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This single serving Tortellini Soup is a flavorful, comforting dish made with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich broth. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a great option for a satisfying meal without the wait.
This tortellini soup is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but you can pair it with French Bread or a Caesar Salad for a more filling meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Simple steps make this soup easy to prepare.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: A fast, satisfying meal without the wait.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs.
- Wholesome Ingredients: A hearty mix of tortellini, fresh vegetables, and broth for a balanced meal.
- Perfectly Portioned: Made for one, reducing food waste and keeping portions in check.
Tortellini soup is a classic Italian dish made with tender tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s especially popular in Bologna, where tortellini originates, and is known for its simple yet rich flavors. While traditional versions are often made in large batches, our single serving recipe delivers the same comforting taste in a perfectly portioned bowl, making it easy to enjoy without leftovers.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch tortellini soup recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Olive oil: I use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and nutritional benefits, but a lighter olive oil works too.
- Italian sausage: ild Italian ground sausage adds great flavor, but sweet or hot varieties work just as well. Leftover sausage? Try it in a Pizza Bowl or Zuppa Toscana.
- Vegetables: This soup includes onions, garlic, a medium Roma tomato, and spinach. Feel free to add zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Chicken broth: I use low-sodium chicken broth for better control of salt. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and skip the sausage. Leftover broth? Use it in soup recipes like Clam Chowder or Lasagna Soup.
- Seasonings: A pinch of salt enhances flavor, with dried thyme and freshly ground black pepper adding depth. Adjust to taste.
- Cheese Tortellini: The star of the dish! I use refrigerated cheese tortellini, but frozen or dried work too—just adjust the cooking time. Meat-filled or vegan tortellini are options as well. Extra tortellini? Try it in Chicken Tortellini Soup.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness to the soup. For a lighter option, use whole milk or half-and-half. Leftover cream? Use it in Chicken Alfredo, Mushroom Casserole, or a small Icebox Cake.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Tortellini Soup: Skip the sausage and add chickpeas or tofu for a hearty meat-free version.
- Seafood Addition: Stir in cooked shrimp or clams for a seafood spin on this classic soup.
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
How To Make Tortellini Soup
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this single serving tortellini soup recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Cook the Sausage: In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil for 30 seconds. Add the sausage and cook, stirring often, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 more minute.
- Simmer the Base: Pour in the broth and add the tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the Tortellini: Stir in the tortellini and simmer for 3-5 minutes, until tender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the spinach and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Pour into a bowl and top with shredded Parmesan, if desired.
Expert Tips
- Read First: Before you start, read through the recipe and ingredient notes to ensure the best results.
- Greens: Arugula works as a substitute for spinach, or you can leave the greens out altogether. If you love spinach, feel free to add extra.
- Add More Vegetables: Add green beans, zucchini, or 1/4 cup of rinsed canned kidney beans for extra vegetables. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth.
- Spice Level: The heat depends on your sausage choice. Use hot Italian sausage for a spicier soup, or add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and seasonings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but for the best texture, cook the tortellini just before serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.
This recipe is designed for a single serving, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that tortellini may absorb more broth over time.
Yes! If you’d like to make tortellini soup for two, double the ingredients and use a larger pot.
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup before adding the tortellini. Freezing the pasta can make it mushy when thawed. Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator, reheat on the stove, and add fresh tortellini while warming.
More Single Serving Soup Recipes
f you love this Tortellini Soup for One, here are a few more single serving soup recipes to try:
- Cheeseburger Soup – A creamy soup with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and classic burger flavors.
- Lentil Soup – A hearty, protein-packed soup made with lentils and vegetables.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup – A smooth, cheesy soup packed with fresh broccoli.
- Vegetable Soup – A light, flavorful soup filled with a mix of fresh vegetables.
- Zuppa Toscana – A rich, creamy soup with Italian sausage, potatoes, and spinach.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this quick tortellini soup recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Tortellini Soup For One
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 4 ounces Italian sausage
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 medium Roma tomato -chopped
- 2 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini (about 3/4 cup)
- ½ cup fresh spinach -chopped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, heat the oil for 30 seconds. Add the sausage and cook, stirring often, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 more minute.
- Simmer the Base: Pour in the broth and add the tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the Tortellini: Stir in the tortellini and simmer for 3-5 minutes, until tender.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the spinach and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve: Pour into a bowl and top with shredded Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Read First: Before you start, read through the recipe and ingredient notes to ensure the best results.
- Greens: Arugula works as a substitute for spinach, or you can leave the greens out altogether. If you love spinach, feel free to add extra.
- Add More Vegetables: Add green beans, zucchini, or 1/4 cup of rinsed canned kidney beans for extra vegetables. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth.
- Spice Level: The heat depends on your sausage choice. Use hot Italian sausage for a spicier soup, or add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and seasonings.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I made this for dinner after work tonight! It is delicious! I didn’t have thyme. So, I left it out.
I am so happy you enjoyed it.
So so good!
Excellent and quick!
Very good! I doubled the recipe to have servings for camping. Used turkey sausage and added some diced carrots and green beans that cooked with the tortellini (dry type). Used 1/2 cup diced canned tomatoes instead of Roma tomato. Another fabulous recipe from Joanie!
Will make this again for sure !
Cathie
Delicious! Made it for lunch and had a slice of pastrami & turkey alongside. Didn’t have a baguette. So used slider hamburger buns toasted plus substituted red wine vinegar. Will make again.
I wish I could afford your cook book