Easy Tortellini Soup

Aug 28, 2024

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When the craving for comfort strikes, this Tortellini Soup is here to deliver. A great autumn soup that combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with a medley of vegetables. This soup is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

tortellini soup served in a decorative white bowl

The rich tomato broth, infused with Italian herbs and finished with a touch of pesto. The bold flavor makes every spoonful a burst of cozy goodness. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick weeknight meal or serving it as a warming dish for guests, this soup is bound to impress. Plus, with easy customization options, you can make it your own by swapping or adding your favorite veggies. Other hearty soups perfect for the coming fall season include Sausage Gnocchi Soup, roasted cauliflower soup and Mediterranean lentil soup.

Recipe Highlights: Tortellini Soup
Key Ingredients
Ingredient Spotlight: Tortellini
How to Make Tortellini Soup
Recipe Tips
Variations and Substitutes
Cooking Techniques
How to Store Tortellini Soup
Frequently Asked Questions
Other Hearty Soups to Try
Tortellini Soup Recipe

Recipe Highlights: Tortellini Soup

Cultural Influence: A comforting Italian-inspired soup combining classic pasta and vegetable flavors

Primary Cooking Technique: Sautéing and simmering

Suitable for: Vegetarian-friendly, customizable for various dietary preferences

Dominant Flavor Profile: Rich, savory broth with a fresh herbaceous finish from pesto

Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly

Key Ingredients

Olive Oil adds a rich flavor base to the soup while ensuring the vegetables cook evenly and develop a slight caramelization.

Onion brings sweetness and depth to the broth, softening as it sautés and adding a comforting flavor to the dish.

Garlic infuses the soup with a savory aroma and a subtle hint of warmth, enhancing the overall flavor.

Carrot adds natural sweetness and texture, balancing the savory elements with a bit of crunch.

Orange Bell Pepper introduces a pop of color and a mild, sweet flavor that contrasts nicely with the other vegetables.

Tomato Paste provides a concentrated burst of tomato flavor and a touch of acidity, thickening the broth and giving the soup its hearty base.

Italian Seasoning combines herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, adding a classic Mediterranean flavor profile to the soup.

Vegetable Broth serves as the soup’s foundation, providing a light, savory liquid that ties all the flavors together.

Cheese Tortellini is the star of the dish, adding a deliciously cheesy and satisfying element. It becomes tender and flavorful as it absorbs the broth.

Spinach adds freshness and nutrients to the soup, wilting into the broth and adding vibrant color and texture.

Pesto elevates the soup with its bold, herbaceous, and nutty flavor creating a rich depth to the soup.

Parsley adds freshness and a pop of color to the soup with a subtly earthy pepperiness.

Ingredient Spotlight: Tortellini

Tortellini is a unique and versatile pasta that shines in soups, especially in this Tortellini Soup recipe. These small dumplings are filled with delicious combinations of ingredients like cheese, meat, or vegetables, making them a hearty and satisfying addition to any dish.

Best Types of Tortellini for Soup:

Cheese-Filled Tortellini: The classic choice for this recipe. The rich, creamy cheese filling pairs beautifully with the broth and vegetables, adding depth and flavor to every bite. Look for tortellini filled with ricotta, Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses for the best results.
Meat-Filled Tortellini: If you prefer a more savory option, tortellini filled with a mixture of beef, pork, or prosciutto can add a robust flavor to the soup. The meaty filling contrasts nicely with the lighter vegetable broth.
Vegetable-Filled Tortellini: For a vegetarian twist, you can opt for tortellini filled with spinach, mushrooms, or other veggies. These options add texture and freshness to the soup while keeping it light and healthy.

What Makes Tortellini Unique:

Perfect Balance of Pasta and Filling: Tortellini’s shape allows for a balanced bite of pasta and filling in every mouthful. The tender pasta exterior encases the filling, making it perfect for absorbing the flavors of the broth while still providing a satisfying texture.
Versatility: Tortellini can be used in various dishes, from soups to salads to baked casseroles. Its versatility makes it a pantry staple that can elevate many recipes.
Ease of Cooking: Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or dried tortellini, it cooks quickly and easily, making it a convenient option for busy weeknight meals.

How to Make Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Next, add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced bell pepper to the pot. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Then, stir in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, ensuring the vegetables are well-coated. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the tomato paste to develop its flavor.

add chopped onions and carrots to heated oil in pan for tortellini soup

add spices and tomato paste to pot to make tortellini soup

Step 2: Pour in the Broth

Add the vegetable broth to the pot, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

add broth to veggies and tomato sauce in pot and bring to boil

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

After the soup has simmered, add the cheese tortellini to the pan. Continue cooking for 7-8 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.

add tortellini to pot and cook with veggies in broth

Step 4:Add Spinach and Pesto

Now, stir in the spinach, allowing it to wilt into the soup. Just before serving, add a spoonful of pesto to the soup, stirring to distribute the flavor evenly.

add spinach to tortellini soup just before turning off the heat and removing pot

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each serving with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot, with crusty bread on the side if desired.

ladle tortellini soup into bowl and serve warm

Recipe Tips

Prevent Overcooking the Tortellini: To avoid mushy tortellini, cook them separately according to the package instructions and add them to the soup just before serving. Or add them into the broth closer to the end of soup cooking process. This keeps their texture intact and prevents them from becoming too soft in the soup.

Enhance Flavor with Parmesan Rind: Adding a small Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers adds a rich, umami flavor. Just be sure to remove it before serving.

Pesto for Depth: Pesto adds a burst of flavor to the soup. If you want to make the soup even more special, use homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought version.

Customize the Vegetables: You can easily swap out or add vegetables based on your preferences. Consider adding kale, zucchini, or mushrooms for a more personalized touch.

Achieve Perfect Consistency: If you prefer a creamier soup, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or an alternative like coconut milk or half-and-half for a dairy-free option.

tortellini soup served in a decorative white bowl with more in the background

Variations and Substitutes

Protein Additions

Sausage or Ground Meat: If you want a heartier soup, adding crumbled Italian sausage, ground beef, or chicken can enhance the flavor and texture. Cook the meat first before adding it to the soup, allowing the flavors to meld.

Vegetable Variations

Mushrooms: Add a savory depth by incorporating mushrooms. Sauté them with the other vegetables to release their moisture and intensify their flavor.
Zucchini or Kale: Swap out the spinach for other greens like kale, or add zucchini for a fresh and mild taste. Both can withstand the heat and maintain their texture in the soup.
Potatoes: For a more filling soup, diced potatoes can be added along with the other vegetables. They absorb the broth’s flavors and add heartiness to the dish.

Tortellini Options

Different Fillings: While cheese tortellini is a classic choice, you can experiment with meat-filled or spinach and ricotta tortellini for a change in flavor.
Gluten-Free Tortellini: If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free tortellini available in stores. The cooking time may vary, so keep an eye on it.

Broth Substitutes

Chicken or Beef Broth: For a richer, more robust flavor, use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth. This will also add depth to the soup, especially if you’re adding meat.
Tomato-Based Broth: If you want a tangier flavor, use a combination of vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes or passata. This creates a more Italian-style soup with a hint of acidity.

Herb and Spice Adjustments

Fresh Herbs: While Italian seasoning is convenient, using fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can enhance the freshness of the soup. Add them towards the end to maintain their vibrant flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.

Dairy-Free and Vegan Adaptations

Vegan Tortellini: Swap out regular tortellini for a dairy-free version, filled with plant-based cheese or vegetables. These options are widely available in many stores now.
Pesto Alternatives: Use a dairy-free pesto or make your own by blending fresh basil, nuts, olive oil, and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly topping.

Cooking Techniques

Begin with a classic sauté of onions, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper in olive oil. This technique softens the vegetables and enhances their sweetness while building the base flavor of the soup. Make sure to cook the onions until they are translucent but not browned, allowing their natural sweetness to develop without becoming bitter.

When adding tomato paste and Italian seasoning, allow them to cook for a minute or two before adding any liquids. This process, known as “blooming,” helps to intensify the flavor of the spices and the tomato paste, ensuring that every bite of your soup is packed with rich taste.

Once the broth is added, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer rather than boiling. This slow, steady cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully without breaking down the vegetables too much. Simmering also ensures the soup remains clear, preserving its texture and appearance.

Tortellini are delicate, and overcooking them can cause them to burst or become mushy. Add them towards the end of the cooking process and monitor closely. If using fresh tortellini, it may require less time than dried varieties. Always refer to the package instructions and adjust the timing in your recipe accordingly.

Fresh spinach and pesto should be added at the very end of the cooking process. This technique ensures the spinach remains bright green and tender without wilting too much. The pesto should be stirred in right before serving, as its vibrant, fresh flavors can diminish if cooked for too long.

If you find the soup too thick, add a bit more broth to achieve your desired consistency. For those who prefer a richer texture, stirring in a splash of cream or milk towards the end can create a velvety finish. If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid slightly.

How to Store Tortellini Soup

Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens too much.

Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to freeze the broth and vegetable portion separately from the tortellini. Tortellini can become too soft after freezing and reheating. Freeze the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the base, reheat it on the stovetop, and then cook fresh tortellini in the soup before serving.

Reheating Tip: When reheating, avoid boiling the soup, as this can cause the tortellini to become mushy. Warm it over medium-low heat until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of dry tortellini?

Yes, you can use fresh tortellini in this soup. Keep in mind that fresh tortellini cooks faster than dry tortellini, so reduce the cooking time to about 3-5 minutes to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, tortellini soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, if you plan to store it, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it when reheating to avoid it becoming too soft.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

While tortellini is the star of this recipe, you can substitute it with other pasta like ravioli or even a smaller pasta like orzo or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make this soup more filling?

To make the soup heartier, you can add protein such as crumbled sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding zucchini, mushrooms, or even beans for extra fiber.