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Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe Easy Homemade with Fresh Basil

creamy tomato tortellini soup - featured image

A cozy and creamy tomato tortellini soup with fresh basil, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests. This soup combines rich tomato flavor with tender cheese tortellini and a silky smooth texture from blended cottage cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • 4 cups low sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup small-curd cottage cheese, blended until smooth (optional but recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Finely chop 1 medium yellow onion and mince 3 garlic cloves. Chop 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add onions and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. Add garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes and 4 cups low-sodium broth. Stir to combine, then bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. While soup simmers, blend 1/2 cup small-curd cottage cheese until smooth (optional).
  7. Increase heat to medium, add 12 ounces fresh or frozen cheese tortellini to the pot. Cook 3-5 minutes until al dente.
  8. Lower heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in blended cottage cheese and 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half.
  9. Add chopped fresh basil, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Heat gently for 2-3 minutes without boiling.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning. If soup is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach desired consistency.
  11. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves. Optionally drizzle with olive oil or sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Add fresh basil at the end to preserve flavor and color. Do not boil after adding cream to prevent curdling. Blend cottage cheese smoothly for best creaminess. Watch tortellini cooking time carefully to avoid mushiness. Season gradually and taste often.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy tomato soup, tortellini soup, fresh basil soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, weeknight dinner, homemade soup