Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe

Introduction

This comforting Italian Tortellini Soup combines savory ground turkey, fragrant herbs, and cheesy tortellini in a rich tomato broth. It’s a perfect hearty meal that comes together quickly and warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 20-ounce package cheese tortellini
• 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
• 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Step 2: Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and then drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Stir in oregano, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, salt, pepper, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Step 4: After simmering, add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to the package’s specified time.
5. Step 5: Once the tortellini is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the milk and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
6. Step 6: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese. Serve with crackers or crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Use fresh tortellini if available for an even more tender texture.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition.
• For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream instead of milk.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat to prevent the milk from curdling. Tortellini may absorb liquid over time, so add a little chicken broth or water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can skip the ground turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding mushrooms or extra vegetables can boost flavor and texture.

Can I freeze Italian Tortellini Soup?

It’s best to freeze the soup before adding the cooked tortellini, as pasta can become mushy after freezing and reheating. Freeze the broth and meat mixture separately, then add freshly cooked tortellini when reheating.

Italian Tortellini Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

This comforting Italian Tortellini Soup combines tender ground turkey, aromatic herbs, and cheese-filled tortellini in a rich tomato broth. Enhanced with fresh Parmesan and creamy milk, it’s a hearty yet delicate soup perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sauté Base

• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Meat and Seasoning

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Soup Base

• 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth

Final Ingredients

• 1 20-ounce package cheese tortellini
• 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended)
• 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add the chopped onion. Cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
2. Brown the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, then drain any excess fat to keep the soup light.
3. Add Herbs, Tomatoes, and Broth: Stir in oregano, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, salt, pepper, fresh parsley, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Cook the Tortellini: After simmering the soup base, add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until the tortellini are tender but still firm.
5. Finish with Milk and Parmesan: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the milk and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add creaminess and richness to the soup.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve alongside crackers or fresh bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or Italian sausage for different flavor profiles.
• Use low-fat milk or a dairy alternative to make the soup lighter.
• Fresh herbs can be adjusted based on your preference or availability.
• Make sure not to overcook the tortellini to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.

Keywords: Italian soup, tortellini soup, ground turkey soup, creamy tomato soup, easy dinner recipe, one pot soup