Creamy Tortellini Soup
A rich and comforting Creamy Tortellini Soup featuring tender cheese- or meat-filled tortellini simmered in a savory chicken broth, enriched with heavy cream, garlic, onion, and fresh greens like spinach or kale. This quick-to-make, versatile soup is perfect for chilly days, offering a warm embrace in every bowl with customizable options to suit vegetarian, dairy-free, or protein-boosted preferences.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian (with cheese-filled tortellini and vegetable broth) or can be adapted gluten free by choosing gluten free tortellini
Main Ingredients
- Cheese-filled or meat-filled tortellini – 12 ounces (fresh preferred)
- Chicken broth – 4 cups
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Olive oil or butter – 2 tablespoons
- Onion, diced – 1 medium
- Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
- Fresh spinach or kale – 3 cups (loosely packed)
- Parmesan cheese, grated – ½ cup
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Prepare the Base: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes, creating the soup’s aromatic foundation.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, establishing a flavorful liquid base for the tortellini.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add 12 ounces of tortellini directly into the simmering broth. Cook according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini) until tender yet still holding their shape.
- Incorporate Cream and Greens: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, tempering it by adding a small amount of hot broth first to prevent curdling. Add 3 cups of fresh spinach or kale leaves and allow them to gently wilt in the warm soup.
- Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Just before serving, sprinkle ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese on top to elevate the savory profile.
Notes
- Use fresh tortellini for the best texture and quickest cooking time.
- Keep tortellini al dente to maintain a satisfying bite and prevent mushiness.
- Temper the cream before adding fully to avoid curdling.
- Add fresh greens at the end for vibrant color and to preserve nutrients.
- Enhance flavor with a splash of white wine or a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze cautiously; cream-based soups may separate—reheat gently and stir well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: creamy tortellini soup, comfort soup, easy dinner, quick soup recipe, tortellini, creamy pasta soup, cozy meal, vegetarian soup, Italian soup