Imagine a bowl filled with tender cheese tortellini swimming in a rich, creamy broth, bursting with Italian herbs and flavors. This isn’t just a dream; it’s reality! You can whip up this comforting and incredibly delicious Creamy Italian Cheese Tortellini Soup – Easy! – in under an hour. Get ready for a bowlful of happiness that the whole family will adore.
Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you can find at your local grocery store!
For the Soup Base:
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced.
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Chicken Broth: 6 cups (low sodium preferred).
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can, undrained.
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons.
- Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
For the Creamy Goodness:
- Cheese Tortellini: 20 ounces (refrigerated or frozen).
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated, plus more for serving.
- Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish.
Step-by-Step to a Bowl of Comfort
Let’s turn these ingredients into something truly special! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a warm, comforting bowl of Creamy Italian Cheese Tortellini Soup in no time.
Building the Flavor:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This is where the flavor foundation is built, so don’t rush it!
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Creating the Soup:
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (undrained). Stir in the Italian seasoning and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a rich, flavorful broth.
Adding the Tortellini and Creaminess:
- Add the cheese tortellini to the soup. If using frozen tortellini, add them directly to the soup. Cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender and float to the surface.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Heat through, but do not boil. Boiling can cause the cream to separate.
Serving and Enjoying:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Secrets to the BEST Tortellini Soup EVER!
Want to elevate your Creamy Italian Cheese Tortellini Soup from good to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years.
Choosing the Right Tortellini:
Fresh or frozen tortellini both work great in this recipe! Fresh tortellini will cook a bit faster, so keep a close eye on it. Frozen tortellini is perfectly fine and can be added directly to the simmering soup. For the best flavor, choose a high-quality cheese tortellini. You can also experiment with different fillings like spinach and ricotta or mushroom.
Boosting the Broth Flavor:
The quality of your chicken broth makes a HUGE difference. If you have the time, homemade chicken broth is always the best. If not, look for a low-sodium broth with good flavor. You can also add a Parmesan cheese rind to the soup while it simmers for an extra layer of umami goodness. Just remove the rind before adding the cream.
Getting the Perfect Creamy Texture:
The key to a perfectly creamy soup is to avoid boiling it after adding the heavy cream. Boiling can cause the cream to curdle or separate, resulting in a grainy texture. Gently heat the cream through until the soup is warmed, but never let it boil. Also, using full-fat heavy cream is essential for that luxurious, creamy mouthfeel. Don’t skimp on the fat!
Adding Protein Power:
While the cheese tortellini provides some protein, you can easily add more to make this soup even more satisfying. Cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or even white beans would be delicious additions. If using sausage, brown it in the pot before adding the vegetables. For chicken, simply shred cooked chicken and add it to the soup along with the tortellini. For beans, rinse and drain them before adding them in the last few minutes of cooking.
Variations to Make it Your Own!
This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but don’t be afraid to get creative and customize it to your liking!
Spice it Up!
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup along with the Italian seasoning. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of regular sausage for an extra kick.
Veggie Lovers Delight:
Add more vegetables to the soup for a heartier and healthier meal. Spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be great additions. Add them to the soup along with the tortellini so they have time to cook through.
Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup:
Increase the amount of diced tomatoes or add a can of tomato sauce to the soup for a richer tomato flavor. You can also use crushed tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes for a smoother texture.
Perfect Pairings for Your Soup Sensation
Want to create a complete and satisfying meal? Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside your Creamy Italian Cheese Tortellini Soup.
Garlic Bread:
A classic pairing! Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
Side Salad:
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing will balance out the richness of the soup.
Grilled Cheese:
Another comforting classic! A simple grilled cheese sandwich is a perfect accompaniment to this soup.
Other Soups You Might Love!
If you are a soup fanatic like me, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite soup recipes. Each one is designed to be easy, delicious, and perfect for a cozy night in!
- LASAGNA SOUP: All the delicious flavors of lasagna, but in soup form! This is a hearty and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
- GARLIC CHICKEN GNOCCHI SOUP: Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor! This soup is a total crowd-pleaser.
- SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP: A classic combination that never disappoints! This soup is perfect for a chilly day.
- CREAMY SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP: A richer version of the classic soup, perfect for a special occasion.
- CREAMY TORTELLINI SOUP: The simplest version, for when you are short on time.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and let’s be honest, you probably won’t!), here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness.
Storing:
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out, as the tortellini will absorb some of the liquid. Alternatively, you can reheat the soup in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Creamy, Dreamy, Delicious!
Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the art of making Creamy Italian Cheese Tortellini Soup – Easy!. This recipe is a guaranteed winner for weeknight dinners, cozy weekends, or any time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure deliciousness!
Can I use fresh or frozen tortellini for this soup?
Both fresh and frozen cheese tortellini work well in this recipe. Fresh tortellini cooks faster, while frozen can be added directly to the simmering soup. Choose high-quality cheese tortellini for the best flavor, and consider experimenting with fillings like spinach and ricotta or mushroom.
How can I make the soup extra creamy?
To achieve a perfectly creamy soup, avoid boiling it after adding the heavy cream, as this can cause curdling. Gently heat the cream through until the soup is warmed, but never let it boil. Using full-fat heavy cream is also essential for a luxurious, creamy texture.
What are some variations I can make to this soup?
You can spice it up with red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage. Add more vegetables like spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers. Or, create a creamy tomato tortellini soup by increasing the amount of diced tomatoes or adding tomato sauce.
How do I store and reheat leftover tortellini soup?
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of broth if needed. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Creamy Cheese Tortellini Soup
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Ladle
- Garlic press (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini refrigerated or frozen
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (undrained).
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and dried basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the soup to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add the cheese tortellini to the soup. If using frozen tortellini, add them directly to the soup. Cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender and float to the surface.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Heat through, but do not boil.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
