Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup Easy and Delicious

December 2, 2025May 9, 2025 by Stella

Looking for a quick and tasty meal? My creamy tomato basil tortellini soup is the answer! Made with simple ingredients and bursting with flavor, this soup warms you up in no time. With rich tomatoes, fresh basil, and cheesy tortellini, it’s perfect for a cozy night in. Join me as we create this easy dish that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger! Let’s dive into the recipe together!

Why I Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: This soup combines the rich taste of tomatoes with creamy goodness and fresh basil, creating a warm and satisfying dish perfect for any season.
Quick and Easy: With only 10 minutes of prep time and a total of 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Ingredients: The soup can be easily adapted to include other vegetables or proteins, making it a customizable favorite.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy tortellini and creamy texture, making it a hit for family dinners.

Ingredients

List of Essential Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 3 garlic cloves, minced

– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

– 4 cups vegetable broth

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

– 2 cups fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini

– Salt and pepper to taste

In this creamy tomato basil tortellini soup, each ingredient plays a key role. The olive oil starts the flavor base. Diced onion adds sweetness, while minced garlic brings a rich aroma. Crushed tomatoes create the soup’s body, giving it a bright, tangy taste. Vegetable broth rounds out the flavors and adds depth.

Dried oregano infuses a warm, herbal note. If you like heat, red pepper flakes give a nice kick. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness. Heavy cream makes the soup rich and smooth. Cheese tortellini adds a delightful bite, making this soup hearty. Finally, salt and pepper balance all the tastes.

Optional Garnishes

– Fresh basil

– Parmesan cheese

Garnishes elevate your dish. Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor. Sprinkling Parmesan cheese on top adds a nutty taste and creamy texture. These simple touches can make your soup even more special.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Ingredients

To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. This step brings out the onion’s natural sweetness.

Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook them for another minute until the garlic smells amazing. This step adds depth to our soup.

Now, pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well to mix everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.

Cooking Process

After the mixture boils, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and if you like heat, toss in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend nicely.

Next, it’s time to make it creamy. Stir in 2 cups of fresh basil leaves and 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix well to combine everything. The cream makes the soup rich and smooth.

Now, add 1 package (9 oz) of cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. The tortellini should be tender and cooked through.

Adjusting Seasoning

After cooking, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want more salt, pepper, or basil. This step ensures your soup has the perfect flavor. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Soup

To make the best soup, start with the right sautéing techniques. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns soft, about five minutes. This step builds flavor. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for just one minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt.

Cooking tortellini can be tricky. Follow the package instructions for the best results. Usually, it takes about five to seven minutes. Make sure the tortellini is tender but not mushy. You want each bite to be perfect.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a rich flavor without dairy. For a lighter taste, you can use almond milk.

For pasta choices, you can swap cheese tortellini for gluten-free or whole wheat options. This makes the soup fit your diet better while keeping it delicious.

Presentation Ideas

Serve your soup with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. This adds color and flavor. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch. For a fun twist, use a bread bowl. It makes for a great serving idea and adds more flavor.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality tomatoes enhance the flavor of the soup significantly. Opt for in-season tomatoes for the best taste.
Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk, maintaining the same creamy texture without the extra calories.
Customize Your Tortellini: Feel free to experiment with different fillings in your tortellini, such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom, to add a unique flavor twist to the soup.
Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just add the tortellini when reheating to keep it fresh.

Variations

Adding Proteins

You can make this soup heartier by adding protein. Chicken or sausage works well. If you use chicken, cook it before adding it to the soup. Dice it into small pieces. If you choose sausage, slice it and brown it in the pot first. This adds a nice flavor to the soup.

Vegetable Additions

Adding more veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach and zucchini are great options. Spinach wilts quickly and adds a lovely green color. Just stir it in before adding the tortellini. For zucchini, slice it thin and cook it with the onions. This gives a nice texture and taste.

Spice Modifications

You can change the heat level with spices. If you want some kick, add more red pepper flakes. Just be careful; a little goes a long way. For a milder flavor, skip the flakes or use less. You can also try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a different twist. This can really enhance the depth of flavor in the soup.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store leftovers, let the soup cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This will keep the soup fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors will meld and get even better!

Freezing Instructions

To freeze the soup, first, let it cool completely. Pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay frozen for up to three months.

When you want to eat it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pour it into a pot. Heat it on low until warm. Stir it often to keep it smooth. If it seems too thick, add a little broth or water. Enjoy the deliciousness!

FAQs

Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. I recommend storing it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. The soup will last up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Is this soup gluten-free?

If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer a variety made with rice or corn flour. Always check the label to be sure. You can also use gluten-free pasta instead. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How to thicken the soup?

There are a few simple ways to thicken your soup. You can:

– Add more heavy cream for a richer texture.

– Use a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water).

– Blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot for a creamier feel.

Each method gives a different texture, so try what you like best!

This blog post shared essential ingredients and easy steps for a delicious soup. We covered favorite tips for perfecting your dish and offered fun variations. Remember, you can customize your soup with proteins and veggies for added flavor. Storing leftovers is simple, too! You can freeze your soup for later enjoyment. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and delighting in your tasty creations. Making soup can be fun and rewarding. Keep these tips close as you coo

$- 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 garlic cloves, minced - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 4 cups vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 2 cups fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini - Salt and pepper to taste In this creamy tomato basil tortellini soup, each ingredient plays a key role. The olive oil starts the flavor base. Diced onion adds sweetness, while minced garlic brings a rich aroma. Crushed tomatoes create the soup’s body, giving it a bright, tangy taste. Vegetable broth rounds out the flavors and adds depth. Dried oregano infuses a warm, herbal note. If you like heat, red pepper flakes give a nice kick. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and freshness. Heavy cream makes the soup rich and smooth. Cheese tortellini adds a delightful bite, making this soup hearty. Finally, salt and pepper balance all the tastes. - Fresh basil - Parmesan cheese Garnishes elevate your dish. Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor. Sprinkling Parmesan cheese on top adds a nutty taste and creamy texture. These simple touches can make your soup even more special. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 medium diced onion. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it turns translucent. This step brings out the onion's natural sweetness. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook them for another minute until the garlic smells amazing. This step adds depth to our soup. Now, pour in 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well to mix everything together. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. After the mixture boils, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and if you like heat, toss in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. This allows all the flavors to blend nicely. Next, it’s time to make it creamy. Stir in 2 cups of fresh basil leaves and 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix well to combine everything. The cream makes the soup rich and smooth. Now, add 1 package (9 oz) of cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. The tortellini should be tender and cooked through. After cooking, taste the soup. Adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want more salt, pepper, or basil. This step ensures your soup has the perfect flavor. Enjoy the fruits of your labor! To make the best soup, start with the right sautéing techniques. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns soft, about five minutes. This step builds flavor. Next, add the minced garlic. Cook it for just one minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Cooking tortellini can be tricky. Follow the package instructions for the best results. Usually, it takes about five to seven minutes. Make sure the tortellini is tender but not mushy. You want each bite to be perfect. If you need a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a rich flavor without dairy. For a lighter taste, you can use almond milk. For pasta choices, you can swap cheese tortellini for gluten-free or whole wheat options. This makes the soup fit your diet better while keeping it delicious. Serve your soup with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. This adds color and flavor. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch. For a fun twist, use a bread bowl. It makes for a great serving idea and adds more flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality tomatoes enhance the flavor of the soup significantly. Opt for in-season tomatoes for the best taste. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk, maintaining the same creamy texture without the extra calories. Customize Your Tortellini: Feel free to experiment with different fillings in your tortellini, such as spinach and ricotta or mushroom, to add a unique flavor twist to the soup. Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just add the tortellini when reheating to keep it fresh. {{image_2}} You can make this soup heartier by adding protein. Chicken or sausage works well. If you use chicken, cook it before adding it to the soup. Dice it into small pieces. If you choose sausage, slice it and brown it in the pot first. This adds a nice flavor to the soup. Adding more veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Spinach and zucchini are great options. Spinach wilts quickly and adds a lovely green color. Just stir it in before adding the tortellini. For zucchini, slice it thin and cook it with the onions. This gives a nice texture and taste. You can change the heat level with spices. If you want some kick, add more red pepper flakes. Just be careful; a little goes a long way. For a milder flavor, skip the flakes or use less. You can also try adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a different twist. This can really enhance the depth of flavor in the soup. To store leftovers, let the soup cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This will keep the soup fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors will meld and get even better! To freeze the soup, first, let it cool completely. Pour the soup into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pour it into a pot. Heat it on low until warm. Stir it often to keep it smooth. If it seems too thick, add a little broth or water. Enjoy the deliciousness! Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day. I recommend storing it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. The soup will last up to three months in the freezer. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer a variety made with rice or corn flour. Always check the label to be sure. You can also use gluten-free pasta instead. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. There are a few simple ways to thicken your soup. You can: - Add more heavy cream for a richer texture. - Use a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water). - Blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot for a creamier feel. Each method gives a different texture, so try what you like best! This blog post shared essential ingredients and easy steps for a delicious soup. We covered favorite tips for perfecting your dish and offered fun variations. Remember, you can customize your soup with proteins and veggies for added flavor. Storing leftovers is simple, too! You can freeze your soup for later enjoyment. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and delighting in your tasty creations. Making soup can be fun and rewarding. Keep these tips close as you cook!$