Creamy Vegetable Tortellini Soup

Featured in: Everyday Joyful Meals

This satisfying Italian-inspired soup combines refrigerated cheese tortellini with a colorful medley of vegetables including carrots, celery, zucchini, and spinach. The creamy broth is enriched with heavy cream and milk, seasoned with dried Italian herbs for warmth and depth. This vegetarian dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and nutritious.

The tender tortellini absorbs the flavorful broth while the vegetables provide texture and nutrients. Each bowl delivers a balanced combination of carbohydrates from the pasta, vitamins from the fresh produce, and richness from the dairy. The soup adapts easily—add white beans for extra protein, swap spinach for kale, or use plant-based alternatives for a vegan version.

Updated on Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:00:42 GMT
Creamy Vegetable Tortellini Soup served steaming in a rustic bowl, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan. Pin It
Creamy Vegetable Tortellini Soup served steaming in a rustic bowl, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan. | platefullyjoy.com

Warm up your weeknights with this Creamy Vegetable Tortellini Soup, a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together tender cheese-filled pasta and a medley of fresh vegetables. This Italian-inspired meal is perfect for those busy evenings when you want something satisfying and sophisticated without spending hours in the kitchen, as it comes together in just 40 minutes.

Creamy Vegetable Tortellini Soup served steaming in a rustic bowl, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan. Pin It
Creamy Vegetable Tortellini Soup served steaming in a rustic bowl, garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan. | platefullyjoy.com

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The combination of savory vegetable broth, aromatic garlic, and dried Italian herbs creates a deep flavor profile that beautifully complements the richness of the cheese tortellini. Each spoonful offers a balance of tender pasta and perfectly sautéed vegetables, finished with a touch of heavy cream for a silky mouthfeel.

Ingredients

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  • Vegetables: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 2 carrots (peeled and sliced), 2 celery stalks (sliced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 zucchini (diced), 1 cup baby spinach (packed)
  • Tortellini: 9 oz (250 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • Broth & Cream: 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable broth, 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste), 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Garnish: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
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Instructions

Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Step 2
Stir in garlic and zucchini; cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3
Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 4
Add cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions (usually 3–5 minutes), until just tender.
Step 5
Lower heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in heavy cream, milk, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 6
Add spinach and simmer until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
Step 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using a large soup pot and a wooden spoon ensures that the vegetables have enough space to sauté evenly. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini; check the package instructions to ensure they remain tender rather than mushy in the hot broth.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

For extra protein, you can add a can of drained white beans when you add the tortellini. If you prefer heartier greens, feel free to substitute kale or chard for the baby spinach. To make this recipe vegan, simply use plant-based cream and vegan-friendly tortellini.

Serviervorschläge

This creamy soup pairs perfectly with a piece of warm, crusty artisan bread for dipping. For the best experience, serve it alongside a crisp glass of white wine and garnish each bowl with freshly chopped basil and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

A close-up of Creamy Vegetable Tortellini Soup, showcasing vibrant carrots and spinach in rich broth. Pin It
A close-up of Creamy Vegetable Tortellini Soup, showcasing vibrant carrots and spinach in rich broth. | platefullyjoy.com

Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this Creamy Vegetable Tortellini Soup is a satisfying way to end the day. Simple to prepare yet elegantly flavorful, it is a versatile addition to any home cook's repertoire.

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Recipe FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

The soup can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, though it's best to add the tortellini just before serving to prevent them from becoming too soft. Store the vegetable broth base separately and reheat before adding pasta and cream.

What vegetables work best in this soup?

Carrots, celery, onions, zucchini, and spinach create a balanced mix. You can also incorporate bell peppers, green beans, or butternut squash depending on seasonal availability and personal preference.

Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, dried tortellini works well—just extend the cooking time by 2-3 minutes and check the package instructions. Dried pasta may absorb more liquid, so keep extra broth on hand.

How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The tortellini will continue absorbing liquid, so you may need to add more broth when reheating. Freeze without cream for up to 3 months.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute coconut milk, cashew cream, or a plant-based heavy cream alternative for the dairy products. Use vegan tortellini and omit Parmesan or add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad complement this rich soup perfectly. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the Italian flavors.

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Creamy Vegetable Tortellini Soup

Hearty soup with tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and velvety broth. Ready in under an hour.

Time to Prep
15 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Recipe by Olivia Reed


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-Inspired

Makes 4 Number of Servings

Diet Info Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
04 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 zucchini, diced
07 1 cup baby spinach, packed

Tortellini

01 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini

Broth & Cream

01 4 cups vegetable broth
02 1 cup heavy cream
03 1/2 cup milk

Seasonings

01 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
02 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 Pinch of red pepper flakes

Garnish

01 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
02 Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.

Step 02

Bloom Garlic and Zucchini: Stir in garlic and zucchini; cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 03

Simmer Broth: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 04

Cook Tortellini: Add cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3 to 5 minutes, until just tender.

Step 05

Incorporate Cream Base: Lower heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in heavy cream, milk, Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Step 06

Finish with Spinach: Add spinach and simmer until wilted, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 07

Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 08

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot.

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Tools You'll Need

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle

Allergy Notice

Be sure to review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains wheat from tortellini
  • Contains milk from cheese tortellini, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese
  • Check tortellini packaging for potential egg or other allergens

Nutrition (For Each Serving)

Nutritional details are meant for general guidance. Don't rely on them for medical reasons.
  • Calorie Count: 410
  • Fats: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Proteins: 13 g

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