Tortellini soup is the kind of dish that wraps you up like a warm blanket. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. With tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a rich, savory broth alongside vegetables and herbs, this soup offers comfort in every spoonful.
What makes tortellini soup so appealing is its balance of texture and flavor. The tortellini themselves are soft, pillowy, and packed with cheesy goodness. As they simmer in the broth, they soak up all the surrounding flavors while staying perfectly al dente. You can use fresh or frozen tortellini depending on what’s available, and either option works beautifully.
A classic version of tortellini soup starts with a base of sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. These vegetables create a flavorful foundation and bring a slight sweetness and depth to the broth. Add in chicken or vegetable stock, and let the flavors come together with a handful of herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
For a heartier version, you can stir in cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken. A handful of baby spinach or kale at the end adds color, nutrients, and a fresh finish that balances the richness of the tortellini. If you’re craving something creamy, add a splash of heavy cream or a swirl of tomato paste for a tomato cream base.
Tortellini soup is endlessly adaptable. You can go vegetarian or meat-filled, light and brothy or rich and creamy. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some crusty bread on the side, and you’ve got a full meal in a bowl.
This soup is ideal for meal prepping and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. It’s comforting, nourishing, and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for all ages.
Tortellini soup is more than just an easy dinner – it’s a feel-good meal that turns ordinary ingredients into something special. One bowl is never enough.

Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 cups tomatoes diced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 20 ounces cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
- 3 cups spinach fresh
- to taste salt and pepper optional
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes along with their juice. Stir in the Italian seasoning.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, or until they float to the top and are tender.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
This soup is amazing! I added some Parmesan on top and it was perfect. Definitely making it again!
I love how quick and easy this is! Just a tip: I added some chicken for protein and it was a hit!
Yea, this is soup… but why tortellini? Can’t we just use macaroni? Anyway, it was alright I guess.
Honestly, I wasn’t impressed. The flavor was pretty bland. Maybe it needs more spices?
I dunno… I thought it would be better. The tortellini didn’t cook right for me. Maybe I did it wrong. 🙁
I don’t like tortellini, could I use regular pasta instead? Gotta be cheaper too.
Good recipe, but where does the spinach go? I cooked it too long and it just shrank. 😂
Dude, this is the best thing I’ve ever made! 🥳 Can’t believe how quick it was too.
This soup is so easy and delicious! I added some extra veggies and it turned out great.
Sound good but I don’t get how it’s ‘easy.’ It has quite a few steps!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Adding extra veggies sounds like a great idea. What did you add?
It says 6 cups of chicken broth? That must be a typo! I used 3 cups and it worked fine.
I think the original recipe is right. 6 cups makes a more flavorful soup! You might just be used to a lighter broth. 😊
Yummy in my tummy! I left out the salt and it still tasted fab! Nice recipe. Thanks! 😊
Eh, it was just okay. I was expecting more flavor. Might try adding some red pepper flakes next time.
I felt the same way. It definitely needs a kick! Red pepper flakes sound good idea. I’ll try that next time too!
This soup is amazing! So easy to make and super delicious. My whole family loved it!
I’m glad you loved it! This soup is perfect for cold days!
It was ok, but I prefer the canned version. This was too much work for me.
I get it! Sometimes, convenience is key. Canned soup is easy peasy.
Just made it and my kids loved it! Tortellini is always a hit. Will definitely make again.
Sounds good but tortellini soup? Is that even a thing?? I might stick to my usual chicken noodle.
I don’t know, spinach in soup? Sounds weird. But my wife made it and said it was good.
I dunno, it was just okay. Like, I expected more flavor. 😒
I thought it was great! Maybe you just need to add more seasoning next time. 😊
Really simple to make and it was filling! I added some chicken for protein and it turned out great. Will make again for sure!
Not a fan. Too watery, needed more seasoning. 😒
I’m not sure about the spinach. It just seems weird in soup. Anyone else feel that way?
I don’t know, it’s just soup. Not impressed. Maybe I’m expecting too much?
Soup? Tortellini? In the summertime? Nah.
I totally get that! Soup feels more like a winter thing. But this tortellini soup is really good any time of year, trust me!
I don’t get it, this soup felt kinda bland to me. I ended up adding some chili flakes and it was better, but I expected more.
Yum! Definitely making this again. I added some chili flakes for a little kick! 🔥
Y’all, I forgot the garlic and had to use powder! Still pretty good but smh. 😅
Garlic powder still works! Glad it turned out good, though. Just goes to show, recipes can be flexible! 🙌
I think I put too much salt, it was kinda salty. Next time lower the salt, right?
Love this! I added extra spinach and a handful of shredded parmesan at the end and wow. Also, the onion sauté step really matters—don’t skip it.
This soup was fantastic! So simple but full of flavor! Definitely making again.
Tortellini?? I thought this was a soup recipe, not a pasta dish! Confused.
I like how simple it is, but 10 minutes might not be enough for some broths? Mine tasted a little “thin” until I simmered longer. Still good though.
Solid basic recipe. I like that it’s low-sodium broth, and the cook time is realistic. Only tweak I’d do is add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
This soup is amazing! So easy to make and really comforting.
Totally agree! This soup is super yummy and perfect for chilly nights. 🥰
I dunno… looks easy, but what if it don’t taste good? Just sayin’.
Wow, this recipe blew my mind!! I added some chorizo for extra kick!
I added some chicken to it and it turned out great! Also, can you use beef broth instead? Asking for a friend.
Tortellini in soup? Sounds weird… but I tried it and loved it!
So good! Feels like a hug in a bowl. Will be my go-to winter recipe!
I totally agree! This soup is like a warm cuddle. Perfect for the cold nights ahead!
My kids loved it! I used frozen tortellini and it turned out great!
Not bad, but honestly it needed more garlic. I know the recipe says 2 cloves, but I’m the kind of person who believes garlic fixes everything lol.
Made this last night—so cozy. The tortellini floating thing is spot on, and the spinach at the end keeps it bright. I used a little extra garlic too. 10/10 comfort soup.
Easy and that tortellini was so good! Thumbs up from my family! 👍
I followed the instructions but it turned out kinda bland. I think it needs more spices or something.
Simple and great. Made this for lunch and it was a hit. Will make again for sure!
I’m not an experienced cook, but this was easy. The instructions were clear and my onion garlic smell amazing. Kids loved the tortellini part.
Quick question: are you supposed to cook the tortellini in the simmering soup for the full time on the package? Mine got a bit too soft after I followed the float rule AND the package time.
Too much spinach! I couldn’t even taste the tortellini anymore. Will cut back on that next time.
Yum! I added some red pepper flakes for extra kick. Will make again!
Eh, wasn’t my favorite. Too much broth for my taste. But glad you enjoyed it!
That sounds delicious! I love the idea of adding red pepper flakes, I’ll have to try that next time!
I found it a bit bland. I expected more flavor with the Italian seasoning but maybe I should’ve added more salt. 🤔
I made this for my kids and they loved it! Easy and they even asked for seconds.
This soup is amazing! So tasty and easy to make! 😍
Really? I tried it and it was kinda bland… Maybe I did something wrong? 🤔
I’m glad you liked it! The tortellini is so good. I added some parmesan on top and it took it to the next level! 🧀😊
Spinach is gross, but whatever. It was okay but next time I’ll just skip it.
Way too bland for me. Salt and pepper help, but it still tasted kinda like plain chicken water. I added chili flakes and it became way better.
Too many steps for me. I’m not a good cook, had trouble with the timings. 😕
This soup is AMAZING! Can’t believe how easy it was to make.
Simple and tasty! Made it for my friends and they all wanted the recipe. Thank you!
Pretty solid weeknight soup. I used dried tortellini since that’s what I had and it was still good, though I needed a few extra minutes. Next time I’ll grab fresh for sure.
Followed the steps exactly but it was too salty for my taste. Maybe the broth was too salty?
My kids loved it! They always complain about veggies but they slurped this up! Will save this recipe!
This soup is delicious! The tortellini were so cheesy and the flavors melded perfectly. My family loved it!
Y’all say 6 cups of broth??? That’s way too much! I only used 4 and still watered it down. Felt like soup soup!
Yum! But why so much spinach? I like it better with less greens.
I didn’t have fresh spinach, used kale instead. Still turned out good! But not as good as your photos.
Yummm! My kids loved it! I added some carrots for extra veggies.
Honestly, I expected more from this. It tasted very bland to me. Guess I’m used to more spices.
How long does it last in the fridge? I made too much…
It should last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container!
Eh, it was okay. I expected more from it. Maybe I didn’t follow it well but it just tasted… bland.
Quick, easy, and so good! Had to be careful not to overcook the tortellini though. Will add some kick next time with chili flakes!
I accidentally used beef broth instead of chicken. Still turned out good. But I won’t do that again!
Why do they call it Tortellini soup? It’s just pasta in broth, lol.
Very nice how-to! But where I live, tortellini is hard to find. Can I use spaghetti instead?
I liked it, but it felt a little heavy on the broth—like more soupy than saucy? Maybe I’d add a bit more seasoning or reduce it next time. Still tasty.
Great recipe, but I added some chicken to it. Would recommend! 👍
Adding chicken sounds like a tasty twist! I’ve never thought of that, might try it next time. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely delicious! This recipe is a keeper. The flavors are just perfect.
I don’t know… it feels a bit bland. Maybe I did something wrong?
never cooked with italian seasoning before, was confused. does it matter?
Tortellini is always a win for me! 🍲
This soup is amazing! Perfect for a cold day. My kids loved it too!
I’m glad your kids enjoyed it! Soup is such a great way to warm up on a chilly day. Will try it myself soon!
Yum! My family loved it! I used frozen tortellini and it turned out great. Definitely making this again!
Made this tonight and it’s super comforting. The tomatoes + Italian seasoning combo tastes like it came from a cozy café. I used frozen tortellini and it floated perfectly.
Spinach in at the end is a good idea, but 10 minutes before adding tortellini feels short to me. Wouldn’t the tomatoes need more time? Anyway it was edible, not wow.
Best soup eva! 😍 I put in some leftover chicken and wow! Just wow!
Leftover chicken? That’s a genius idea! I need to try that. Thanks for sharing!
This soup is amazing! So easy to make and very tasty. I added some grated parmesan on top, and it was delicious!
Tortellini and spinach?? That’s like… a weird combo? But surprisingly, it worked out. Thumbs up from me!
I tried this and forgot the garlic… it was okay but not what I thought. Uncooked onion is weird in soup.
I don’t see how this would be good… doesn’t seem right.
“Fresh or frozen” tortellini is a big difference, gotta say. Frozen took longer and got a little soft for me. Maybe still good though!
this soup is ssooo good, i made it twice in a week!! 10/10 recomend.
This soup is so easy to make! I like that it doesn’t take much time but still feels fancy. 🌟
I made this soup last night and it was a hit! Super easy and delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Seems kinda bland to me… I don’t think just tortellini and broth is fancy at all. 😒
Honestly kinda boring? Like it tastes like chicken broth with pasta. I wish there was more flavor—maybe add parmesan or cream. Otherwise it’s just okay.
Can I sub veggie broth? Also, how long do you simmer if the tortellini is dried instead of fresh? My stove is also kinda weak so things take forever 😅
I used vegetable broth instead of chicken and it was still great. Makes it vegan-friendly!
The spinach step is clutch—2-3 minutes made it tender not gross. I did use dried spinach once and it turned out weird, so don’t substitute that lol.
Yes!! Fresh spinach really is the difference—2-3 minutes is perfect so it’s tender but not slimy. Good warning about dried spinach, I always forget it won’t behave the same.
Does anyone know if I can use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? Too lazy to chop!
Love it! Will definitely recommend to my friends. 👍🏼
Thanks for sharing! This soup sounds amazing! 🥰
I followed it pretty closely, but mine seemed a bit thin? Maybe I used smaller tortellini or not enough tomatoes. Still tasty though—just not super thick like I expected.
I always add a little more tomatoes (and sometimes even a spoon of tomato paste) if it’s not thick. Also simmering longer after the broth/tomatoes helps it reduce a bit.
That makes sense—tortellini soups can come out thinner depending on the brand/size. If yours were smaller (or you had less tomatoes by volume), you’ll definitely get less body.
I tried this and my tortellini didn’t “float” for like 20 minutes… turns out I used the wrong package (one said boil for 9 min, other said simmer gently). Tasted great once I figured it out though.
Not bad, but I’d cut the salt way down. My chicken broth was salty already and I totally overdid it with pepper too. Lesson learned.
YUM! I added some chicken and it made the soup even heartier. Thanks for the great recipe!
My family said it’s a keeper. Next time I’ll add a pinch of red pepper flakes because the soup felt a little mild for us.
The steps are clear and it’s hard to mess up. I followed it exactly. Spinach wilted nicely and the broth tasted clean, not overly salty even with the low-sodium stuff.
Yes! I love when low-sodium broth still tastes “clean” — that’s how you know the seasoning balance is right. Also spinach usually goes perfect in just a couple minutes like you said.
This was cozy and flavorful! The tomatoes + Italian seasoning combo tasted super legit, and the tortellini turned out perfectly tender. I’ll definitely make again.
Totally agree—this is the kind of cozy bowl I crave on a chilly night. The Italian seasoning really does make it taste “restaurant legit,” and I love how the tortellini stays tender.
This soup was AMAZING! I can’t believe how good it tasted with such simple ingredients. My kids loved it too!
I’m so glad you loved it! It’s one of my family’s favorites too. Simple ingredients but packed with flavor!
Really? I tried it and thought it was kinda bland. I added more spices but still didn’t impress me. 🤷♂️