Name: Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided; ½ yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 15 oz. tomato sauce; 15 oz. diced tomatoes; 1 cup chicken broth; 20 oz. cheese tortellini; ½ cup heavy cream; 0.5 oz fresh basil leaves

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 63 reviews

There is something incredibly heartwarming about a bowl of creamy, luscious pasta soup that wraps you up in delicious comfort from the very first spoonful. This Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe is just that kind of magic—imagine tender cheese tortellini swimming in a rich tomato cream broth, brightened with fresh spinach and fragrant basil. It’s a cozy one-pot meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect go-to on chilly evenings or whenever you need a hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot filled with tortellini pasta in a thick red tomato sauce. The tortellini are light yellow with curved, folded shapes, floating evenly throughout the rich, slightly chunky red sauce. The sauce coats the edge of the pot, showing a bit of texture and darker spots where it has cooked. The pot rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is a breeze here, and each component plays a starring role in the harmony of flavors, colors, and textures. From savory aromatics to fresh herbs and creamy elements, everything comes together effortlessly to create a soup that’s anything but ordinary.

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Provides a silky base and perfect sautéing fat for layered flavor development.
½ yellow onion, diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth to the broth once softened.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that signature aromatic punch that enhances every savory note.
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that offers a fragrant, earthy undertone.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor and adds richness and color to the soup.
15 oz. tomato sauce: Creates the smooth, vibrant tomato base for the broth.
15 oz. diced tomatoes: Adds texture and bursts of fresh tomato brightness.
1 cup chicken broth: Enhances savory depth and helps cook the tortellini perfectly.
20 oz. cheese tortellini: The star ingredient—pillowy, cheesy pockets of pure delight.
½ cup heavy cream: Gives the soup its signature creamy, luscious finish.
0.5 oz fresh basil: Adds freshness and an herbaceous lift when fried to crisp perfection.

How to Make Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This sweating process builds the flavorful base for your soup. Then toss in the minced garlic and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, stirring everything for an additional minute to release their fragrant oils.

Step 2: Intensify the Tomato Base

Next, stir in the tomato paste, letting it cook for about a minute. This concentrated burst of tomato adds depth and richness, ensuring your broth won’t be flat but instead wonderfully robust and complex.

Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients and Simmer

Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and cheese tortellini. Bring this vibrant mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the tortellini to cook through and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Fry the Basil

While the soup is simmering, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-sized pan over medium heat. Fry the fresh basil leaves until crisp and fragrant, about 2 to 4 minutes per side. This little step elevates the soup with a slightly smoky, aromatic crunch that contrasts delightfully with the creamy broth.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Serve

Once your tortellini is perfectly tender, stir in the heavy cream and let the soup cook for another 5 minutes. This final touch transforms the soup into a velvety, rich bowl of comfort. Ladle it into bowls and top with those crispy fried basil leaves for a stunning finish.

How to Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

A white pot filled with cooked tortellini pasta covered in a thick, orange-red tomato sauce with small pieces of tomatoes and black pepper sprinkled evenly. The tortellini are soft and well coated by the sauce, floating in the warm liquid. The pot has a white handle and is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness and texture are key when serving your soup. Sprinkle it with extra Parmesan cheese, a crack of black pepper, or even a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness. The fried basil leaves you prepared earlier are essential—a crispy, fragrant topping that ties every spoonful together with a perfect herbal note.

Side Dishes

This soup is so satisfying it can stand alone, but pairing it with simple sides like warm crusty bread or garlic knots will take your meal to the next level. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette also provides a refreshing counterpoint to the soup’s creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls or hollowed-out mini pumpkins during fall gatherings. You can also ladle the soup into large mugs for casual lunches or serve alongside an antipasto platter to make it the centerpiece of an Italian-inspired feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your soup cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping or enjoying convenient homemade comfort later in the week.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, keep in mind that creamy soups may sometimes separate upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers without the cream added; then stir fresh cream in when reheating for best results. The tortellini may become a bit softer but will still taste delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. If the soup appears too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Add any fresh cream or garnishes just before serving to maintain that silky texture and fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini in this soup?

Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly; just add an extra couple of minutes to the simmering time to ensure they cook fully.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and your soup will still be deliciously rich and full of flavor.

Is it okay to use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil is preferred for frying to achieve that crisp texture and vibrant flavor, but if you only have dried, add it sparingly with the Italian seasoning to the soup.

Can I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream?

You can, though the soup will be slightly less rich. If using half-and-half, add it at the end of cooking and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

How spicy is this soup?

This Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe is mild and comforting, but you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté step if you like a little heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, this Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It beautifully marries creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors into one unforgettable bowl of warmth. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cozy meal.

Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need