Tomato Tortellini Soup with Spinach

Refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks in three to five minutes, so it can go straight into a simmering broth and turn a basic tomato soup into a full meal.

The broth starts with onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then a can of crushed tomatoes and four cups of vegetable broth. Once it boils, the pasta goes in. Baby spinach and some cream are stirred through right at the end, wilting the greens and softening the tomato’s acidity. Parmesan and black pepper on top, and it is ready in 18 minutes.

Ingredient notes

Tortellini. Refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks fastest and has the best texture. Frozen tortellini works too, adding a minute or two. Spinach and ricotta or mushroom tortellini are great variations. Ravioli or small gnocchi can also be used.

Crushed tomatoes. They provide body and rich tomato flavor. Diced tomatoes give a chunkier soup; passata a smoother one. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a subtle smoky taste.

Vegetable broth. It keeps the soup vegetarian. Chicken broth adds more savory depth if that’s not a concern.

Spinach. Baby spinach wilts instantly. Kale or chard work but need a few extra minutes.

Cream. A little cream makes the soup velvety and mellows the acidity of the tomatoes. For dairy-free, use coconut milk or leave it out.

Italian seasoning. A blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. A bay leaf added with the broth is a nice extra.

Step by step

Sweat the aromatics. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook for about three minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and Italian seasoning and stir for thirty seconds until fragrant.

Build the broth. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir, cover, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. This takes around four minutes. Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper.

Cook the tortellini. Add the tortellini to the bubbling broth and simmer according to the package, usually three to five minutes. They’re ready when they float and are tender when you bite one.

Finish. Turn the heat to low and stir in the spinach and cream. Within a minute the spinach will wilt and the soup will turn a lovely creamy orange. Taste again and adjust the seasoning.

Serve. Ladle into bowls and top with grated parmesan, black pepper, and a few torn basil leaves if you have them.

Common mistakes

Overcooking the tortellini makes them burst and turn mushy, so check them at the low end of the package time. Boiling the soup hard after adding cream can cause it to split; keep it at a gentle simmer. Underseasoning is also common; tomatoes and broth need enough salt to taste vibrant. And don’t leave the tortellini sitting in the broth for hours, or they’ll swell and absorb most of the liquid.

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortellini or swap in small gluten-free pasta or rice.
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free tortellini or gnocchi, coconut milk instead of cream, and skip parmesan.
• Add sausage: Brown crumbled Italian sausage before the onions for a heartier soup.
• Chicken: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken with the spinach.
• Spicy: Add chili flakes with the garlic.

Making it ahead

If you want to prepare this soup in advance, make the tomato broth base up to three days ahead and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to eat, bring it back to a simmer, then add the tortellini, spinach, and cream. This keeps the pasta from going soft. The broth also freezes well for up to three months, which makes future dinners even faster.

What to serve with it

Garlic bread or crusty bread is perfect for dipping. A grilled cheese sandwich makes this an extra-comforting meal. For something fresh, add a crisp green salad with balsamic dressing or a simple Caesar salad.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to three days. The tortellini will absorb broth and soften, so add more broth or water when reheating. Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring until hot. Avoid freezing the soup with tortellini in it, as the pasta becomes mushy when thawed.