little goes a long way.

Equipment

You won’t need much specialized gear to make this easy tortellini soup recipe. Basic kitchen tools are all it takes to prepare this delicious meal.

Large pot or Dutch oven (at least 5-quart)
Cutting board and sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle for serving
Whisk (for smooth roux)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious tortellini soup recipe a huge success. Each stage is broken down to ensure a smooth cooking process, even for beginners. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic, homemade meal in no time!

Prep Ingredients: Start by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. Measure out all your spices and liquids so they are ready to go. This mise en place makes the cooking process much smoother.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the olive oil and butter to a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the butter melts and the oil shimmers, you are ready for the next step.
Cook Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This step builds a foundational flavor for your tortellini soup.
Add Garlic & Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour.
Build Roux: Stir the flour constantly for one minute, cooking out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux, which will thicken your tortellini soup recipe beautifully.
Incorporate Liquids: Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps form. Next, pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Keep whisking until everything is well combined and smooth.
Season the Base: Add the dried basil and Italian seasoning to the pot. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well to integrate all the spices into the liquid base.
Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. Taste the broth and adjust seasonings if needed.

Tasting Table explains that Italian seasoning typically combines dried herbs such as oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, offering a versatile blend for many dishes.

Cook Tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, typically for 2-4 minutes, until the tortellini are tender but still firm. Do not overcook them.
Remove from Heat: Once the tortellini are cooked through, immediately remove the pot from the heat. This prevents the tortellini from becoming mushy and helps preserve the texture of the spinach.
Stir in Cream & Cheese: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves until they wilt, which happens quickly. Then, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir until everything is well incorporated and creamy.
Finish with Fresh Basil: Finally, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves. The fresh basil adds a wonderful aromatic finish to this creamy tortellini soup.
Serve Warm: Ladle the delicious creamy tortellini soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprig of fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your homemade creation!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the best results with your tortellini soup recipe by following these expert tips. These suggestions help enhance flavors and prevent common cooking mishaps, ensuring a perfect bowl every time.

Do Not Overcook Tortellini: Overcooked tortellini become mushy. Cook just until tender, typically 2-4 minutes for refrigerated varieties. Remove from heat promptly.

To avoid mushy pasta, This Gal Cooks provides a comprehensive guide on how to properly cook tortellini, highlighting the importance of not overcooking, whether fresh or frozen.

Taste and Adjust Seasonings Often: Seasoning is key to a flavorful soup. Taste the broth before adding tortellini and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Prevent Cream from Curdling: Temper the cream by whisking a small amount of hot soup into it before adding it to the main pot. This gradually brings the cream’s temperature up, preventing curdling.
Properly Brown Onions for Flavor: Take your time browning the onions. This step caramelizes them slightly, adding depth and sweetness to the soup base.
Freeze Leftovers Effectively: If freezing, cook the tortellini separately or slightly undercook them. This prevents them from becoming too soft when reheated.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This versatile tortellini soup recipe offers many possibilities beyond the basic bowl. Explore different ways to serve, store, and customize your creation for endless enjoyment.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your delicious tortellini soup with these easy additions.

Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or soft garlic knots for dipping into the rich broth.
Garnish: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of good olive oil, or fresh basil leaves makes a beautiful finish.
Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly complements the hearty soup.

Storage

Proper storage helps maintain the freshness and flavor of your creamy tortellini soup.

Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick.
Freezing: This tortellini soup recipe freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Variations

Get creative and make this homemade tortellini soup truly your own!

Add Cooked Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, browned Italian sausage, or mini meatballs for a heartier meal.
Incorporate Different Vegetables: Wilt in kale or Swiss chard, or add chopped zucchini or bell peppers along with the onions.
Flavor Boosts: Swirl in a spoonful of pesto or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor.
Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Nutrition Information

This estimated nutrition information is provided for one serving of this creamy tortellini soup recipe. Values can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. This information is intended as a general guide.

Nutrient	Per Serving (approx.)
Calories	350-400
Total Fat	18-22g
Saturated Fat	10-12g
Cholesterol	40-50mg
Sodium	800-900mg
Total Carbs	30-35g
Dietary Fiber	4-5g
Sugars	6-8g
Protein	12-15g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate. It can vary significantly based on ingredients, preparation methods, and serving sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Find quick answers to common questions about this delightful tortellini soup recipe. These insights help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and successful.

Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, you can definitely use frozen tortellini. Just add it directly to the soup and increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes or until tender.
Is this soup freezer-friendly? This soup freezes well, but the tortellini can become a bit softer upon reheating. For best results, undercook the tortellini slightly if you plan to freeze it.
How can I make it vegetarian? This recipe is already vegetarian if you use vegetable broth! Simply ensure your Parmesan cheese is vegetarian (made without animal rennet).
Can I make it dairy-free? You can try substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free creamer, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The texture and flavor will differ slightly.
What if my soup is too thick? If your soup becomes too thick for your liking, simply whisk in an additional splash of vegetable broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This creamy tortellini soup recipe truly embodies quick comfort food at its best. With its rich, flavorful broth, tender tortellini, and fresh spinach, it’s a dish that satisfies both the palate and the soul. We hope you feel inspired to whip up this easy meal for your family soon. It’s a perfect example of making simple, delicious food accessible for every home cook!