This tasty spinach tortellini soup is just what you need for a warm and cozy meal! The soft tortellini team up with fresh spinach in a tasty broth that is both comforting and satisfying.
I love how quick it is to whip up—perfect for busy days when I want something delicious without hours in the kitchen. Plus, the colors make it so cheerful! 🌱🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its light flavor, but you can substitute with vegetable oil or butter if you prefer. Just remember that butter will add a richer taste!
Onion: A small onion gives a lovely base flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use shallots or even onion powder (about 1 teaspoon) as a quick fix.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds such a nice aroma! If you don’t have fresh, use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder instead, but use fresh whenever possible for the best flavor.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth gives a savory depth. If you want a lower sodium option, look for low-sodium versions or make homemade broth if you have the time!
Carrots: These add sweetness and color. You can swap them with celery or bell peppers if you want a different twist. Frozen mixed vegetables are also a great convenience option.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini brings creaminess, but you can use any other filled pasta or even whole grain varieties for a health kick. Just check the cooking times!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is key here, but if you only have frozen, that will work too. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it to the soup.
How Do I Ensure My Tortellini is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking tortellini needs attention to avoid overcooking. Follow these steps to make sure they turn out just right:
- Bring the broth to a rolling boil before adding the tortellini to get them cooked evenly.
- Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini.
- Taste one a minute before the package time is up—if it’s tender but still slightly firm to the bite, they’re ready!
- Don’t forget to stir gently to prevent sticking.
These tips will help you achieve that perfect al dente texture, making your soup even more enjoyable!
Delicious Spinach Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup carrots, finely diced
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma!
2. Build the Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth along with the water. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a nice boil. You want everything bubbling together for the best flavor!
3. Add Carrots and Herbs:
Once boiling, toss in the diced carrots and sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano. Reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the carrots to soften up a bit and absorb all those scrumptious flavors.
4. Cook the Tortellini:
Now, it’s time for the tortellini! Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes until they are tender. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!
5. Add Spinach:
Just before the tortellini are done, stir in the roughly chopped fresh spinach. Let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and bright. Your soup is almost ready!
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. If you’d like, serve it hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy finishing touch. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Spinach Tortellini Soup!
This delightful soup combines tender cheese tortellini with vibrant spinach in a flavorful broth that’s sure to warm you up. Perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the soup. This will prevent the soup from becoming too watery.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover spinach tortellini soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You may want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up a bit when reheating!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure that your tortellini is cheese-based and vegetarian-friendly. This will keep the soup both satisfying and delicious without any meat!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can definitely customize this soup by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. Just chop them small and add them with the carrots, adjusting cooking times as needed to ensure everything is tender.
