Quick Tortellini And Spinach Soup
A comforting Italian soup with tender chicken tortellini, hearty tomatoes, and fresh spinach, finished with a drizzle of olive oil—perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking 10 to 15 minutes until browned.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dried Italian herb blend.
- Add the chicken tortellini and bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed diced tomatoes and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve topped with cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using store-bought chicken broth or adding a splash of white wine after sautéing the onion and garlic. If you can't find chicken tortellini, any cheese tortellini or even another pasta shape will work well. To enhance the dish, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or some fresh herbs like basil or parsley for brightness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad, making it a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Chicken Parmesan II for a delicious Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup, as the tortellini may absorb some liquid while stored. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Tortellini And Spinach Soup contains roughly 1363 calories, with 26g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 96g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2144mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen tortellini is a great substitute for fresh. Just add it directly to the soup without thawing, and adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, ensuring it's cooked through before serving.
What can I substitute for spinach?
If you don't have fresh spinach, you can use kale or Swiss chard as alternatives. Both provide a similar texture and nutritional benefits. If using frozen spinach, add it directly to the soup while it's simmering, allowing it to heat through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use cheese tortellini instead of chicken tortellini. You can also add more vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).