There’s something magical about a warm, creamy bowl of soup that nourishes both body and soul. This Creamy Mushroom Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Parmesan is one of those soups that feels like a hug in a bowl.
In under an hour, you can whip up this dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even a cozy weekend dinner.
In this recipe, I’ll walk you through each step, with tips to enhance flavors and substitutions if you prefer.
Pin it for later!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tbsp olive oil — This helps bring out the flavors of the garlic and onions.
- 1 small onion, diced — Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced — Garlic infuses a bold, aromatic flavor.
- 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced — Cremini mushrooms add a rich, earthy flavor that balances beautifully with the creamy base.
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth — Vegetable broth keeps it vegetarian-friendly, but chicken broth adds a deeper flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream — The key to making this soup irresistibly creamy.
- 1 cup fresh spinach — Adds color and a burst of nutrients.
- 1 package cheese tortellini (9 oz) — Cheese tortellini pairs wonderfully with the mushroom and spinach base.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese — Parmesan brings a salty, savory element.
- Salt and pepper, to taste — Enhances and balances flavors.
- Fresh thyme, for garnish — Optional, but adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
How To Make Creamy Mushroom Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes or until it becomes soft and translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir continuously for 1–2 minutes. Garlic cooks quickly, and you’ll want to avoid burning it, as this can give your soup a bitter taste. This combination of onion and garlic builds the flavor base for your soup, adding depth and aroma.
Step 2: Add the Mushrooms
Now, add the sliced cremini mushrooms to the pot. Stir occasionally and cook them until they soften and release their juices. This step usually takes about 5 minutes. The mushrooms should develop a slightly golden color as they cook, which adds a rich, earthy undertone to your soup. If you can’t find cremini mushrooms, white button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms work well too.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
After the mushrooms have cooked down, pour in 4 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. This broth will serve as the soup’s main liquid base. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The simmering helps meld the flavors together, so allow the broth and vegetables to cook for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
It’s time to add the tortellini! Carefully drop in the cheese tortellini and let them cook according to the package instructions, typically around 7–9 minutes. As the tortellini cooks, it absorbs some of the broth, adding body to the soup while releasing flavors into the broth. Cheese tortellini offers a creamy, slightly tangy contrast to the earthy mushroom taste, but if you prefer, meat-filled tortellini would also work.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan
Once the tortellini is tender, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently until the cream is fully incorporated, giving the soup a rich, velvety texture. After adding the cream, toss in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt in just a minute or two, adding a pop of color and extra nutrition to the dish. Parmesan melts seamlessly into the soup, creating a savory and slightly nutty flavor that complements the mushrooms.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Now, it’s time to taste your soup. Add salt and pepper as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired. The thyme not only adds color but a subtle earthy aroma that elevates the dish. For an extra luxurious finish, sprinkle a bit more grated Parmesan on top before serving.
Tips for the Best Mushroom Tortellini Soup
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach, mushrooms, and Parmesan create a more vibrant, flavorful soup.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Experiment with Mushrooms: Use a variety of mushrooms like portobello or shiitake for complex flavors.
- Add Herbs for Depth: While thyme works well, rosemary or sage also bring lovely flavors.
- Customize Tortellini Choices: Try meat or spinach-filled tortellini for variations in flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
This Creamy Mushroom Tortellini Soup is incredibly versatile and easy to make. The creaminess makes it satisfying without being too heavy, while the mushrooms and spinach add layers of flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal on a chilly day or something that feels a little bit fancy for a dinner party, this soup has you covered.
The addition of Parmesan and tortellini makes it filling enough to serve as a main course with some crusty bread on the side. You can also serve smaller portions of this soup as a starter for a multi-course meal. With each spoonful, you’ll taste the harmonious blend of mushrooms, cheese, and cream that’s bound to make this a new favorite.
If you’re a mushroom lover, you might also want to try other delicious soup recipes from Easy Mushroom Potato Soup to Mushroom and Spinach Soup. These soups explore different flavor profiles and textures while celebrating the wonderful versatility of mushrooms.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. The tortellini may absorb more liquid while stored, so add a splash of broth or cream as needed to restore the creamy consistency.
Conclusion
This Creamy Mushroom Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Parmesan recipe promises to become a go-to comfort dish, especially during the colder months. Simple, quick, and packed with flavors, it’s a versatile soup you’ll love for its richness and heartiness. So the next time you crave a bowl of something warm and satisfying, let this recipe inspire you. And, for more cozy mushroom-based soup recipes, try the flavorful Delicious Mushroom Soup — your taste buds will thank you.
Don’t forget to check out other delicious mushroom soups from Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup with Cashew Cream to Butternut Squash Mushroom Soup for more heartwarming inspiration.