Go Back
Pesto tortellini soup in a white ceramic bowl with parmesan shavings

Pesto Tortellini Soup

A delicious homemade pesto tortellini soup recipe.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 9 oz package cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Parmesan shavings for serving

Method
 

  1. Saute. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Simmer. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 3 to 5 minutes for fresh or 5 to 7 for frozen.
  3. Stir. Reduce heat to low. Add the pesto and heavy cream, stirring until the broth turns creamy and green. Let it warm through for 1 to 2 minutes (don't let it boil after adding cream).
  4. Wilt. Toss in the baby spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down, about 1 minute.
  5. Serve. Ladle into bowls and top with parmesan shavings, a drizzle of pesto, and crusty bread on the side.

Notes

Use fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for the best texture. Frozen works too but needs a couple more minutes. Don't boil the soup after adding the cream. Keep it on low heat to prevent the cream from splitting. Stir the pesto in off the heat for the brightest color and flavor.