The Coziest Ina Garten Tortellini Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty tortellini soup that Ina Garten crafted with her signature elegance.

Tender cheese-filled pasta swirls dance among fragrant vegetables in this soul-warming creation.

Rich broth embraces each ingredient with deep, comforting flavors that speak directly to your hunger.

Robust and satisfying, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Chopped herbs scattered across the surface add a fresh, vibrant touch to each spoonful.

Fresh parmesan sprinkled generously gives the final flourish of decadence.

You’ll want to ladle this delightful soup into bowls and savor every single comforting bite.

Ina Garten Tortellini Soup—Reasons to Enjoy

• A hearty soup that delivers rich, satisfying flavors with minimal kitchen effort and maximum taste enjoyment.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder allows you to have a nutritious dinner ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Packed with protein from sausage, greens from kale, and comforting carbs from tortellini, this soup provides a balanced and wholesome meal for the whole family.
• Easily customize by swapping sausage types, using different tortellini fillings, or adjusting seasonings to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

Tortellini Soup Ingredient Rundown

• Sausage: A flavorful protein that adds richness and depth to the soup.
• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that provides a hearty and satisfying element to the dish.
• Chicken Stock: A liquid base that creates a robust and comforting soup foundation.

• Onion, Garlic: Essential aromatics that build a strong flavor profile for the soup.
• Kale: A nutrient-dense green that adds freshness and a slight earthy taste to the recipe.

• Tomato Sauce, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste and complexity of the soup.
• Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a rich and creamy texture.
• Cream, Basil: Final touch ingredients that add smoothness and a bright herb note to the dish.
• Oil: Used for initial cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pot.

Gear for Ina Garten Tortellini Soup

• Stockpot: Large, heavy-bottomed pot for cooking soup base and combining ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending flour smoothly and preventing lumps in the soup.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring sausage and breaking it into smaller pieces.
• Cutting Board: For preparing onions and garlic before cooking.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife to chop ingredients with precision.
• Measuring Cups: To accurately measure stock and tomato sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs.

Making Ina Garten Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sizzle The Sausage

Heat oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.

Gently brown the sausage for 3-5 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles.

Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot.

Step 2: Awaken The Aromatics

Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning.

Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become soft and translucent.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 3: Create The Thickening Base

Whisk flour into the pot, stirring continuously for 1 minute until the mixture turns a light golden brown, creating a delicious roux.

Step 4: Build The Liquid Foundation

Pour in tomato sauce and chicken stock.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes until the soup starts to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Welcome The Pasta

Add tortellini to the pot, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the pasta becomes tender and perfectly cooked.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Stir in fresh kale and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.

Swirl in cream and fresh basil, heating through for an additional minute.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for a perfect finish.

Tips for the Best Tortellini Soup

• Choose high-quality Italian sausage for rich, authentic flavor that elevates the entire soup's taste profile.
• Remove tough stems before chopping kale to ensure tender, delicate leaves that blend seamlessly into the soup.
• Adjust flour quantity to manage soup's consistency – less flour for thinner broth, more for heartier texture.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lactose-free version without compromising creamy richness.
• Add extra fresh basil just before serving to brighten flavors and introduce vibrant, aromatic notes to the dish.

Tortellini Soup—Ways to Switch It Up

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Choose gluten-free tortellini filled with cheese or vegetables.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond cream. Use dairy-free tortellini options for a lighter, allergen-friendly soup.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat. Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to enhance flavor profile.

Ideas for Serving Ina Garten Tortellini Soup

• Comfort Bowl Companion: Serve this hearty soup with a warm, crusty Italian bread for dipping and soaking up the rich, flavorful broth.
• Gourmet Garnish Glory: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil on top to elevate the soup's taste and presentation.
• Protein Power Pairing: Add a side of grilled chicken or crispy prosciutto for extra protein and a delightful textural contrast to the soft tortellini.
• Salad Sidekick: Complement the soup with a light, crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy and robust flavors.

Tortellini Soup Storage Tips

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing tortellini as they may become mushy.
• Thaw soup in refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken stock if soup looks thick.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. Avoid overcooking to maintain pasta texture.

FAQs

• What type of sausage works best for this soup?

Mild Italian sausage is ideal, providing rich flavor without being too spicy. Remove the casings for easier browning and better integration into the soup.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or add extra mushrooms for depth. Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock to maintain the soup’s hearty character.

• Is fresh kale necessary, or can I use frozen?

Fresh kale is recommended for better texture and brighter color. If using frozen kale, thaw and drain completely to prevent excess water in the soup. Add it later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking.

Ina Garten Tortellini Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s hearty tortellini soup delivers comfort and warmth from Italian culinary traditions. Creamy broth, cheese-filled pasta, and fresh herbs combine for a satisfying meal that welcomes you to savor each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 medium sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Liquid and Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1/3 cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. In a large stockpot, warm the oil over medium heat and crumble the sausage, cooking for 4 minutes until golden brown and fragmented. Carefully drain any accumulated fat.
2. Introduce diced onions, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and aromatic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
3. Dust flour into the mixture, whisking continuously for 60 seconds to create a light, nutty roux that will thicken the soup’s base.
4. Pour in tomato sauce and chicken stock, raising temperature until the liquid reaches a gentle boil. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, developing rich, concentrated flavors.
5. Gently drop tortellini into the simmering liquid, covering the pot and cooking for 6 minutes until pasta is tender and fully heated through.
6. Incorporate chopped kale, stirring until leaves wilt and become vibrant green, approximately 2 minutes. Finish by swirling in cream and fresh basil, heating for an additional minute to marry the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

• Customize Meat Choose mild or spicy Italian sausage based on personal heat preference or swap with ground turkey for leaner option.
• Control Consistency Adjust liquid amount to create thicker or thinner soup by modifying chicken stock quantity.
• Enhance Nutrition Boost vegetable content by adding extra leafy greens like spinach or Swiss chard alongside kale.
• Make Ahead Friendly Prepare soup base in advance and add tortellini and cream just before serving to maintain pasta texture and prevent overcooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 21 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 70mg