Mary KellyAs someone who lives and breathes food, there’s a special place in my heart for creamy dishes that bring warmth and comfort—especially when the weather turns chilly. One of my absolute favorites is creamy tortellini soup.
Imagine a bowl of velvety goodness, filled with tender cheese tortellini, vibrant veggies, and fragrant herbs. It’s like a warm embrace on a cold day.
Before diving into the delightful recipe, let’s take a moment to think about what pairs beautifully with this soup. Crusty bread is a natural companion; it’s perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, creamy broth.
You’ve just ladled a generous portion of soup into your bowl, a piece of warm, buttered bread ready to take a dip. The flavors unite in a most satisfying way!
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What is Creamy Tortellini Soup?
Creamy tortellini soup is a comforting Italian-inspired dish that combines cheese-filled tortellini with a rich, creamy base. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures, made even more delicious with the addition of vegetables and savory herbs.
The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility; it’s easy to prepare and makes for a hearty meal any time of the year.
Let’s get into what makes this dish so special—its ingredients!
The Ingredients
This soup is a medley of fresh, wholesome ingredients designed to create a delightful dining experience. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups rich vegetable stock
- 8 ounces tomato puree or thick tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup plain flour (all-purpose)
- 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 8 ounces fresh cheese tortellini (refrigerated variety)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half & half, as preferred
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 can diced tomatoes with their juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced or crushed
- 1 teaspoon of classic Italian herb mix
- 1½ cups baby spinach leaves, gently packed
- ½ teaspoon dried sweet basil
- ¼ cup freshly chopped basil leaves
How to Make Creamy Tortellini Soup
With these ingredients ready to go, let’s dive into the process. Making creamy tortellini soup is not only easy, but it’s also a delightful activity. Trust me; you’ll be glad you did!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step lays a flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Create the Base
Once the onions are soft, sprinkle in the flour. Stir it around for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the vegetable stock, ensuring there are no lumps. This will create a delicious broth to carry all the flavors!
Step 3: Add in Tomatoes and Seasonings
Next, pour in the tomato puree and the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Season with salt, cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, and the Italian herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all those lovely flavors to meld.
Step 4: Incorporate Tortellini
After about 10 minutes of simmering, it’s time for the tortellini. Add them and let them cook until they are tender, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top—nature’s way of saying, “Dig in!”
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Spinach
Once the tortellini is ready, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cream to warm throughout the soup. Finish with a sprinkling of freshly chopped basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve it hot!
Notes
Here are some handy tips to elevate your creamy tortellini soup experience:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and garlic make a huge difference.
- Adjust cream level: Go lighter or heavier on cream based on your preference.
- Dairy Free Option: Use coconut milk in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Optimal Tortellini Texture: Be mindful not to overcook the tortellini; they should be just right!
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or zucchini to suit your taste!
Storage Tips
Storing leftover creamy tortellini soup?
You can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Then, pack it in a freezer-safe container. It should last for about 3 months.
Just remember to reheat gently when ready to serve, as reheating too fast can alter the texture.
Nutrition Information
Creamy tortellini soup nutrition facts
Serving Suggestions
Here are five ideas for how to serve creamy tortellini soup:
- With Crusty Bread: This classic pairing is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the soup. A warm, crusty baguette is especially delightful.
- Garnished with Extra Basil: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for color and flavor. The freshness will brighten up every bowl.
- Side Salad of Mixed Greens: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup beautifully.
- Sprinkle of Chili Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of kick, adding red pepper flakes can boost the flavor profile.
- With a Grated Cheese Topping: A little extra shredded Parmesan cheese on top transforms the bowl. Who doesn’t love more cheese?
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Creamy Tortellini Soup?
- Frozen Cheese Tortellini: If fresh isn’t available, frozen works just as well. Just remember to extend the cooking time.
- Vegetable Broth: Use this instead of vegetable stock for a lighter flavor.
- Canned Coconut Milk: For a creamy yet dairy-free option, this can enhance the richness without the dairy.
- Chopped Kale or Swiss Chard: Spinach can be swapped for kale or chard for a heartier green with a different texture.
- Other Pasta Types: If you can’t find tortellini, try using bowties or shells. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add in the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step lays a flavorful foundation for your soup.
- Once the onions are soft, sprinkle in the flour. Stir it around for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the vegetable stock, ensuring there are no lumps. This will create a delicious broth to carry all the flavors!
- Next, pour in the tomato puree and the canned diced tomatoes with their juice. Season with salt, cracked black pepper, smoked paprika, and the Italian herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing all those lovely flavors to meld.
- After about 10 minutes of simmering, it’s time for the tortellini. Add them and let them cook until they are tender, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- You’ll know they’re done when they float to the top—nature’s way of saying, “Dig in!”
- Once the tortellini is ready, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and baby spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt and the cream to warm throughout the soup. Finish with a sprinkling of freshly chopped basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve it hot!
Nutrition
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and garlic make a huge difference.
- Adjust cream level: Go lighter or heavier on cream based on your preference.
- Dairy Free Option: Use coconut milk in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Optimal Tortellini Texture: Be mindful not to overcook the tortellini; they should be just right!
- Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like carrots or zucchini to suit your taste!
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make it a day in advance. Just reheat before serving.
Can I add protein to creamy tortellini soup?
Yes! Cooked chicken, sausage, or beans would make excellent additions for extra protein.
What if I can’t find cheese tortellini?
No worries! Most types of pasta can be substituted; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make this soup lighter in calories?
You can use a lower-fat milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese quantity.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Definitely! The creamy texture and cheesy tortellini make it a hit with children, plus you can sneak in extra veggies.
Conclusion
Creamy tortellini soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm and inviting bowl of happiness that can brighten any day. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy night in or serving it at a gathering, this dish never fails to impress.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a delightful recipe that anyone can master. So gather your fresh ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and whip up a pot of this delicious soup. Enjoy every spoonful!
