Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When I’m craving a meal that feels like a warm hug but comes together with surprising ease, my mind often goes to a hearty soup. And today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s packed with flavor, comfort, and even some healthy greens: Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup. This isn’t just soup; it’s a luscious, satisfying bowl filled with tender tortellini, vibrant spinach, savory aromatics, and a rich, velvety cream broth. It’s pure comfort in every spoonful and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out!
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a soup that feels both wholesome and incredibly indulgent? I am absolutely obsessed with Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. The tender tortellini adds a delightful chew and cheesy pockets, while the fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the rich, creamy broth, adding color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness. It’s fantastic for a cozy weeknight dinner, perfect for feeding a hungry family, or an absolute must for chilly evenings. Plus, it’s easily adaptable with your favorite protein, making it a versatile and deeply satisfying meal for everyone. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it simmers is simply divine!
The Wholesome Charm of Tortellini Soups
Tortellini, with its delightful cheesy or meat-filled center, has long been a beloved pasta shape, particularly in Italian and Italian-American cuisine. It’s perfectly suited for soups because its robust shape holds up well in broth, and its inherent filling makes the soup feel more substantial and complete. The addition of leafy greens like spinach not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich, creamy elements.
Creamy tortellini soups have gained immense popularity for their ability to deliver a comforting, gourmet-like experience with relative ease. The dairy (often cream, milk, or a touch of cream cheese) enriches the broth, creating a velvety texture that coats every piece of tortellini and every bit of spinach. This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup embodies that wholesome charm, offering a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly comforting meal that feels both traditional and wonderfully satisfying, perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly creamy and easy Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth (low sodium recommended)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 5-6 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Optional: Cooked, shredded chicken or Italian sausage (see notes)
- Optional Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley, red pepper flakes
Swaps and Notes
- Broth: Use low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth to control the saltiness. Good quality broth is important as it forms the base of the soup’s flavor.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a nice texture and acidity. You can use crushed tomatoes for a smoother soup.
- Tortellini: Use refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best results. It cooks quickly and has a delicious filling. Do not pre-cook it. Frozen tortellini can also be used, but may require a few extra minutes of simmering.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts down significantly. You can use frozen chopped spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) but fresh provides a brighter flavor and color.
- Cream: Heavy cream provides the richest, most luxurious broth. Half-and-half can be used for a slightly lighter soup, though it won’t be quite as thick or decadent.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and adds a wonderful salty, umami note. Shred your own cheese from a block for the best results!
- Protein (Optional): For a heartier soup, you can add 1-2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (like rotisserie chicken) or browned, crumbled Italian sausage when you add the broth.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic provide a solid flavor base. Adjust amounts to your preference.
- Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth to the soup.
Steps for the Recipe
Let’s get this comforting Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup simmering!
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Build Broth Base: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Protein (Optional): If using cooked shredded chicken or cooked Italian sausage, stir it into the soup now.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the simmering soup. Stir well to ensure the tortellini is submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through (check package directions for specific cooking time). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Spinach & Cream: Stir in the fresh baby spinach, a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt down before adding more. Once all spinach is wilted, stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer (do not boil rapidly once dairy is added).
- Serve & Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper) if needed. Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Tortellini cooks quickly! Add it towards the end of simmering and cook only until tender to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Wilt Spinach Gradually: Add the spinach in batches to allow it to wilt down, making it easier to incorporate into the soup.
- Gentle Simmer with Dairy: Once you add the cream (or half-and-half), keep the heat low and maintain a gentle simmer to prevent the dairy from scorching or curdling.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest, smoothest cheese melt, shred Parmesan from a block. Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Broths and tomatoes can vary in saltiness.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty Bread: Essential for dipping and soaking up all that delicious creamy broth. Garlic bread or simple dinner rolls would be perfect.
- Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Other Comfort Foods: This soup complements other hearty dishes well, such as my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- Beverage Pairings: A simple glass of water, iced tea, or a light-bodied red wine would complement this soup nicely.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often deepen even more the next day!
- Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup will thicken considerably upon chilling, and the tortellini will absorb more liquid.
- Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin out the soup and bring it back to your desired creamy consistency. Stir frequently. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
- Freezing: Freezing is possible, but the texture of the tortellini and cream can sometimes change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently, adding liquid as needed.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the ease and comfort of this soup, you might also like these other hearty and time-saving recipes:
- For another deep, comforting bowl with Southern flavors, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- If you love classic pasta dishes, check out my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
- For a faster way to make cheesy lasagna without the layering, my This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast is excellent.
- And for truly simple, satisfying comfort food, you’ll love These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Spinach Tortellini Soup is a true triumph of comfort food – it offers all the rich, savory, and cozy flavors you crave in a hearty bowl, with the added goodness of fresh spinach and tender tortellini. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, effortless entertaining, or simply indulging in pure, cheesy comfort. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
I hope you give this amazing soup a try and enjoy every comforting spoonful! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes your new go-to soup recipe, or what your favorite cold-weather soups are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!
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