There’s something incredibly cozy and satisfying about a warm bowl of soup that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas. This Vegetable Tortellini Soup Recipe is one of those dishes — it’s hearty, colorful, and so simple that you’ll want to make it on repeat throughout cooler months.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m always on the lookout for soups that combine the freshness of vegetables with a touch of indulgence—and this Vegetable Tortellini Soup Recipe hits all those marks. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy, comforting, and packed with flavor.
- Hearty yet light: Packed with fresh veggies and cheesy tortellini for perfect balance.
- One-pot convenience: Minimizes cleanup, making it a lifesaver on busy nights.
- Customizable flavors: Herbs, spices, and veggies you can switch up easily to suit your mood.
- Comfort food with a twist: The creamy broth and tender pasta make every spoonful a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Vegetable Tortellini Soup Recipe lies in how these simple, wholesome ingredients layer flavor effortlessly. The earthy mushrooms and kale bring lovely texture, while the tomato paste and wine deepen the broth’s richness—giving you a soup that feels elegant but is easy to pull together.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté veggies evenly without overpowering flavor.
- Sweet onion: Gives a gentle sweetness that mellows while cooking, forming a great base.
- Carrots: Tiny bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the soup.
- Mushrooms: Earthy umami that makes the broth feel more robust and satisfying.
- Celery: Classic soup flavor that adds subtle crunch and freshness.
- Garlic: Aromatic punch that elevates every spoonful.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smoky depth.
- Italian herb seasoning: A perfect blend to give the soup a true Italian-inspired flavor.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates acidity and sweetness, enriching the broth’s body.
- Dry white wine: Brightens flavors and adds a delicate layer of complexity.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: The soul of the soup, building a savory, comforting base.
- Cheese tortellini: Tender pasta pockets stuffed with cheese—comfort in every bite.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty edge that blends beautifully into the broth.
- Heavy cream: Silky finish that mellows acidity and adds a luxurious texture.
- Kale: Adds a nice leafy bite and nutritional boost without overwhelming flavor.
Make It Your Way
One thing I love about this Vegetable Tortellini Soup Recipe is how easy it is to tweak—depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re craving. It’s a fantastic base you can personalize to make totally yours.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard, which cooks quicker and gives a lighter green punch—try whichever green you love!
- For a spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you toss in the paprika and herbs. It brightens the soup with gentle heat.
- Making it vegan: Use vegan tortellini and substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
- Seasonal twist: Throw in roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes in place of some carrots during fall for a cozy autumn vibe.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Vegetable Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until shimmering. I like to add the diced carrots and sweet onion first—saute for about 3 minutes until they start to soften. Then toss in the mushrooms and celery, stirring often so everything cooks evenly. This step builds that base flavor you’ll want, so don’t rush. Finally, add minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds—watch it closely to avoid burning, because garlic can get bitter fast.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in paprika, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste until the veggies get a nice glossy coating. Pour in the white wine, letting it bubble for a minute to cook off the alcohol, then pour in the broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 20 minutes. This slow simmer softens the carrots and lets the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 3: Add Pasta, Cheese, and Finish
Once your veggies are tender, stir in the cheese tortellini and grated Parmesan cheese. Boil for about 5 minutes until the tortellini floats to the top and is tender—but not mushy. Finally, gently fold in the heavy cream and chopped kale. The cream adds that luscious texture I adore, and the kale wilts just enough to keep its vibrant color and a bit of bite.
Optional but highly recommended: finish with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for that restaurant-quality touch.
Top Tip
From my experience making this Vegetable Tortellini Soup Recipe many times, a few small tricks really make the difference between good and unforgettable. These tips will save you time and bring out the best flavors.
- Don’t skip the wine: Even though it evaporates, it adds a brightness to the broth you can’t replicate with broth alone.
- Watch the garlic closely: Burned garlic spoils the soup’s flavor with bitterness, so add it last and stir just a few seconds.
- Use fresh herbs when possible: I often swap dried Italian seasonings for fresh rosemary or thyme for an even more vibrant taste.
- Gentle kale folding: Stir kale in gently at the end so it doesn’t overcook and stay bright green and flavorful.
How to Serve Vegetable Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I always top my bowls with a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan—there’s nothing like that salty punch melting into the warm soup. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a few torn fresh basil leaves when I have them handy. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also amps things up nicely if you like heat.
Side Dishes
This soup goes beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or some hearty garlic bread to soak up every last drop. For a lighter pairing, crusty sourdough or a warm baguette works like a charm.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I’ve served this soup in pretty wide bowls, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a gourmet touch. You could even place small ramekins of grated cheese and chili flakes on the side for guests to customize their bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Vegetable Tortellini Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the tortellini absorbs broth over time, I often add a splash of broth or water when reheating to refresh the texture.
Freezing
Freezing works okay if you skip the kale and heavy cream or add them fresh when you reheat. I recommend freezing just the broth and vegetables with tortellini separately to keep pasta from getting mushy.
Reheating
Gently reheat soup over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add extra broth if needed, and stir in kale and cream towards the end so they stay fresh and vibrant. Microwaving works fine but watch for uneven heating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Frozen carrots, mushrooms, and kale can substitute fresh if you’re in a pinch. Just add them a bit earlier to make sure they cook through properly.
Cheese-filled tortellini works best here to add creamy, melty pockets of flavor that complement the veggies beautifully. Feel free to use fresh or frozen tortellini—just adjust cook time accordingly.
Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or any plant-based cream, and use dairy-free tortellini to keep it dairy-free but still delicious and creamy.
It keeps well for about 3 days in the fridge stored in a sealed container. For best freshness, add kale and cream fresh when reheating if possible.
Final Thoughts
This Vegetable Tortellini Soup Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I need something quick, nourishing, and full of warmth. I genuinely hope you end up loving it as much as I do—because nothing beats sitting down with a cozy bowl full of vibrant veggies, creamy pasta, and sunshine in liquid form. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to soup that feels like a hug from the inside out.
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Vegetable Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty one pot vegetable tortellini soup packed with fresh vegetables, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy finish. Perfect for a cozy meal that nourishes and delights.
Ingredients
Sautéed Vegetables
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 4 medium carrots, diced
- 12 oz mushrooms, diced
- 4 celery ribs, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 7 cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 1½ pounds cheese tortellini
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 handfuls kale, chopped
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over high heat. Once hot, add the diced carrots and onion and sauté for 3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add Mushrooms, Celery, and Garlic: Stir in the diced mushrooms and celery, combining everything well, and sauté for a few more minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season and Add Tomato Paste: Sprinkle in the paprika, Italian herb seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Add the tomato paste and stir to coat all the vegetables evenly.
- Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in the dry white wine and the broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 20 minutes or until the carrots are tender.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini and grated parmesan cheese to the pot. Boil for 5 minutes until the tortellini are cooked through and tender.
- Finish with Cream and Kale: Gently stir in the heavy cream and chopped kale, allowing the kale to wilt and the soup to become rich and creamy.
- Serve: Optionally, top with freshly grated parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot and enjoy your cozy vegetable tortellini soup.
Notes
- Use low sodium broth to control salt levels, adjusting seasoning as needed at the end.
- For a vegan version, substitute cheese tortellini with vegan tortellini and use plant-based cream alternatives.
- Adding kale last prevents it from overcooking and helps retain its bright green color and nutrients.
- Dry white wine can be substituted with additional broth or water if preferred.
- To thicken the soup more, add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch slurry before simmering.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 944 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 43 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 101 g
- Fiber: 13 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 109 mg
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