Introduction
If you are looking for a comforting and delicious soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, tortellini soup is exactly what you need. This soup combines the cheesy goodness of tortellini pasta with a rich, flavorful broth filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
It is a dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. The best part is that this soup is incredibly versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste or what you have in the pantry.
Whether you prefer a light vegetable broth or a creamy base, tortellini soup adapts beautifully. It is not only filling but also packed with nutrients from the fresh veggies.
The tender, cheesy tortellini adds a satisfying bite that turns a simple soup into a hearty meal. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You can whip this up even when you are short on time but still want something homemade and nourishing.
If you have never tried tortellini soup before, you are in for a treat. This recipe will guide you through the ingredients and steps to create a flavorful and wholesome dish everyone will love. It’s comfort food at its finest and can easily become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients Needed
For this tortellini soup, you will need just a handful of simple ingredients. Most of these you might already have in your kitchen.
The star of the show is the cheese tortellini. You can find it fresh or frozen in most grocery stores. It cooks quickly and melts in your mouth.
Fresh vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and spinach add color, texture, and nutrition. The chicken broth brings everything together with a savory base. If you want a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works just as well.
Garlic and Italian seasoning add warmth and depth of flavor. Lastly, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice salty finish.
Here is a quick table showing the main ingredients and their approximate calorie counts so you can keep track of your meal’s nutrition:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese tortellini | 12 ounces (340 grams) | 900 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium | 44 |
| Carrots (diced) | 2 medium | 50 |
| Celery (diced) | 2 stalks | 20 |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | 13 |
| Chicken broth (low sodium) | 6 cups | 90 |
| Diced tomatoes (canned) | 1 can (14.5 ounces) | 70 |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups | 14 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | 5 |
| Salt and pepper | to taste | 0 |
| Parmesan cheese (optional) | 1/4 cup | 110 |
These ingredients come together to make about 6 servings of soup. The calorie counts are approximate and will vary slightly depending on the brands and exact measurements you use.
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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making tortellini soup is straightforward and does not require advanced cooking skills.
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. These three vegetables form the base flavor and bring a subtle sweetness to the soup.
Cook them for about five minutes until they soften and become fragrant. This step is important because it helps develop the soup’s flavor from the ground up.
Next, add minced garlic to the pot and stir for about one minute. Garlic cooks quickly and can burn if left too long, so keep an eye on it.
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juice. The broth adds richness while the tomatoes contribute acidity and brightness.
Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The seasoning blend usually contains herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, which give the soup a classic Italian flavor.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the cheese tortellini.
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook the tortellini for about five to seven minutes or until they are tender but still hold their shape. Keep stirring occasionally so the pasta does not stick to the bottom of the pot.
After the tortellini is cooked, add fresh spinach. Spinach wilts quickly, so stir it in and cook for only about two minutes until it softens.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper makes all the difference.
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls. If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
The cheese melts slightly and adds a delicious savory note. Now your homemade tortellini soup is ready to enjoy.
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Tips for Customizing the Recipe
One of the best things about this tortellini soup is how easy it is to customize.
If you want a vegetarian soup, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth.
You can also add protein by tossing in cooked shredded chicken or Italian sausage.
Beans like cannellini or kidney beans work well too and make the soup more filling.
If you prefer a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
For a creamier version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. This creates a rich, velvety texture that feels indulgent.
Feel free to add other vegetables you like or have on hand. Zucchini, mushrooms, or kale are great choices. These boost nutrition and add different textures and flavors.
Another idea is to experiment with different herbs. Fresh basil or parsley works wonderfully as a garnish and brings freshness to the soup.
The key is to keep the cooking time and process simple, but allow the ingredients to shine in whatever way you prefer.
Nutritional Information
This tortellini soup recipe is balanced and provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
Each serving generally contains between 280 and 350 calories depending on portion size and any custom additions you make.
The cheese tortellini provides protein and calcium, while the vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The olive oil contributes healthy fats, and the broth keeps the soup hydrating and light.
Using low sodium broth helps control the salt content, making the dish heart healthy.
Spinach adds iron and antioxidants, supporting your overall nutrition.
Because you can easily add more protein or vegetables, this soup works well as part of a nutritious meal plan.
It satisfies hunger without feeling heavy or greasy.
The moderate calorie count means you can enjoy a generous bowl and feel good about what you are eating.
Serving Suggestions
Tortellini soup is perfect on its own as a complete meal, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides.
Serve it with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread.
The bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds a crisp texture.
If you want to make the meal more substantial, add roasted vegetables or a side of sautéed greens.
For dessert, fresh fruit or a light sorbet cleanses the palate and rounds out the meal nicely.
This soup is a crowd-pleaser and works well for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
It stores well too, so leftovers taste just as good the next day.
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Conclusion
Tortellini soup is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that offers both comfort and nutrition in every bowl.
With simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, it is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
The combination of cheese-filled pasta, fresh vegetables, and flavorful broth makes this soup a satisfying meal any time of year.
Whether you keep it classic or customize it with your favorite extras, this tortellini soup will become a go-to recipe for your kitchen.
It is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the warm, hearty goodness of homemade tortellini soup.