Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup with Mushrooms and Spinach

Prep: 15 minCook: 35 min4 servingsmediumItalian-American
Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup with Mushrooms and Spinach

A comforting soup featuring tender tortellini in a silky tomato broth enriched with sautéed vegetables. Fire-roasted tomatoes add depth while fresh spinach and a hint of lemon brighten the bowl. The optional yogurt creates a creamy finish without heavy cream, making this a satisfying yet lighter option for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • ¾ lb mushrooms, brown or cremini, sliced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted (28 oz)
  • 10 oz tortellini, fresh or frozen
    cheese ravioli1:1vegetarianadds dairy

    similar texture

  • 1 Tbsp cooking oil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ Tbsp basil, dried
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
    chicken broth1:1none

    adds meaty flavor

    Full guide →
  • 2 Tbsp plain yogurt(optional)
    heavy cream1:1vegetarian

    creates richer soup

    Full guide →
  • 5 oz baby spinach
    kale1:1vegetarian

    heartier texture

    Full guide →
  • ½ lemon, juice of

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook tortellini according to package instructions and drain

  2. 2

    Heat Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add oil

  3. 3

    Add garlic, onions, carrots, salt, red pepper flakes, and basil to heated oil and sauté for 5 minutes

  4. 4

    Add tomatoes, broth, salt and pepper and bring to a boil, then simmer for 4 to 6 minutes

  5. 5

    Puree with immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender

  6. 6

    Return pot to medium-high heat and fold in mushrooms, cooking until tender for 3 to 4 minutes

  7. 7

    Turn off heat and stir in yogurt, tortellini, and spinach

  8. 8

    Finish with lemon juice and season to taste with salt and pepper

Tips

Tip 1

Transfer pot to sink when using immersion blender to avoid spattering mess on counters and walls.

Tip 2

Fire-roasted tomatoes add smoky depth but regular diced tomatoes work fine as substitute.

Tip 3

Add yogurt gradually and off heat to prevent curdling in the hot soup.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate up to 3 days in airtight container. Reheat gently on stovetop.

Make Ahead

Can make soup base without tortellini and spinach up to 2 days ahead. Add pasta and greens when reheating.

Serve With

Serve hot with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches. Garnish with fresh basil or parmesan.

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't boil soup after adding yogurt to prevent curdling

Watch

Add spinach at end to prevent overcooking and maintain color

Substitutions

plain yogurt
heavy cream1:1vegetarian

creates richer soup

Full guide →
vegetable broth
chicken broth1:1none

adds meaty flavor

Full guide →
fresh tortellini
cheese ravioli1:1vegetarianadds dairy

similar texture

baby spinach
kale1:1vegetarian

heartier texture

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use dried tortellini instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, but increase cooking time according to package directions. Dried pasta typically takes 8-12 minutes versus 3-5 for fresh.

What if I don't have an immersion blender?

Carefully transfer hot soup in batches to regular blender, filling only halfway. Remove center cap and cover with towel while blending.

How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

Store covered up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating if needed.