This Spinach Tortellini Soup is a warm and cozy dish, packed with tasty cheese-filled pasta and fresh spinach. It’s perfect for chilly days!
Honestly, the tortellini is the star here, bouncy and flavorful. I can’t resist adding a sprinkle of cheese on top before digging in. Who could blame me? 🧀
I love how quick this soup comes together. Just simmer, toss in the tortellini, and enjoy a big bowl of comfort in no time. Perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: While olive oil is my go-to for sautéing due to its flavor, you can use vegetable oil if you’re looking for a milder taste or if you’re out of olive oil.
Cheese Tortellini: If you can’t find refrigerated tortellini, frozen works well too! And if you prefer, you can swap it for any small pasta such as ditalini or orzo.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is wonderful in this soup, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.
Broth: Chicken broth gives a rich flavor, but vegetable broth keeps it light and vegetarian. I often mix broth types for depth of flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Perfectly Tender?
Cooking the vegetables just right is key for a nice texture in your soup. Here’s how I do it:
- Start by sautéing the onions on medium heat until they get soft and clear – this builds great flavor.
- When you add the carrots and celery, simmer them for about 10 minutes. Test them with a fork: they should be tender, but still have a bit of bite!
- Make sure you don’t overcook the tortellini; they should only take a few minutes to become soft but not mushy.
With this approach, your soup will have great texture and flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Spinach Tortellini Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced or shredded
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. So in just about 35 minutes, you can enjoy a delightful bowl of spinach tortellini soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This will give your soup a nice base of flavor!
2. Add Garlic:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Add Liquid and Vegetables:
Now, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and water, then add the carrots and celery. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are nice and tender.
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes until they float to the surface and are tender. This is when your soup really starts to come together!
5. Add Fresh Spinach:
Now it’s time to stir in those fresh spinach leaves along with the dried Italian seasoning. Cook just until the spinach wilts—this will take about 2 minutes. It adds such a vibrant color and flavor to the soup!
6. Season Your Soup:
Give the soup a taste and season it with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious finishing touch. This soup is perfect served hot alongside crusty bread or a light salad. Enjoy your warm and hearty spinach tortellini soup!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can substitute frozen spinach for fresh in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it beforehand and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the soup.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the soup even tastier! To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or microwave.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly so everything is tender but not mushy.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Tortellini?
If you don’t have tortellini on hand, any small pasta like ditalini, orzo, or even gnocchi can be a great alternative. Just be sure to check the cooking times for whatever pasta you choose.