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Garlicky Tortellini, Spinach & Tomato Soup

by Joanne Smart

read reviews (23)

Served with a crusty piece of bread, this feel-good soup makes a delicious lunch or dinner, and it’s incredibly easy to make.
Serves 2-3

To learn more, read the article:
A Soothing Soup, Ready in Minutes

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cheese tortellini canned diced tomatoes chicken broth more more

2 Tbs. unsalted butter
6 to 8 cloves garlic, chopped
4 cups (1 qt.) homemade or low-salt chicken broth
6 oz. fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
14 oz. canned diced tomatoes, with their liquid
10 oz. spinach, washed and stemmed; coarsely chopped if larger (see How to stem spinach)
8 to 10 leaves basil, coarsely chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese, preferably parmigiano reggiano

Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 min. Add the broth and bring to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook halfway, about 5 min. for frozen pasta, less if using fresh. Add the tomatoes and their liquid, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook just until the pasta is tender. Stir in the spinach and basil and cook until wilted, 1 to 2 min. Serve sprinkled with the grated cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a Romaine, Bacon & Tomato Salad with Croutons & Tarragon Vinaigrette.

nutrition information (per serving):
Calories (kcal): 270; Fat (g): 15; Fat Calories (kcal): 140; Saturated Fat (g): 9; Protein (g): 15; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 3; Carbohydrates (g): 22; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 1; Sodium (mg): 560; Cholesterol (mg): 35; Fiber (g): 6;

photo: Scott Phillips

From Fine Cooking 47 , pp. 98

November 1, 2001

user reviews

Rate this Recipe

by pmrl_1961, 2/24/2013I've been making this soup for family and friends for years, and everyone always enjoys it.

by grlup, 1/21/2013Quick and easy. I sauteed some onion before adding the garlic and then followed the recipe as written. I also cooked my tortellini separate so it wouldn't be soggy when reheating the next day. A good soup. And good for you!

by denheels, 3/6/2012I too added some chicken sausage. A great, easy tasty recipe; all the adjectives you want! Yum!

by bettycate, 2/15/2012A gerat recipe!! However, I have always made it with locally made tortellini. Wonderful!! Today I was in a hurry and bought BUITONI three cheese tortellini at the local supermarket. BIG MISTAKE!! It was so salty that we could not eat it. Buyer beware!

by DAdler85, 1/14/2012So easy, and so good! This took me under 30 minutes including prep time. The only change I made was to saute some chicken sausage at the start to add some flavor. I will absolutely be making this again.

by kareniw, 1/12/20125 stars for taste/time ratio. Admittedly, I do doctor the recipe by starting a saute with a bit of bacon or pancetta and diced onions (how can you go wrong with this?) as a base for the soup. This adds the depth and flavor it sorely needs. I love soup, and I always have these ingredients on hand and don't have to run to the store. I'll be making this again & again.

by Margo C, 12/31/2011Quick, delicious and satisfying…the only thing I added was some sea salt!

by KerryB413, 12/27/2011It's fairly easy and it's healthy tasting. BUT there is a definite lack of flavor, depth, and richness. If you're over the age of 55 and get annoyed with the new "cuisine" being foisted upon us....then I would pass on this recipe.

by PC_Cook, 12/13/2011This soup is EXCELLENT!! My husband has a rule at dinner.... must have meat! so i added some italian sausage... i removed the casing and browned it in the pot with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and crumbled it with a spoon as it cooked- then i followed the recipe! it was so so perfect- can't wait for leftovers tomorrow!!!

by Leila215, 1/13/2011Great recipe! I threw in a couple of fresh diced roma tomatoes in addition to the can of tomatoes because I had them leftover. I made this soup for someone special who was sick and it was perfect. Comforting, hearty and super easy to throw together! I served it with some crusty bread and it was perfect.

by fcar, 1/4/2011Very good, very easy, I used swiss chard instead of spinach and parsley instead of basil.

by rachelvng, 10/3/2010My favourite go-to meal-in-a-bowl recipe. Fast, easy and delicious!

by stellarbabe7, 9/1/2010Really good for how easy and fast it is. I used boxed tortellini, frozen cut spinach, and diced tomatoes with green chilies and it turned out great.

by IL, 2/21/2010Just as tasty made with fresh Roma tomatoes! This is a keeper, says my husband.

by jng000, 1/31/2010I had my doubts about how good premade tortellini in chicken broth could taste, but it was really good AND quick to make. I used ricotta and spinach filled tortellini. Excellent!

by VAgardengirl, 1/15/2009This recipe packs a lot of flavor for so little effort. Simple to make and a real "comfort dish" that I fall back on when my kitchen time is compressed. VAgardengirl

by carmelhousewife, 12/27/2008Can it get any easier or better than this soup? Fora change of flavor I use different types of tortellini, such as porcini mushroom or gorganzola. Trader Joes has many different types!

by lovestocook333, 1/3/2008This soup is fabulous! Super easy to make. Tastes great with some chicken added.

by whatscooking, 11/20/2007This quick soup is a winner. It comes together quickly and makes a satisfying light dinner. The garlic really improved store-bought chicken broth.

by carolannes, 11/15/2007I must award this recipe 5 stars as well. It is simply delicious, speedy, and very satisfiying. My daughters make this as well,and always receive kudos. Thanks for a good one. Carol

by sewapel, 11/4/2007

by jodied, 10/5/2007Simple and satisfying for a quick weeknight meal. Excellent for when you are feeling under the weather as well.

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