Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup Recipe

Warm up with a comforting bowl of creamy tomato basil tortellini soup, perfect for a cozy family meal.

This easy recipe features tender cheese tortellini in a rich tomato base, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend lunch. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with its inviting aroma and satisfying flavors.

Discover the details of how to create this delightful soup that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and rewarding, ensuring a fantastic meal every time.

Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Warm up with a comforting bowl of creamy tomato basil tortellini soup, perfect for a cozy family meal. This easy recipe features tender cheese tortellini in a rich tomato base, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend lunch. It’s a dish that brings everyone to the table with its inviting aroma and satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

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1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce

4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

1 (19 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Instructions

1. 1. Saute Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

2. 2. Build the Tomato Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic. Add the vegetable broth, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

3. 3. Add the Cream and Basil: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh chopped basil. Mix until the cream is fully incorporated, giving the soup its beautiful creamy texture and light orange hue.

4. 4. Cook the Tortellini: Return the pot to medium heat. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and float to the surface. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the tortellini mushy.

5. 5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed. If you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added here.

6. 6. Serve Warm: Ladle the creamy tomato basil tortellini soup into bowls. Garnish with additional fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: main dish
• Method: stovetop
• Cuisine: italian-american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl

Keywords: soup, tortellini, tomato, basil, creamy, easy, weeknight, comfort food, vegetarian, quick

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This creamy tomato basil tortellini soup is a true weeknight hero, perfect for families and anyone seeking a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for beginner cooks, and uses readily available ingredients you likely already have or can easily find at any grocery store. The combination of rich tomato, fragrant basil, and tender cheese tortellini creates a flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone, even picky eaters. Serve it as a hearty main course with some crusty bread for dipping, or as a lighter lunch option. It’s especially wonderful on a chilly evening when you crave something warm and satisfying, but it’s also light enough to enjoy year-round. This recipe is all about convenience, flavor, and bringing a little extra comfort to your everyday meals.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this creamy tomato basil tortellini soup is simple. Most items are pantry staples, and the fresh tortellini adds a lovely, quick-cooking element that makes this soup feel special without extra effort.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 (19 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

For simple substitutions, feel free to use canned diced tomatoes if crushed tomatoes aren’t available; just be sure to break them down a bit with a spoon as they cook. If you prefer a lighter option, half-and-half can be used in place of heavy cream, though the soup will be slightly less rich. While fresh basil offers the best flavor, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried basil if fresh isn’t an option. For a different twist, explore different tortellini fillings like spinach and ricotta, or even meat-filled tortellini.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for speed and convenience, perfect for fitting into a busy schedule.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

You’ll be enjoying a warm, comforting bowl of soup in just about half an hour, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this creamy tomato basil tortellini soup is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious and satisfying meal.

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The kitchen should start to smell wonderful at this point!
2. Build the Tomato Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic. Add the vegetable broth, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. You’ll see small bubbles breaking the surface, indicating a perfect simmer.
3. Add the Cream and Basil: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh chopped basil. Mix until the cream is fully incorporated, giving the soup its beautiful creamy texture and light orange hue.
4. Cook the Tortellini: Return the pot to medium heat. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and float to the surface. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the tortellini mushy.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed. If you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added here.
6. Serve Warm: Ladle the creamy tomato basil tortellini soup into bowls. Garnish with additional fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This creamy tomato basil tortellini soup is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked shredded chicken or Italian sausage during the last 5 minutes of simmering the tomato base. If you want to sneak in more vegetables, a handful of fresh spinach or finely chopped zucchini can be stirred in with the tortellini; they will wilt quickly in the hot soup.

For a kid-friendly twist, you can use smaller, ring-shaped pasta instead of tortellini, or offer fun toppings like mini croutons or goldfish crackers. A dollop of pesto swirled into individual bowls adds another layer of basil flavor and a beautiful color.

When serving, crusty bread or garlic knots are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a complete and balanced meal. This soup is also excellent for potlucks or casual gatherings; simply keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting. For optional toppings, consider a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a few toasted pine nuts for added texture.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have a few pitfalls. Here’s how to ensure your creamy tomato basil tortellini soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Overcooking the Tortellini: This is the most common mistake. Refrigerated tortellini cooks very quickly, often in just 3-5 minutes. Overcooked tortellini can become mushy and lose its texture. Add it only at the very end of the cooking process and cook just until tender.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks much faster than onions. Add it after the onions have softened and cook for only about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. If it turns dark brown, it will taste bitter and can ruin the flavor of your soup.
• Adding Cream Too Early: While not disastrous, adding heavy cream while the soup is at a rolling boil can sometimes cause it to separate or curdle, especially if the heat is too high. It’s best to remove the pot from direct heat or reduce the heat to low before stirring in the cream to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Not Adjusting Seasoning: Tastes vary, and canned tomatoes can differ in acidity and salt content. Always taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or even a pinch of sugar (to balance acidity) as needed.
• Using Dried Basil Instead of Fresh (without adjusting quantity): While dried basil can be used, it’s more potent than fresh. If substituting, use about 1/3 the amount of dried basil compared to fresh (e.g., 1 tablespoon dried for 1/4 cup fresh). Fresh basil also adds a vibrant, aromatic finish that dried can’t fully replicate.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This creamy tomato basil tortellini soup is wonderful for leftovers and can be made ahead with a few considerations to maintain its best texture.

Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The tortellini may absorb more liquid and become softer over time, but the flavor will still be excellent.

Reheating: Reheat individual portions gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened too much, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling the soup vigorously when reheating, as this can affect the cream.

Make Ahead: If you plan to make this soup several days in advance, it’s best to cook the tortellini separately and add it to individual bowls just before serving, or add it to the main pot only when reheating. This prevents the tortellini from becoming overly soft and absorbing too much of the broth, which can also make the soup too thick. You can prepare the tomato and cream base completely, store it, and then cook the tortellini fresh when you’re ready to eat. This method ensures the best texture for your pasta.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.