When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, creamy bowl of soup. This Creamy Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food—packed with cheesy pasta, fresh broccoli, and a velvety broth that’s rich and satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re a soup lover or just looking for a quick, delicious meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot!
Ingredients and Preparation Steps
What You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 3 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
First, melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Create the Roux
Next, sprinkle in flour and stir until incorporated. Slowly pour in vegetable broth while stirring to combine, creating a smooth and thickened base for the soup.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Tortellini
After that, add broccoli, carrot, and tortellini. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and turmeric. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender and tortellini is cooked through.
Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Finally, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted. Serve immediately and enjoy!
The Best Time to Savor Your Creamy Tortellini Soup
Imagine curling up on the couch with a steaming bowl of Creamy Tortellini Soup on a chilly evening. The rich, cheesy broth, tender tortellini, and fresh veggies make every spoonful a delight. This soup is perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy weekend lunches, or even as a starter for a holiday meal. Pair it with a slice of Italian Bread or a side of Cranberry Brie Bites for a complete, comforting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tortellini Soup
Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli and carrots work well in this recipe. Just add them directly to the soup without thawing.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the soup up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. However, the soup will be less creamy.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, as it may separate when reheated. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Creamy Tortellini Soup
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
5
Category
Comfort food
This rich and comforting tortellini soup is packed with cheesy pasta, fresh veggies, and a velvety broth. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for a cozy meal!
Ingredient
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 3 cups chopped broccoli
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
Instructions
- First, melt butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Next, sprinkle in flour and stir until incorporated. Slowly pour in vegetable broth while stirring to combine.
- After that, add broccoli, carrot, and tortellini. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and turmeric. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes until the broccoli is tender and tortellini is cooked through.
- Finally, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until melted. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 497
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 19g
Pro Tips
For extra richness, swap half the broth for milk or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Tortellini Soup
Want to make your Creamy Tortellini Soup even better? Here are some expert tips to help you nail this recipe every time:
- Use Fresh Tortellini: Fresh cheese tortellini from the refrigerated section works best for this recipe. It cooks quickly and has a tender, pillowy texture that complements the creamy broth.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Cook the tortellini just until it’s tender, as overcooking can make it mushy. If you’re making the soup ahead of time, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it just before serving.
- Add a Spicy Kick: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. It balances the richness of the cream and cheese beautifully.
- Swap the Broth: If you prefer a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. You can also use half broth and half milk for an extra creamy texture.
- Garnish for Flavor and Presentation: Top your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
While this soup is best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to store and reheat leftovers to maintain their flavor and texture:
- Storage: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content, as it may separate when reheated. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Perfect Pairings for Creamy Tortellini Soup
This soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with other dishes and beverages. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Bread and Salads: Serve with a slice of Italian Bread or a side of Cranberry Brie Bites for a satisfying meal.
- Warm Beverages: Pair with a cup of Golden Milk or Pumpkin Spice Latte for a cozy drink combination.
- Other Soups: For a soup-themed meal, serve alongside Butternut Squash Soup or Tomato Soup.
- Desserts: End your meal with a sweet treat like Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake or Banana Pumpkin Bread.
There’s something truly magical about a bowl of Creamy Tortellini Soup—it’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a cozy dinner party, or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is a winner. The combination of cheesy tortellini, fresh veggies, and a velvety broth is sure to bring smiles to the table.
We’d love to hear how your Creamy Tortellini Soup turns out! Did you add any special twists, like a pinch of red pepper flakes or a garnish of fresh herbs? Share your creations in the comments below and let us know your favorite way to enjoy this soup. Don’t forget to tag a friend who loves cozy, comforting recipes—they’ll thank you for introducing them to this dish!
If you’re looking for more comforting recipes, check out our Butternut Squash Soup or Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese Casserole. And for a sweet ending to your meal, try our Creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake or Banana Pumpkin Bread.
Don’t forget to share this recipe on social media using the hashtag #CozyComfortFood. For more exclusive recipes and cooking tips, subscribe to our newsletter below. Happy cooking, and enjoy every spoonful of this Creamy Tortellini Soup!
Emma,
The Recipe Team