Steam curled up from the pot as I stirred, the kitchen filling with the comforting scent of tomato and basil. This Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup is that weeknight magic you crave creamy, rich, and ready in under 35 minutes. It’s cozy without fuss, and it turns a simple bag of frozen tortellini into pure comfort for four hungry hearts.
Table of Contents
Why This Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup Works
Comforting Creamy Texture and Rich Tomato Flavor
This soup wraps you in warmth. The tomato base is rich and velvety, while the melted Parmesan gives every spoonful a creamy depth. Each tortellini bursts with cheesy goodness, making it both filling and luxurious without being heavy.
Quick, Easy, and Pantry-Friendly Ingredients
Everything here is simple—frozen tortellini, canned tomato soup, and pantry staples like garlic powder and dried basil. You can make it even on your busiest night. Also, it’s forgiving; swap or add as needed without losing that signature creamy comfort.
Kid-Approved and Weeknight-Ready
It’s mild enough for kids but satisfying for adults. The tortellini makes it fun to eat, and the flavor tastes like something slow-cooked all day. In fact, it’s one of those soups everyone comes back to for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tortellini and Pasta Options
Use 9 oz of frozen cheese tortellini for convenience. Fresh tortellini works too—just shorten the cooking time. You can even try stuffed pastas like ravioli if that’s what’s in your fridge.
Tomato Base, Dairy, and Broth
You’ll need 2 cans of tomato soup, 2 cups chicken broth, 2 cups milk, and 2 cups half and half. This blend gives the perfect creamy consistency while keeping the flavor light. Use all milk for a leaner version, or add a bit of heavy cream for indulgence.
Herbs, Seasonings, and Cheesy Add-Ins
Onion powder, garlic powder, dried basil, and salt bring balanced flavor. Add ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy punch and finish with ½ cup of shredded Parmesan for that signature cheesy body.
How to Make Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup Step by Step
Cook the Tortellini to Tender Perfection
Start with a large pot of salted water. Boil the tortellini according to package directions until tender. Drain it, then set it aside. Avoid overcooking here; you want the pasta to hold up in the soup.
Build the Creamy Tomato Broth
In another pot, mix the tomato soup, broth, milk, half and half, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. Heat gently over medium, stirring often until the mixture is hot but not boiling. This keeps the dairy smooth and prevents curdling.
Add Tortellini, Melt in the Cheese, and Finish the Soup
Lower the heat. Stir in the cooked tortellini and let everything warm together for a few minutes. Add Parmesan cheese, stir until melted, and turn off the heat. Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top.
Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor
Prevent Dairy from Curdling
Add milk and half and half slowly, and never let the soup boil after dairy goes in. Gentle heat keeps it silky.
Avoid Overcooking the Tortellini
Once the tortellini goes into the broth, only cook it for 3–4 minutes more. Too long, and you’ll end up with mushy pasta.
Enhance Flavor with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Proper Seasoning
Soak the sun-dried tomatoes briefly in warm broth before chopping to soften and deepen flavor. Taste before serving and adjust salt or basil as needed.
Variations and Substitutions
Pasta and Tortellini Swaps
You can replace tortellini with ravioli, gnocchi, or mini shells. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Dairy and Tomato Base Alternatives
If you’re out of half and half, mix milk with a splash of cream. No tomato soup? Combine tomato sauce with extra broth.
Broth, Herbs, and Cheese Customizations
Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, or swap Parmesan for Romano or Asiago. Fresh basil or oregano adds brightness too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve it hot with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping. It also pairs beautifully with a Caesar salad for a balanced meal. For another comforting bowl, try my creamy tomato white bean stew or summer corn chowder soup recipe.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; the flavors deepen with time. You can freeze it up to 3 months, but expect a bit of separation upon thawing. Reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding extra milk or broth if needed to thin it out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh tortellini?
Yes! Fresh tortellini cooks faster, so shorten the boil time to 3–4 minutes before adding it to the soup.
How do I thin a soup that gets too thick?
Add warm chicken broth or milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Why did my dairy separate?
It likely boiled after adding milk or half and half. Keep the soup just under a simmer and stir often.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use vegetable broth and vegetarian tortellini for a fully meat-free version.
More Such Recipes
- one pot chicken orzo
- crockpot garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes
- skillet chicken thighs with broccoli cheddar orzo
- easy ratatouille recipe (French vegetable stew)
- garlic parmesan chicken recipe

Conclusion
This Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup is proof that simple ingredients can make extraordinary comfort food. Whether it’s a rainy Tuesday or a lazy Sunday, this pot of creamy tomato bliss brings everyone to the table. Share your cozy bowls with me on Pinterest or Facebook I’d love to see your version simmering away.
Print
Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup | Creamy Comfort Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, comforting Cheesy Tomato Tortellini Soup made with tender cheese tortellini, rich tomato base, and melty Parmesan. Quick to make and full of cozy flavor for easy weeknights.
Ingredients
9 oz frozen cheese tortellini
2 cans (10.75 oz each) tomato soup
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk (skim preferred)
2 cups half and half
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook tortellini according to package directions until tender, then drain and set aside.
2. In a separate large pot, mix together tomato soup, chicken broth, milk, half and half, sun-dried tomatoes, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring often until hot but not boiling.
3. Lower the heat and stir in the cooked tortellini.
4. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Let the soup warm through without boiling.
5. Serve hot with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top, if desired.
Notes
Add dairy gradually over medium-low heat to prevent curdling.
Only cook tortellini for 3–4 minutes once added to soup to avoid mushiness.
Keep extra broth nearby to thin the soup if it gets too thick.
Let sun-dried tomatoes soak briefly in warm broth before chopping to enhance flavor.
Always stir in cheese after turning off heat to avoid clumping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
