Irresistible & Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe Everyone Will Love

Introduction

When the weather turns chilly, nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of Creamy Tortellini Soup. This cozy one-pot meal pairs tender cheese tortellini with a savory broth, cream, fresh vegetables, and optional protein like Italian sausage or shredded chicken. Below you’ll find a simple, flexible recipe plus tips, variations, freezing advice and FAQs so you can make this soup your new go-to dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

• ✅ One-pot meal — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• ✅ Customizable — use sausage, chicken, or keep it vegetarian.
• ✅ Quick & easy — ready in about 35–40 minutes.
• ✅ Family-friendly comfort food that reheats well.

Ingredients

Base:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

Creamy finish:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter soup)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach

Pasta:

• 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini

Optional proteins:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) — for creamy sausage tortellini soup
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken — for creamy chicken tortellini soup

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Step 1: Sauté the base Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add protein (optional) If using Italian sausage, remove the casings and brown the sausage in the pot, breaking it into small pieces. If using pre-cooked chicken, you will add it later with the broth.
3. Step 3: Build the soup base Stir in Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken (or vegetable) broth and the diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Step 4: Cook the tortellini Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions (typically 6–8 minutes) until the tortellini are tender but not mushy.
5. Step 5: Make it creamy Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the soup is smooth and slightly thickened. Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted.
6. Step 6: Taste & serve Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic bread and extra Parmesan on top.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use fresh refrigerated tortellini — it has the best texture and cooks quickly.
• To deepen flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after browning meat or vegetables.
• Don’t overcook the tortellini — aim for al dente so they hold their shape after reheating.
• If reheating, add a splash of extra broth because the tortellini absorb liquid over time.

Recipe Variations

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Use 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy). Brown the sausage in the pot before adding vegetables and follow the recipe.

Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup

Add 2 cups shredded cooked chicken when you add the broth for a hearty chicken version.

Vegetarian

Use vegetable broth and omit meat. Add extra mushrooms or zucchini for more body.

Spicy

Use hot Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze: For best texture, freeze the soup base without tortellini. Thaw, reheat and add fresh tortellini to the hot soup to cook through before serving.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if the soup seems too thick.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: ~18 g
• Carbohydrates: ~32 g
• Fat: ~24 g
• Fiber: ~3 g

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make creamy tortellini soup?

Sauté aromatics and vegetables, add broth and tomatoes, simmer with tortellini, then stir in cream, Parmesan and spinach.

Can you freeze creamy tortellini soup?

Yes — but freeze without the tortellini. Add fresh tortellini when reheating to avoid a mushy texture.

How many calories are in creamy sausage tortellini soup?

Roughly 400–450 calories per serving depending on portion size and ingredients used.

What protein works best?

Italian sausage gives the most traditional flavor, but shredded chicken or turkey sausage are great alternatives.

How can I thicken the soup?

Add extra grated Parmesan or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water) and cook until thickened.

Yield: 6 servings • Prep time: 10 mins • Cook time: 30 mins

Recipe by Flavorilla Recipes.