This creamy tortellini lasagna soup is a cozy bowl of goodness! Packed with cheesy tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato base, it’s perfect for a chilly day.
I love how easy it is to make—just toss everything in one pot! And don’t be surprised if you go back for seconds; it’s that comforting! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps sauté the onions. Feel free to use butter for a richer taste, or any other vegetable oil if needed.
Onion: A medium onion provides a nice base flavor. If you’re short on time, use green onions or shallots as substitutes for a milder taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can work in a pinch—about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth gives a hearty flavor, but vegetable broth is a great alternative. Homemade broth works wonderfully too, if you have it!
Crushed Tomatoes: A key ingredient for the soup’s base. You can substitute with diced tomatoes or even tomato puree, but crushed gives the best texture.
Heavy Cream: For creaminess, however, you can swap it with half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream if you want a lighter or vegan option.
Cheese Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is fantastic here, but you can use other types of pasta like penne or even stuffed shells if tortellini isn’t available.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice touch. You could use kale or Swiss chard as alternatives, but just be sure to cook them a bit longer!
How Can I Make the Soup Extra Creamy?
To elevate the creaminess of your soup, there are a few techniques to consider:
- Use full-fat heavy cream instead of lower-fat options; this enhances richness.
- Blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender for a thicker texture; blend just half for some vessel of whole tortellini.
- Incorporate cream cheese or mascarpone cheese while stirring in the heavy cream; this gives a silky finish.
Each of these will contribute to a delightful, creamy soup experience!
Delicious Creamy Tortellini Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups (1 quart) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
For the Creamy Finish:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy tortellini lasagna soup takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and another 20-25 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at approximately 40-45 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and savory meal perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent. This will create a great flavor base for your soup.
2. Add the Garlic and Spices:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until everything is fragrant. The aroma will make your kitchen feel so inviting!
3. Build the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes—this allows all those lovely flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Incorporate Creaminess:
Now, lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream. Be careful not to let it boil! You just want it heated through to keep that rich, creamy texture.
5. Cook the Tortellini:
Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes. You want them tender and just perfect!
6. Add the Spinach:
Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the fresh chopped spinach. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until it wilts down nicely—this adds color and nutrients!
7. Season and Finish Up:
At this point, taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as needed. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s meltingly incorporated throughout the soup. This adds that delicious cheesy flavor we all love!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. If you like, pair it with some crusty bread for dipping and mopping up that creamy goodness. Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy tortellini lasagna soup!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just add the frozen tortellini directly to the soup during the cooking process. You may need to increase the cooking time by a few minutes until they’re fully cooked through. No need to thaw beforehand!
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! You can use half-and-half for a lighter option or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind that these substitutes may slightly alter the flavor and creaminess of the soup.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up since it may thicken when chilled.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to add more flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions and follow the recipe as usual!
