I still remember the first time I made this Tortellini Soup—it quickly became a favorite in my kitchen, and honestly, it’s one of those recipes I reach for whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. It’s the kind of comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. What I love most about this Tortellini Soup is how simple it is to prepare, yet packed with flavors that make every spoonful special. The balance of tender tortellini and flavorful broth hits the spot every time.
What You’ll Need for This Tortellini Soup:

- 1 tablespoon olive oil – You can use vegetable oil if you like; both work well in this Tortellini Soup.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Available at most stores, onions add that essential base flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is best, but jarred minced garlic is a convenient swap.
- 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth – This Tortellini Soup is affordable because store brand broth works great here.
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini – You can find this in the refrigerated section at your grocery store.
- 1 cup spinach, chopped – Fresh or frozen spinach works beautifully in this Tortellini Soup.
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional) – Canned diced tomatoes add nice color and flavor if you want a heartier soup.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – This blend brings in classic Italian flavors for this Tortellini Soup.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – You’ll adjust this as you go, which makes your soup just right.
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional) – For a creamy tortellini soup version, adding cream at the end makes it rich and delicious.
How to Make This Tortellini Soup:
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Your kitchen will start smelling heavenly right here!
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add the Italian seasoning and diced tomatoes if using. Bring everything to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the tortellini to the pot. They usually take about 3-5 minutes to cook, so keep an eye on them and stir occasionally.
- Just before the tortellini is fully cooked, toss in the chopped spinach. It will wilt quickly—perfect timing so it stays bright and fresh.
- For a cream tortellini soup version, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream now. Don’t boil after adding cream to keep it smooth and silky.
- Taste your Tortellini Soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. If your soup looks thick enough but you want it a bit lighter, add a splash more broth.
- From start to finish, this Tortellini Soup takes about 20-25 minutes. While it simmers, you can tidy up your kitchen or pour yourself a cup of tea.
Serving Your Tortellini Soup:

This Tortellini Soup really shines when served with warm crusty bread. I love dipping the bread into the flavorful broth—it’s a simple, cozy combo. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top adds a lovely nutty touch that friends and family always ask for.
I’ve made this soup for casual dinners and even family gatherings, and it never fails to be a crowd-pleaser. For a festive touch, you can garnish with chopped fresh basil or a few red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Got leftovers? This Tortellini Soup reheats beautifully. Just warm it gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or water if it’s thicker than you like. You can also toss it with a handful of fresh spinach when reheating to freshen it up even more.
If you want to switch things up seasonally, try adding in some roasted cauliflower like in this roasted cauliflower curry soup recipe from my site. Or if you like a meatier twist, Italian sausage makes a welcome addition, and you’ll find a one-pot Italian sausage tortellini soup that’s fantastic too.
Common Questions About This Tortellini Soup:
Can I make this Tortellini Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Tortellini Soup actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld. Just keep the tortellini separate if you’re storing it before serving to avoid sogginess.
What’s a good substitute for spinach in this Tortellini Soup?
Kale or Swiss chard both work wonderfully if you want a different green. Just chop it finely and toss it in near the end like the spinach.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! If using frozen tortellini, add a minute or two extra to the cooking time. It’s an easy swap for this Tortellini Soup.
How do I adjust this Tortellini Soup for different serving sizes?
Double or halve the broth and tortellini amounts depending on how many you’re feeding. The recipe scales up nicely without losing flavor.
Can I make a cream tortellini soup version?
Definitely! Adding heavy cream near the end makes a rich, luscious cream tortellini soup. You can find a great version of this creamy tortellini soup on Tastes Better From Scratch.
What if I want a vegetarian version of this Tortellini Soup?
Use vegetable broth and skip the meat additions. You might want to add extra herbs or veggies like mushrooms to boost flavor.
How long does this Tortellini Soup keep?
Refrigerated, it will last 3-4 days. For easy meal prep, it’s a perfect make-ahead soup.
If you want a tomato-based twist with spinach tortellini soup, this creamy tomato and spinach tortellini soup recipe I found online is another cozy option to try.
Final Thoughts on This Tortellini Soup:
This Tortellini Soup holds a special place in my kitchen because it always delivers that cozy, homemade feeling without fuss. It’s a recipe I rely on for quick dinners and comfort whenever I need it.
My Top Tips for This Tortellini Soup:
– Use a good quality broth for the best flavor.
– Don’t overcook the tortellini—they should be tender but hold their shape.
– Add spinach or greens just at the end to keep them bright and fresh.
For a fun twist, try adding Italian sausage for a heartier spin or go with the cream tortellini soup style when you want richness. My family’s favorite is the classic version with fresh spinach—it’s always requested at dinner gatherings.
I encourage you to make this Tortellini Soup your own by adjusting herbs, adding veggies, or trying different tortellini fillings. I hope it brings you the same joy it brings me: warmth, satisfaction, and a little taste of Italy right at home.
For more hearty soups to enjoy alongside your Tortellini Soup, you might want to check out my vegetable soup and chicken noodle soup recipes. Also, don’t miss the roasted cauliflower curry soup for a flavorful change.
Happy cooking, friends! This Tortellini Soup is waiting to become one of your family favorites too.
For more inspiration and ideas on making this Tortellini Soup and its variations, here are a few helpful links:
- Ang’s Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe – Pinch of Yum
- Creamy Tortellini Soup – Tastes Better From Scratch
- One Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup – I Am Homesteader
Tortellini Soup
This hearty Tortellini Soup combines tender cheese tortellini with a flavorful broth, fresh vegetables, and savory Italian seasonings for a comforting and easy-to-make meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), carrots, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until carrots are tender.
- Add tortellini and spinach to the pot. Cook according to tortellini package instructions, usually 3–5 minutes, until tortellini float to the top.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
For extra protein, add cooked shredded chicken or Italian sausage. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

