As the air turns crisp and leaves crunch underfoot, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of warm, hearty soup. One of our most requested fall recipes, this Creamy Tortellini Soup is everything a cozy meal should be rich, creamy, and packed with tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and warming herbs. It’s the kind of soup that brings everyone to the table, from busy weeknights to lazy Sunday dinners.
Why do readers love it? It’s fast, foolproof, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s a perfect make-ahead meal, and the flavors deepen overnight. This soup isn’t just a meal it’s a hug in a bowl.
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Creamy Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A warm and hearty soup packed with cheese tortellini, fresh veggies, and a creamy, flavorful broth. This cozy fall favorite is quick to make and even better the next day.
Ingredients
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Olive oil or butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir in Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Add tortellini and cook for 5–7 minutes or until tender.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Warm through without boiling.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with Parmesan on top.
Notes
To add protein, mix in cooked chicken, beans, or Italian sausage. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan. Avoid overcooking tortellini to prevent mushiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, but the result feels like something special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen works just adjust cook time accordingly.
- Olive oil or butter
- Yellow onion, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Carrots, peeled and sliced
- Celery stalks, chopped
- Vegetable or chicken broth (use low-sodium for better control)
- Heavy cream or coconut cream
- Crushed tomatoes
- Italian seasoning, dried basil, oregano
- Fresh spinach or kale
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Tip: You can also add cooked chicken or beans for extra protein, similar to what we’ve done in our Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup and Cabbage Fat Burning Soup Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté your aromatics
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté until tender, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute. - Build your broth
Pour in broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir in Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes to meld the flavors. - Cook the tortellini
Add the tortellini directly into the simmering soup. Cook until tender usually 5–7 minutes, depending on your brand. - Finish creamy
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Let it warm through, but avoid boiling. Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted. - Taste and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded Parmesan.
If you like creamy soups with unexpected ingredients, check out our Asparagus Soup Recipe or comforting Hash Brown Soup Recipe.
Tips for Creamy Soup Success
- Don’t overcook the tortellini. It should be tender but not mushy.
- Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pot. It helps distribute heat evenly and prevents scorching.
- Stir in cream last. Adding dairy too early can cause curdling, especially if the soup is boiling.
- Fresh vs. frozen tortellini: Frozen works beautifully but adds a few more minutes to the cook time.
- Want it thicker? Add a slurry of 1 tablespoon flour with 2 tablespoons broth, stir in before the tortellini.
Looking for a veggie-packed option? You might love our Velveeta Broccoli Cheese Soup for its ultra-creamy texture and kid-friendly flavor.
Variations to Try
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tortellini or switch to gluten-free gnocchi.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut cream instead of dairy, and swap cheese tortellini for a vegan pasta. Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Add-ins: Chicken, white beans, or cooked Italian sausage are fantastic here.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Fans of heat might enjoy our Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup too.
If you enjoy cozy, global-inspired soup recipes, browse our Asian Noodle Soup Guide next for more ideas.
Storage and Meal Prep
This Creamy Tortellini Soup stores like a dream, making it ideal for make-ahead meals or lunch leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight.
- Freezing: Not recommended with dairy and pasta. But you can freeze the base without the cream and tortellini. Add those fresh when reheating.
- Reheating: Gently warm over low heat. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Want more warm, hearty soup inspiration? Our Autumn Squash Soup is a fall favorite with similar comforting vibes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen tortellini for this soup?
Yes! Just adjust the cook time by 1–2 minutes longer than fresh.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use coconut cream or a plain non-dairy creamer. Be sure to choose unsweetened.
Will the tortellini get mushy if I store it?
Tortellini can soften in the fridge. To avoid this, cook and store it separately, then add before serving.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely. Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage works great. Try inspiration from our Chicken Potato Soup Recipes.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about a bowl of soup that warms your belly and fills your kitchen with comforting aromas. This Creamy Tortellini Soup is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a staple. It’s easy, adaptable, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal-prepping for the week, this soup delivers every time.
Stay warm, stay cozy and if you’re craving more comfort, don’t miss our creamy Tomato Soup Guide.