A creamy tomato based soup with cheesy tortellini pasta is an easy Italian inspired dinner the entire family will love. Italian Tortellini Soup is perfect for cold winter nights when you need a little comfort in a bowl.
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I came up with this tortellini soup recipe one day when I was in a hurry and was trying to avoid going to the grocery store. I had these items in my pantry and refrigerator and thought I'd give it a try. What I didn't expect was that it would be such a hit with everyone in my house. I've made this recipe too many times to count- even in the extreme heat of Florida's summers. My husband loves the creamy sauce and my step daughter, Mia loves anything with cheese so I'm happy to have an easy dinner in our rotation that everyone loves!
Ingredients Needed and SUBSTITUTIONS
- onion
- garlic
- ground turkey or beef
- can of crushed tomatoes
- chicken broth
- oregano
- red pepper flakes
- fresh basil
- fresh parsley
- salt & pepper
- package of cheese tortellini
- milk or cream
- Parmesan cheese
Soups are a flexible recipe. You can throw most anything together and it will work just fine so it’s easy to make substitutions. You can always swap ground beef for turkey. I’ve used heavy cream for milk before but added less because of the richness and calories. When using milk I used whole milk because fat free wouldn’t give the same creamy flavor.
How to make Italian Tortellini Soup
Start the tortellini soup recipe by sautéing onions in a little olive oil. I love the flavor sautéed onions add to a tomato based sauce. Also by sautéing on low heat it will soften the onions so they loose their crunch. You’ll want to cook the onions until the are translucent watching carefully to not burn. Once they are cooked add your garlic for the last 30 seconds to bring out their flavor.
After the onions and garlic are cooked it’s time to add the ground turkey. Break the turkey up with a spoon while it browns. Once cooked through drain off the fat.
When turkey is fully cooked add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, spices and herbs. Bring sauce to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes. Add tortellini and cook for the recommended package directions which is usually somewhere around 5 minutes depending on the brand. Remove from heat. While stirring add milk and Parmesan cheese. Dish into bowls and serve with a nice piece of toasty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. Sprinkle on a little extra cheese too!
How long will tortellini soup last
While I think tortellini soup is best when just made you can reheat for leftovers. The tortellini will continue to absorb the sauce so you may want to add extra milk or broth to thin it out when you warm the soup. Leftovers are best if eaten within 2-3 days.
Can you freeze Tortellini Soup
I love to make freezer meals but after experimenting with this tortellini soup recipe I feel it is best if you do not freeze the tortellini. However, you can easily make the soup through step 3 and freeze. Then on a hectic day you can bring the soup back to a simmer and finish by adding the tortellini, milk and Parmesan. This will cut down the cooking time for you when you need a quick dinner!
Italian Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 20 ounce package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup milk (I used whole)
- 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat add olive oil and onion. Saute until translucent about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds.
- Add ground turkey breaking with spoon. Brown turkey and drain fat from meat.
- Add spices, herbs crushed tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes.
- After sauce has simmered for 20 minutes add the tortellini and cook the specified time on the package.
- Once tortellini is cooked remove from heat and stir in milk and Parmesan cheese.
- Laddle soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan. Serve with crackers or bread.
Nutrition
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Catherine
This looks absolutely delicious and speaks to my soul 😀 Def making this this winter!
bobbieblue
Thanks Catherine! I know you’ll love it!!
Tracy
Made tonight for supper was delicious! Will make again.
bobbieblue
Hi Tracy! I'm so glad you liked it!