Cozy Hearty Tortellini Soup Recipe: Your Warm Hug in a Bowl

Winter’s chill demands a comforting tortellini soup that warms you from the inside out.

Steaming bowls of goodness invite relaxation after long, cold days.

Cheese-filled pasta swirls dance between tender vegetables and rich, savory broth.

Fragrant herbs bring depth to each carefully crafted spoonful.

Memories of cozy kitchens emerge with every bite of this nourishing dish.

Weeknight dinner solutions rarely taste this delicious and satisfying.

Grab a ladle and prepare to transform simple ingredients into something magical.

Hearty Tortellini Soup for Comforting Meals

• Whips up deliciously in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Combines kid-approved ingredients like tortellini and sausage with nutritious greens, making it an easy way to sneak vegetables into a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Minimizes cleanup with a single pot preparation, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after a long day of work or activities.
• Easily customizable by swapping sausage, changing greens, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients in Hearty Tortellini Soup

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup. Choose fresh, high-quality sausage for best results.
• White Beans: Provides extra protein and creamy texture. Canned beans work well for convenience.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic base for building soup flavor. Fresh ingredients offer the most robust taste.
• Spinach or Kale: Adds nutrition and color to the soup. Choose fresh, crisp greens.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid foundation of the soup. Low-sodium options allow better seasoning control.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides a tangy base and rich color to the soup.
• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds traditional Italian flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Brings subtle heat and spice to the dish.

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that makes the soup hearty. Fresh or frozen varieties work well.
• Heavy Cream: Optional ingredient for adding richness and creaminess.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty finish when sprinkled on top.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Provides bright, fresh garnish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall soup flavor.

How to Make Hearty Tortellini Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Sizzle The Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Crumble Italian sausage into the pot, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat turns golden brown and develops a delicious caramelized exterior, about 5 minutes. If excess grease accumulates, carefully drain it away.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Toss diced onions into the pot and sauté until they become translucent and soft, roughly 3 minutes. Sprinkle in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir continuously and let the spices dance and release their fragrant oils for about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Create The Liquid Base

Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and develop depth. Let it bubble softly for 10 minutes, creating a rich and flavorful foundation.

Step 4: Introduce Greens And Beans

Add white beans and chopped spinach or kale. Stir gently and let the greens wilt and soften, about 2 minutes. The vegetables will infuse the soup with additional nutrients and vibrant color.

Step 5: Embrace The Tortellini

Drop tortellini directly into the simmering soup. Cook according to package instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, until the pasta becomes tender and plump.

Step 6: Optional Creamy Transformation

For a luxurious touch, swirl in heavy cream, transforming the soup into a velvety masterpiece with enhanced richness.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Hearty Tortellini Soup Success

• Customize Sausage Selection: Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your heat preference, or swap with ground turkey for a leaner protein option.
• Boost Vegetable Nutrition: Toss in extra veggies like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers to increase the soup's nutritional value and add more texture.
• Perfect Tortellini Timing: Cook tortellini just before serving to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal pasta texture and prevent mushiness.
• Dial Up the Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories while keeping the soup rich and satisfying.
• Meal Prep Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months- store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding fresh tortellini when serving.

Save and Reheat Hearty Tortellini Soup

• Store leftover tortellini soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing tortellini soup with cream, as dairy may separate.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup looks too thick.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add extra liquid if needed to maintain consistency.

Pairing Suggestions for Hearty Tortellini Soup

• Choose a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich sausage and tomato flavors, enhancing the soup's hearty profile.
• Sprinkle extra-aged Parmigiano-Reggiano on top for a nutty, sharp contrast that elevates the tortellini's creamy texture and adds depth to each spoonful.
• Serve with crusty garlic bread or toasted sourdough to soak up the flavorful broth and provide a satisfying crunch alongside the soft tortellini.
• Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley to brighten the dish, adding a light, aromatic element that cuts through the soup's richness.

Creative Spins on Hearty Tortellini Soup

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra firm tofu. Add mushrooms for meaty texture and umami flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free. Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives that hold shape well.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi. Reduce beans and increase protein with additional lean chicken or turkey.
• Dairy-Free Version: Skip heavy cream and use coconut milk for creaminess. Omit Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for similar cheesy flavor profile.

Hearty Tortellini Soup Frequently Asked Questions

• What type of tortellini works best in this soup?

Any cheese or meat-filled tortellini will work great. Fresh or frozen tortellini are excellent choices, and they cook quickly in the broth.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just store the tortellini separately to prevent them from getting soggy and add them when reheating.

• How can I make the soup more protein-packed?

Add more white beans, include cooked chicken, or top with additional grated Parmesan cheese. You can also use a protein-rich tortellini like a spinach and ricotta variety.

Hearty Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Warming Italian Tortellini Soup brings comfort and richness to winter dinner tables with its robust cheese-filled pasta and aromatic herbs. Packed with tender vegetables and savory broth, this soul-satisfying meal will delight you from first spoonful to last.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed (optional)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

Liquids, Seasonings, and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamy version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sear the sausage in a large pot with heated olive oil, methodically breaking it into crumbly pieces until achieving a rich golden-brown color and releasing aromatic flavors.
2. Introduce diced onions to the pot, sautéing until translucent and tender, then incorporate garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring briefly to awaken their intense aromatics.
3. Create the soup’s foundation by pouring crushed tomatoes and chicken broth into the pot, allowing the liquid to simmer and meld flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Integrate white beans and leafy greens into the simmering mixture, gently cooking until the vegetables soften and wilt, infusing the broth with additional nutrients and texture.
5. Carefully drop tortellini into the bubbling liquid, letting them cook according to package recommendations until they become plump and tender.
6. For enhanced richness, swirl heavy cream into the soup, transforming the broth into a velvety, luxurious consistency.
7. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to personal preference, then ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and delicate herbs like basil or parsley.

Notes

• Sausage Selection: Choose lean Italian sausage to reduce excess grease and keep the soup lighter without compromising flavor.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap sausage with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains the soup’s hearty texture.
• Cream Consistency: Add cream gradually and simmer gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety soup base.
• Tortellini Tips: Use fresh or frozen tortellini and add them last to prevent overcooking and maintain their delicate texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg