Save When the temperature drops, nothing warms the soul quite like a bowl of Easy Tortellini Soup With Chicken Broth. This comforting and creamy winter soup features tender cheese tortellini swimming in a rich, flavorful broth, balanced by the freshness of baby spinach and sweet carrots. It is a hearty meal that comes together quickly, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights when you still crave a homemade, gourmet touch.
Save The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. By using refrigerated tortellini and pantry staples like low-sodium broth and dried Italian herbs, you can create a restaurant-quality soup with very little effort. The combination of sautéed aromatics and a splash of heavy cream creates a depth of flavor that tastes like it has been simmering for hours.
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 18 oz (500 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then sauté onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 4
- Add the cheese tortellini and simmer according to package instructions (usually 5–7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Step 5
- Lower the heat, add heavy cream, and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Step 6
- Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
- Step 7
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Step 8
- Ladle into bowls. Garnish with Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the best results, use a large soup pot to allow enough space for the tortellini to cook evenly. Using a wooden spoon for stirring helps prevent the delicate pasta from breaking. Always check your allergen labels, as this recipe contains wheat and dairy.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra heartiness, you can add cooked shredded chicken or browned Italian sausage to the pot. If you want to make the dish vegetarian, simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. To make it vegan, use plant-based cream and vegan tortellini. You can also substitute the spinach for kale or Swiss chard if you prefer a heartier green.
Serviervorschläge
This soup is best served piping hot in deep rustic bowls. A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. For a complete meal, garnish generously with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese just before bringing it to the table.
Save Enjoy this Easy Tortellini Soup With Chicken Broth as a cozy dinner that brings warmth to any chilly evening. Its balanced flavors and creamy finish are sure to make it a new family favorite.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and ensure your tortellini contains cheese rather than meat. The result remains equally delicious and satisfying.
- → What pasta works best?
Refrigerated cheese tortellini holds texture beautifully in broth. Dried tortellini works too but may require longer cooking time. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy pasta.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool completely and refrigerate in airtight containers up to 3 days. Note that pasta continues absorbing liquid, so add extra broth when reheating on the stovetop.
- → Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing works best without the tortellini. Prepare broth and vegetables, cool, freeze up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and add fresh tortellini during final minutes.
- → What vegetables can I add?
Kale, Swiss chard, or zucchini work wonderfully. For heartier versions, add diced potatoes or butternut squash. Adjust cooking time based on vegetable hardness.
- → How can I make it dairy-free?
Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream. Use dairy-free tortellini and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for similar umami richness.