Description
This Creamy Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for a cozy meal. Loaded with sautéed vegetables, rich tomato flavors, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach, all finished with a touch of heavy cream for a luscious texture. Ready in just 40 minutes and serves 8, it's an easy and delicious soup that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion
- 2 carrots
- 2 ribs celery
- 4 garlic cloves
- 4 oz. fresh spinach
Soup Base
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 Tbsp tomato paste
- 28 oz. crushed tomatoes (one can)
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Main Ingredient
- 19 oz. cheese tortellini (frozen)
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Dice the onion, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic. Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, celery, and minced garlic to the pot and sauté until the onions soften, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes to deepen the flavor and eliminate the raw taste.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Add the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients and to dissolve any tomato paste stuck on the bottom of the pot.
- Simmer Soup: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a simmer. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the frozen cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Boil for approximately 3 minutes or according to the tortellini package directions until cooked through.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream to give the soup its creamy texture. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted and fully incorporated.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed (approximately ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper). Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture; baby spinach works well too.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the vegetable broth is vegetarian-friendly.
- Frozen tortellini can be substituted with fresh if available; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
