Creamy White Lasagna Soup – Rich, Cozy, and Comforting Dinner Recipe

Welcome to My Cozy Kitchen: Creamy Tortellini Soup to Warm Your Heart

Hey there! If you love comfort food like I do, you’re going to enjoy this creamy tortellini soup recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I’ve made it a bunch of times, especially when I crave something rich but easy. Plus, it’s loaded with cheesy goodness, savory bacon (or Italian sausage if you prefer), and tender tortellini swimming in a creamy broth. Ready to cozy up your kitchen?

Why This Creamy Tortellini Soup is a Nutritional Winner

Let me share why this hearty soup is more than just delicious—it’s also got some wholesome perks. Starting with the tortellini, which are pasta pockets typically filled with cheese, giving you a good source of carbs and protein to keep your energy up. The broth, whether chicken or vegetable, keeps it hydrating and light, while the ricotta or cream cheese adds protein and calcium, great for strong bones. Including garlic and onions not only amps up the flavor but boosts your immune system too—something we all appreciate any time of the year!

Adding bacon or Italian sausage adds satisfying protein and flavor depth, but feel free to keep it lighter by sticking to just a veggie broth and skipping the meat. With the herbs and Parmesan cheese, you’re also sneaking in antioxidants and essential vitamins, making this soup delicious and nutritious in a cozy bowl.

Fun Ways to Make This Soup Your Own

• Meat-Free Magic: Swap the bacon or sausage for roasted mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for that deep umami punch—perfect for vegetarians!
• Cheese Choices: Don’t have ricotta? Cream cheese works wonderfully. Or try a dollop of cottage cheese blended smooth for a lighter twist.
• Veggie Boost: Throw in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking to add greens without losing that creamy texture.
• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when serving.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tortellini or swap in small gluten-free pasta shapes to keep things friendly for gluten-sensitive friends.

Step-by-Step Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

Here’s What You’ll Need:

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup ricotta cheese or cream cheese
• 4 cups cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 6-8 slices bacon or 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
• Garlic herb bread or crusty bread, toasted, for serving

Let’s Cook!

1. Start by cooking your bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s crisp. Take out the bacon slices, crumble them, and set aside. Keep about 1 tablespoon of the fat in the pot and discard the rest.
2. Add your olive oil or butter if the pot looks dry. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir it around to coat the onions and garlic nicely.
4. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, then bring everything to a gentle simmer.
5. Turn the heat lower, and stir in the heavy cream and ricotta cheese. Mix until the soup becomes smooth and creamy. Let it simmer gently for around 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Now taste your soup and season with salt and pepper as you like.
7. Add your tortellini right into the pot and cook according to the package timing, usually 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender and lovely.
8. Stir the crumbled bacon (or sausage) back into the soup, heating it all through.
9. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle on the freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil.
10. Serve it hot alongside some garlic herb bread or crusty bread to dunk and savor every last drop.

My Top Tips for the Best Creamy Tortellini Soup

• If using frozen tortellini, no need to thaw—just add them straight to the soup but make sure the cooking time matches the package to avoid mushiness.
• For extra creaminess, try whipping the ricotta or cream cheese before adding—it blends easier and makes your soup ultra smooth.
• Leftovers? Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove; add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried parsley or a little Italian seasoning on top still tastes great as a garnish.
• Use a large pot so you can stir comfortably without spilling—especially when adding the tortellini!

Equipment You’ll Want Handy

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine grater for Parmesan cheese
• Knife and cutting board for prepping onion and garlic
• Serving bowls and ladle

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Tortellini Soup

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day because the flavors meld together. Just be sure to reheat gently.
2. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, but the texture of the tortellini might change slightly. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it after reheating the soup.
3. What’s a good vegetarian option? Use vegetable broth and skip the bacon or sausage. You can add mushrooms or extra veggies instead.
4. Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan? You can, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a fresher taste.
5. How do I keep the soup from being too thick? Simply add more broth or a splash of milk/cream when reheating if you want it thinner.

Let’s Cook and Connect!

Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear how your creamy tortellini soup turns out. Do you have any favorite tweaks or add-ins? Share your photos and stories on Pinterest or drop me a message—I always enjoy connecting with fellow home cooks. Happy cooking and stay cozy!