Tortellini soup is cozy comfort in a bowl. It’s a hearty and flavorful soup made with cheese or meat-filled tortellini, vegetables, broth, and often a protein like sausage or chicken. It’s warm, filling, and easy to make — perfect for chilly nights or busy weekdays. With its rich Italian roots and homestyle appeal, this soup feels like something grandma might serve after a long day. Best part? You can pull it together in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week, this tortellini soup recipe is a winner. Let’s dive in!
Quick Facts
Here’s a quick snapshot before we roll up our sleeves:
| Course | Soup |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Italian-American |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 6 |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Calories | Approx. 380 per serving |
Equipment Needed
To make this recipe as smooth and stress-free as possible, here’s everything you’ll need in your kitchen:
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven – This is the heart of the recipe. Choose one big enough to hold all the broth and tortellini comfortably.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
- Chef’s knife – For chopping veggies and sausage.
- Cutting board – Keep things clean and easy with a good-sized board.
- Measuring cups & spoons – Accuracy helps maintain the perfect flavor.
- Ladle – For serving those generous, warm portions.
- Tongs – Helpful if you’re browning sausage or handling greens like spinach.
These tools will help make prep fast and cleanup easier.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make a comforting pot of tortellini soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for creamy texture)
- Freshly grated Parmesan (for garnish)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious bowl of tortellini soup:
- Sauté sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Break it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Add veggies: Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for another 3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Pour in liquids: Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juices), basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add tortellini: Drop in the tortellini and reduce heat. Let it simmer for about 7–8 minutes or until tortellini is tender.
- Stir in spinach and cream: Add spinach and heavy cream (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes if you like.
Essential Note:
If you’re using frozen tortellini, allow an extra 2–3 minutes of cook time. Want it vegetarian? Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead. This recipe is super flexible — adjust as you like!
