Friendly Tortellini Soup recipe

Time

• Prep: 10 minutes

• Cook: 25 minutes

• Total: ~35 minutes

🍽 Serves

• 4–6

📝 INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium carrots, sliced

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 package (9–12 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

• 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil or parsley

👩‍🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1️⃣ Sauté the veggies

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

2️⃣ Build the soup

Pour in broth and diced tomatoes.
Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a gentle boil.

3️⃣ Cook tortellini

Add tortellini to the soup.
Simmer 5–7 minutes (or according to package directions).

4️⃣ Add greens

Stir in spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.

5️⃣ Finish

Remove from heat.
Stir in Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning.

🍽 SERVING IDEAS

• Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread

• Add extra Parmesan on top

• A squeeze of lemon brightens it up

🔄 FRIENDLY VARIATIONS

🐔 Chicken Tortellini Soup

Add 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken.

🌭 Sausage Version

Brown Italian sausage first, then continue recipe.

🥛 Creamy Option

Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.

🥦 Veggie Boost

Add zucchini, peas, or mushrooms.

🔥 PRO TIPS

✔ Don’t overcook tortellini
✔ Fresh tortellini cooks faster
✔ Parmesan rind adds extra flavor (optional)
✔ Soup thickens as it sits

🧠 NUTRITION (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: ~320

• Protein: ~12g

• Carbs: ~40g

• Fat: ~12g

  What kind of tortellini works best?

  Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini works best.
  Frozen tortellini also works—just add 1–2 extra minutes of cooking time.

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  ❓ Can I make this soup vegetarian?

  Yes ✅
  Use vegetable broth and cheese or spinach tortellini.
  Skip meat or add extra vegetables.

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  ❓ Can I add meat?

  Absolutely.

  • Cooked shredded chicken

  • Italian sausage (brown first)

  • Turkey sausage for a lighter option

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  ❓ Can I make it creamy?

  Yes 🥛
  Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half at the end, after turning off the heat.

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  ❓ Can I use frozen spinach?

  Yes.
  Use 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.

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  ❓ How do I keep tortellini from getting mushy?

  • Cook tortellini just until tender

  • If storing leftovers, cook tortellini separately and add when reheating

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  ❓ Can I make it ahead of time?

  Yes 👍
  Make the soup base ahead.
  Add tortellini and spinach fresh when reheating.

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  ❓ How long does it last in the fridge?

  • 3–4 days in an airtight container

  • Soup thickens over time—add broth when reheating

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  ❓ Can I freeze tortellini soup?

  ⚠️ Not ideal with tortellini.
  Pasta can turn soft.
  Best option: freeze without tortellini, add fresh later.

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  ❓ How can I boost the flavor?

  • Add a Parmesan rind while simmering

  • Finish with lemon juice

  • Top with fresh basil or parsley

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  ❓ Is this kid-friendly?

  Yes 👶💛
  Mild, comforting flavors.
  Skip red pepper flakes for kids.

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  ❓ What can I serve with it?

  • Garlic bread

  • Crusty bread

  • Side salad

  • Grilled cheese sandwich

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  If you want, I can also make:
  ✔ Weight Watc