There is something undeniably comforting about a bowl of Tortellini Soup. Plump, cheese-filled pasta floating in a savory, aromatic broth with tender vegetables and a sprinkle of fresh herbs—this dish wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a showstopping starter for a dinner party, this soup delivers on flavor, texture, and color. I can never resist going back for seconds, and after one taste, I bet you’ll feel the exact same way!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Tortellini Soup comes from a handful of simple ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From rich stock to bright greens and the hearty tortellini themselves, every element plays a key role in creating a soup that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Tortellini: Choose fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best flavor and texture in your soup.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Use a high-quality broth as the base—homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s flavorful.
Onion: A finely chopped onion brings sweetness and depth to the broth.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds irresistible aroma and punch to the base of the Tortellini Soup.
Carrots: Sliced carrots add sweetness, color, and a lovely tender bite.
Celery: Celery provides subtle flavor and classic soup texture.
Crushed tomatoes: A can of good-quality crushed tomatoes gives the broth a lovely, rich body.
Fresh spinach: Toss in baby spinach at the end for a flash of vibrant green and a boost of nutrition.
Olive oil: Use extra-virgin olive oil to sauté the aromatics for extra richness.
Dried Italian herbs: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme infuses the soup with quintessential Mediterranean flavor.
Salt and pepper: Season the soup to your personal taste for perfect balance.
Fresh parsley and grated parmesan: To sprinkle on top for the ultimate finish!

How to Make Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a generous swirl of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and cook until they begin to soften and the onion turns translucent, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant—just a minute—being careful not to let it burn. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your Tortellini Soup.

Step 2: Build the Broth

Once your kitchen smells heavenly, pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well, scraping up any golden bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the broth and sprinkle in your dried Italian herbs. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld into a rich, savory base that’s anything but boring.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

Time to drop in the star of the show: your tortellini! Add them directly to the simmering soup and cook according to package instructions, usually 4–6 minutes for refrigerated varieties. They’ll float to the top as they cook—so satisfying to watch! Make sure not to overcook, as you want them perfectly tender with just the right bite.

Step 4: Add the Spinach

As soon as the tortellini are cooked, stir in handfuls of fresh baby spinach. It will wilt almost instantly, turning a lovely, vibrant green. Give everything a good stir and taste the soup, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Your Tortellini Soup is nearly ready to serve!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Ladle the soup into big bowls and top each one with freshly chopped parsley and a generous shower of grated parmesan. The finishing touches make all the difference—don’t skip them! Enjoy right away, while everything is piping hot and irresistibly fragrant.

How to Serve Tortellini Soup

Garnishes

A bowl of Tortellini Soup comes alive with thoughtful garnishes. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and even a swirl of good olive oil can elevate each serving. For a little extra flavor and crunch, try adding homemade croutons or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let everyone add their favorites at the table!

Side Dishes

Tortellini Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread—think a rustic sourdough or a warm baguette—to soak up the last delicious drops. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup. If you’re having company, a plate of antipasti on the side turns this meal into a festive Italian-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Tortellini Soup in handled mugs for a cozy, casual feel, or ladle it into shallow bowls for a bistro-style presentation. For dinner parties, offer toppings in little bowls and let guests customize their own creations. If you want to impress, float a parmesan crisp or garnish with microgreens for a modern, restaurant-worthy look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tortellini Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to airtight containers. The tortellini will soak up some broth as it sits, turning even more flavorful. If you know you’ll be storing leftovers, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding them when reheating to keep them perfectly tender.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze Tortellini Soup, but with a little twist: it’s best to freeze the broth and vegetables without the tortellini, then add fresh tortellini when reheating. This avoids overcooked or soggy pasta. Let the soup cool completely, pour into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze! If refrigerated, simply rewarm the soup gently over medium heat until hot, being careful not to boil vigorously. If you’ve stored the tortellini separately, add them just before serving to maintain their texture. For frozen batches, thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat as above, adding fresh tortellini at the end for the best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini in Tortellini Soup?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini work beautifully; just add them straight from the freezer and adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. They might need a minute or two longer than fresh, but the end result is just as comforting.

Is there a way to make this soup vegetarian?

Totally! Simply use a vegetable broth as your base, and make sure your tortellini is cheese or vegetable-filled. Skip any meat-based additions, and pile in even more seasonal vegetables—zucchini or mushrooms are great options for extra heartiness.

How can I add protein to Tortellini Soup?

It’s easy to boost the protein in Tortellini Soup. Toss in cooked, shredded chicken, Italian sausage, or even white beans during the simmering step. This turns the soup into a more filling, well-rounded meal that even the hungriest eaters will love.

What type of tortellini should I use?

You have lots of options! Go classic with cheese-filled, or mix things up with spinach & ricotta or mushroom varieties. Meat-filled tortellini also work for a heartier soup. Just start with a fresh or refrigerated version for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make Tortellini Soup ahead of time?

Definitely! The soup base actually deepens in flavor overnight. Just follow the tip to add fresh tortellini when you’re reheating, so they don’t get mushy. Great for meal prep or easy entertaining!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort, you simply have to try Tortellini Soup. Each spoonful is a hug in a bowl, full of vibrant flavors, hearty pasta, and love. Give it a go and make it your own—you’re likely to make it a new household favorite!

Tortellini Soup Recipe