Ina Garten’s Filling Tortellini Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Tortellini soup bursts with robust flavors that transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Hearty Italian comfort finds its way into this soul-warming dish, promising satisfying warmth during chilly evenings.

Rich and creamy textures embrace tender pasta pillows nestled among vibrant vegetables and savory proteins.

Carefully selected seasonings elevate this classic recipe from basic to brilliant, infusing each spoonful with Mediterranean-inspired deliciousness.

Balanced nutrition meets culinary creativity in this delightful one-pot wonder that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

The magic happens when quality ingredients blend harmoniously, transforming ordinary cooking into a memorable dining experience: dig in and savor every delectable bite!

Tips for That Rich Broth and Tender Pasta

• Boost Sausage Flavor: Select premium Italian sausage from a local butcher or specialty store for deeper, more authentic taste.
• Master Seasoning Balance: Start with a small amount of Italian seasoning and taste as you go, adjusting to prevent overwhelming the delicate soup base.
• Preserve Tortellini Texture: Cook tortellini just until they float and are tender, typically 3-4 minutes, to maintain their delightful chewy consistency.
• Cream Control: Add heavy cream gradually and stir gently to create a silky, luxurious texture without making the soup too thick.
• Elevate Presentation: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese or drizzle extra virgin olive oil just before serving to add complexity and visual appeal.

Best Storage Tips for Leftovers You’ll Love

• Freezer Mastery: Pack cooled soup in heavy-duty freezer bags or rigid containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label each container with the date and contents for easy tracking. Freeze flat to maximize storage space and ensure faster, more even thawing.
• Refrigerator Strategy: Store soup in glass or ceramic containers with tight-sealing lids to maintain freshness. Keep soup away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf.
• Reheating Technique: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or water to restore original consistency if needed.

Additions That Take This Soup Next Level

• Hearty Vegetarian Comfort: Replace Italian sausage with diced portobello mushrooms or plant-based sausage crumbles. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a robust, meat-free soup packed with umami flavors.
• Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Swap sausage with chopped shrimp or crab meat. Add a pinch of saffron and swap basil for fresh parsley to create a Mediterranean-inspired tortellini soup with rich, oceanic notes.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced green chiles, replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, and use pepper jack cheese tortellini. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty southwestern kick that transforms the classic recipe.
• Creamy Autumn Harvest: Mix in roasted butternut squash cubes and swap kale for baby spinach. Add a touch of nutmeg and use pumpkin-filled tortellini to create a seasonal, warming soup that celebrates autumn's bounty.

The Tortellini Tale Ends Here

Garten’s tortellini soup emerges as culinary comfort personified – a warm Mediterranean embrace nestled within each spoonful.

Rustic Italian ingredients dance harmoniously, creating depth beyond simple nourishment.

Complex flavors intertwine, telling stories of traditional kitchen wisdom passed through generations.

Rich sausage and tender tortellini provide hearty substance while delicate kale adds subtle earthiness.

Home cooks seeking authentic flavor experiences will find this recipe irresistibly satisfying.

Ready to elevate meal memories?

Click share, spread deliciousness, engage fellow enthusiasts – your kitchen adventure awaits!

Why This Tortellini Soup Feels Like a Cozy Hug

• Burst of Comfort: This hearty tortellini soup delivers pure comfort with its rich, warming flavors that hug your soul like a cozy blanket on a chilly day.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this delicious meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours cooking.
• Layer of Flavor Explosion: Italian sausage, kale, and creamy base create a complex taste profile that dances between savory, creamy, and slightly earthy notes in every single spoonful.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Pack incredible nutrition into one simple pot, combining protein from sausage, greens from kale, and carbohydrates from tortellini for a complete, balanced meal that keeps you full and energized.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Main Ingredients:

• Italian Sausage: Hearty meat that adds rich, savory flavor to the soup with a robust, slightly spicy profile.

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that provides substance and a delightful texture to the soup, best when fresh or refrigerated.

• Onion: Aromatic base that builds depth of flavor and provides a subtle sweetness.
• Garlic: Adds intense, pungent flavor and classic aromatic foundation to the soup.
• Kale: Nutrient-dense leafy green that brings color, texture, and healthy elements to the dish.

Liquid and Binding Ingredients:

• Tomato Sauce: Adds rich, tangy base and helps create a robust soup consistency.
• Chicken Stock: Creates the liquid foundation of the soup with a light, savory background.

• Flour: Helps to thicken the soup and create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious creaminess and rich mouthfeel to the final dish.

Seasoning and Herb Ingredients:

• Italian Spice: Blend of dried herbs that adds traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Basil: Fresh herb that brings bright, aromatic finish to the soup.

• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor of the soup.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and providing a smooth cooking base with subtle flavor.

How to Simmer Soup That Satisfies

Step 1: Prepare The Cooking Vessel

Select a large stockpot or Dutch oven and heat olive oil over medium heat, creating a warm cooking environment.

Step 2: Brown The Sausage

• Italian sausage

Drain excess fat to ensure a clean, rich flavor profile.

Step 3: Develop Aromatic Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 4: Create Thickening Agent

Whisk flour into the mixture, stirring continuously until it turns a light golden color, which helps create a rich soup texture.

Step 5: Build The Liquid Foundation

• Tomato sauce
• Chicken stock

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Cook The Tortellini

Add tortellini to the simmering soup, cover, and cook until pasta becomes tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Finish With Fresh Greens And Cream

• Chopped kale
• Heavy cream
• Fresh basil

Stir until ingredients are heated through and well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors right away.

Ina Garten Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty tortellini soup from Ina Garten brings Italian comfort to your kitchen with rich chicken broth, cheese-filled pasta, and tender vegetables. Warmth and flavor combine in this simple yet satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casing removed

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped

Seasonings, Liquids, and Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken stock
• 1 (8-ounce/227 grams) can tomato sauce
• 1 (9-ounce/255 grams) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Warm extra virgin olive oil in a generously sized stockpot or Dutch oven using medium heat intensity.
2. Introduce ground Italian sausage and sauté until achieving a deep golden-brown color, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Methodically crumble the meat while cooking and eliminate excess rendered fat.
3. Incorporate finely diced onions, minced garlic, and aromatic Italian seasoning. Sauté while stirring frequently until onions become translucent, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to preference.
4. Dust the mixture with all-purpose flour, whisking continuously for approximately 1 minute until achieving a light caramel-like hue.
5. Gradually introduce tomato sauce and low-sodium chicken stock, blending thoroughly. Elevate temperature to create a rolling boil, then reduce heat and allow mixture to simmer. Occasionally stir and monitor consistency for 10 minutes, observing liquid reduction and slight thickening.
6. Gently fold cheese-filled tortellini into the simmering liquid. Cover and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring pasta reaches optimal tenderness.
7. Add chopped kale, stirring until leaves soften and become vibrant green, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Pour in heavy whipping cream and freshly chopped basil, stirring until heated throughout. Final seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly over the dish for an intense, nutty burst of flavor that elevates the entire meal.
• Chop herbs like basil or parsley moments before serving to maintain their vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils.
• Choose spicy Italian sausage if you prefer a kick, or mild version for a more gentle flavor profile.
• Storage tip: refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, gently reheating to preserve the tortellini’s texture.
• Select imported Italian tortellini from specialty stores for the most authentic and robust taste experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer.
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg