Spinach Tortellini Soup

Spinach Tortellini Soup is a delightful mix of cheesy tortellini, fresh spinach, and a flavorful broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a simple dish but…

By Madison • September 18, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Spinach Tortellini Soup is a delightful mix of cheesy tortellini, fresh spinach, and a flavorful broth that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s a simple dish but packs a great combo of textures—the soft pasta, tender greens, and a broth that’s just right, not too thin or thick.

I love making this soup when I want something quick but satisfying. The tortellini cooks up fast, so the whole meal comes together in no time. Adding spinach gives it a fresh, slightly earthy touch that balances the richness of the cheese inside the pasta. It’s the kind of dinner that’s easy to get excited about, even on a busy weeknight.

My favorite way to enjoy this soup is with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top and a side of crusty bread to mop up every last drop. It’s a recipe that always feels like a treat without much fuss, and I find myself making it again and again when I want something comforting but light. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some greens into the meal, which is always a win in my book.

How Can I Cook the Vegetables and Tortellini Perfectly Without Overcooking?

Cooking the veggies and tortellini just right can be tricky. Here’s how to get it done smoothly:

• Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery first until they soften but don’t brown, about 6-8 minutes total. This builds flavor without bitterness.
• Add the broth and simmer the veggies until tender, usually 10 minutes. This gives the soup a good base.
• When adding tortellini, watch the cooking time on the package carefully—usually 3-5 minutes. Overcooked tortellini loses shape and texture.
• Finally, stir in the spinach last and cook just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Too long and spinach can get mushy and lose its bright color.

These simple steps helped me get balanced flavors and textures every time I make this soup!

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large soup pot – big enough to hold all the ingredients and simmer the soup without spilling.
• Wooden spoon – perfect for stirring the soup gently without scratching your pot.
• Chef’s knife – helps you dice onions, carrots, and celery quickly and safely.
• Cutting board – sturdy surface for chopping vegetables.
• Ladle – makes serving the hot soup easy and mess-free.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Add cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein and richness.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist that brightens the broth.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a heartier green with a slightly different taste.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top to add fresh, vibrant flavors before serving.

Spinach Tortellini Soup

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Soup Base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery

Main Ingredients:

• 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 4 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped

Seasonings and Toppings:

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This soup takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping and sautéing the vegetables, 10 minutes simmering the broth with veggies, plus about 5 minutes cooking the tortellini and adding spinach. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for a cozy day!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and see-through. Then add minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Cook everything together for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to soften.

2. Make the Soup Base:

Pour the vegetable or chicken broth into the pot with the veggies. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This cooks the carrots and celery until tender and lets the flavors mix nicely.

3. Cook Tortellini and Add Spinach:

Add the cheese tortellini to the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes, until they’re soft and cooked through. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and crushed red pepper flakes if using, cooking just 1-2 minutes more until the spinach wilts beautifully.

4. Season and Serve:

Season your soup with salt and black pepper to your taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy it warm as a comforting and satisfying meal!