Tomato tortellini soup is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of creamy tomato soup with tender cheese-filled tortellini. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for chilly evenings, offering a warm and hearty meal that your whole family will love. It’s quick, filling, and requires just a few simple ingredients, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s a meatless option that’s both satisfying and nutritious, ideal for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy and hearty soup.
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Why You’ll Love This Tomato Tortellini Soup
This tomato tortellini soup is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. Not only does it bring together two family favorites—tomato soup and pasta—but it also comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a dish to enjoy with leftovers, this recipe hits the mark. The cheesy tortellini perfectly complements the creamy tomato base, while sun-dried tomatoes add an extra depth of flavor. It’s a fantastic meal for those cool autumn nights, and it’s simple enough to make for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Tomato Tortellini Soup
To make this flavorful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Frozen Cheese Tortellini: Adds heartiness and texture to the soup, creating a filling meal.
- Tomato Soup: The base of the soup, giving it a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the tortellini.
- Chicken Broth: Adds richness and depth to the soup’s flavor. You can substitute it with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Milk: Provides creaminess and helps balance out the acidity from the tomatoes.
- Half and Half: This helps create a silky texture and a luscious consistency in the soup.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A burst of intense tomato flavor that deepens the soup’s overall taste.
- Onion Powder: Adds subtle savory notes.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances the umami flavor and gives the soup a savory kick.
- Dried Basil: Contributes a fresh, herbal flavor that brightens the soup.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the soup.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and a nutty flavor that complements the creamy base.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Tortellini: If you’re unable to find cheese tortellini, you can use other types of pasta, like ravioli or gnocchi, as a substitute.
- Broth Options: For a lighter version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian.
- Milk Substitutes: If you’re dairy-free, swap the milk and half-and-half with coconut milk or almond milk.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Cook the Tortellini: Start by cooking the frozen cheese tortellini according to the instructions on the package. Drain the tortellini once they’re done.
- Prepare the Soup Base: While the tortellini is cooking, combine the tomato soup, chicken broth, milk, and half-and-half in a large stockpot. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, and salt to the pot.
- Heat the Soup: Turn the heat to medium and stir the mixture frequently to heat everything through. Keep stirring to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add the Tortellini: Once the tortellini is ready, carefully add them to the pot with the soup base. Stir everything together until the tortellini is well-coated with the soup.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this hearty, comforting soup with your loved ones!
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as they can become too soft and lose their texture. Follow the package instructions closely.
- Reheat Gently: If you’re reheating leftovers, do so on low heat to avoid overcooking the pasta. If possible, add fresh tortellini during reheating to keep it from soaking up too much broth.
- Extra Creaminess: For a thicker soup, add a splash of heavy cream or a little more Parmesan cheese to the soup.
- Customize Your Flavor: If you prefer a little more spice, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Tomato tortellini soup is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, consider serving it with:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty side perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted veggies like zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers make for a delicious accompaniment.
For variations, you can try:
- Spicy Tomato Tortellini Soup: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the soup for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute the pasta with gluten-free penne or rice noodles.
- Vegan Version: Swap out the dairy ingredients for coconut milk, and use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This soup is perfect for meal prep and storing. You can refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the tortellini for up to two months. When reheating, simply add fresh tortellini to the soup for the best texture.
Tomato Tortellini Soup: A Year-Round Comfort Food
Tomato tortellini soup is not just a fall favorite; it’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re cozying up on a winter evening or enjoying a light summer dinner, this soup brings warmth and satisfaction. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a must-try recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Conclusion
Tomato tortellini soup is a wonderfully comforting dish that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty, flavorful tomato broth. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to warm you up on a chilly day, this recipe is sure to please. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a dish that your entire family will adore. Plus, with its versatility, you can customize it to suit your preferences, from adding more spices to swapping out ingredients based on dietary needs. Tomato tortellini soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen, bringing comfort and flavor to your table every time.
FAQ About Tomato Tortellini Soup
1. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen for tomato tortellini soup?
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used instead of frozen. Be sure to cook the fresh tortellini according to the instructions on the package before adding them to the soup. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
2. How do I make this tomato tortellini soup vegetarian or vegan?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. For a vegan version, replace the half-and-half and milk with coconut milk or almond milk, and opt for a plant-based Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.
3. Can I freeze tomato tortellini soup?
While you can freeze the broth without the tortellini, it’s best to add fresh tortellini when reheating the soup, as pasta can become soggy after freezing. Store the soup base in an airtight container for up to two months in the freezer.
More Relevant Recipes
Tomato Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy tomato tortellini soup combines tender cheese tortellini in a rich, creamy tomato broth with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for chilly days or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 9 ounces frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 (10.75 ounces) tomato soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk (skim preferred)
- 2 cups half and half
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large stockpot, combine tomato soup, chicken broth, milk, half and half, sun-dried tomatoes, onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, and salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until heated through.
- Carefully add the cooked tortellini to the soup and stir to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and allow the soup to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
- If you’re storing leftovers, consider keeping the tortellini separate to prevent it from soaking up too much broth.
- This soup can be made ahead and reheated on low heat for best results.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the soup while cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 263 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 668 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
