If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting bowl that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures, this Creamy Turkey and Tortellini Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender ground turkey simmered to perfection with savory onions and garlic, tossed together with cheese-filled tortellini and a dreamy cream cheese swirl that turns the broth silky and lush. It’s an inviting dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a bit of soul-warming goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, accessible ingredients come together beautifully in this soup, each playing an important role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the hearty ground turkey to the colorful mix of peas and carrots, every item has a purpose and makes this soup sing.
- Olive oil: Use a quality extra virgin olive oil to gently sauté veggies and add a subtle richness.
- Medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth, forming the savory base of your soup.
- Ground turkey: A lean protein that keeps the soup hearty without heaviness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings an umami punch and complexity to the meat.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Enhances aroma and flavor with its fragrant bite.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every component perfectly.
- Dried parsley: Brings a hint of herbal freshness throughout.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle spice to balance the flavors.
- Diced tomatoes: Provides acidity and a pleasant chunky texture.
- Frozen peas and carrots: A colorful, sweet vegetable medley that brightens the bowl.
- Tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and adds body to the broth.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Cream cheese (softened): The magic ingredient that makes the soup irresistibly creamy and smooth.
- Cheese tortellini: Pasta pillows filled with cheese that provide comforting heartiness.
How to Make Creamy Turkey and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and brown the turkey
Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Then, add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Stir in Worcestershire sauce to boost the turkey’s savory tone. Cook until the turkey is browned and no longer pink, which should take another 6-8 minutes.
Step 2: Build the flavor base
Next, stir in minced garlic, salt, dried parsley, and black pepper. Let the garlic cook for a minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Now pour in diced tomatoes, frozen peas and carrots, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all those vibrant ingredients and their flavors.
Step 3: Simmer the soup
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to marry beautifully and the vegetables to soften just right, making the soup taste like a warm, homemade delight.
Step 4: Add cream cheese and tortellini
Take the softened cream cheese and gently whisk it into the simmering soup until completely melted and creamy. Adding it this way ensures no lumps and a velvety texture throughout. Then, stir in cheese tortellini and continue cooking for another 7-10 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender but still holds its shape.
How to Serve Creamy Turkey and Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil make an excellent bright garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the cheesy notes even further. For a little extra kick, a few red pepper flakes sprinkled on top will brighten the palate beautifully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm garlic knots to soak up every bit of creamy broth. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect for balancing the soup’s richness and adding a refreshing crunch on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Creamy Turkey and Tortellini Soup Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy, homey feel. For entertaining, use mini soup crocks or even hollowed-out bread bowls to impress guests with your delicious, comforting creation. A drizzle of olive oil or a swirl of cream on top offers an elegant finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Because the tortellini can absorb liquid and soften over time, you might want to store the pasta separately if you anticipate a longer storage period.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Freeze the soup (without the tortellini if possible) in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you froze the tortellini separately, add it during reheating to avoid overcooking. Adjust seasoning if needed, as flavors can mellow after storage.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, pork, or even beef can be used depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
What can I do if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can swap cream cheese for heavy cream or half-and-half, but the soup will be less thick and creamy. Alternatively, blending some cooked potatoes into the soup can also provide a creamy texture without dairy.
Is it necessary to use frozen peas and carrots?
Fresh peas and diced carrots can be substituted, but frozen versions offer convenience and consistent texture. Plus, they’re often picked and frozen at peak freshness, locking in sweetness.
Can I make this soup vegan or vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or extra mushrooms for meaty texture, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Skip the cream cheese or use a vegan cream cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free.
How do I know when the tortellini is perfectly cooked?
Most fresh or frozen tortellini cooks in about 7-10 minutes. They should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Taste a piece near the end of cooking to check.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Turkey and Tortellini Soup Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines comforting textures with rich, hearty flavors in every spoonful. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a weeknight dinner or when friends come over craving something warm and satisfying. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new favorite comfort food.
Print
Creamy Turkey and Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious creamy tortellini soup with ground turkey is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any day. Packed with flavorful ground turkey, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy tomato-based broth, this soup is easy to prepare and filling. The blend of spices, frozen peas and carrots, and cream cheese creates a smooth and rich texture perfect for warming up on chilly nights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil (preferably Bertolli Extra Virgin)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (Lea & Perrins recommended)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 12 oz frozen peas and carrots (Birds Eye recommended)
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz cheese tortellini
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add seasonings and garlic: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, dried parsley, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and vegetables: Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, frozen peas and carrots, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and vegetables to cook through.
- Add cream cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. Ensure there are no lumps by stirring thoroughly.
- Cook tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, until tender but still firm to bite.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese at room temperature to avoid lumps in the soup.
- You can substitute frozen vegetables with fresh ones but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of heavy cream or milk when stirring in the cream cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup can be frozen but note that the texture of tortellini may change upon reheating.
