Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Boursin: A Cozy Comfort Food Recipe

This Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Boursin is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of cheesy tortellini, fresh spinach, and creamy Boursin cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy and Quick:** This soup comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The Boursin cheese adds a unique creaminess and herbaceous flavor that elevates this soup to the next level.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or protein.
* **Comforting:** There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy soup to soothe the soul.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love the cheesy tortellini and mild flavor of this soup.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Tortellini:** Use your favorite cheese-filled tortellini. Fresh or frozen both work well. I prefer the refrigerated kind as they cook faster, but frozen works great for pantry staples.
* **Boursin Cheese:** This soft, creamy cheese infused with herbs and garlic is the star of the show. It adds a wonderful depth of flavor and richness to the soup. You can find it in most grocery stores in the cheese section. If you can’t find Boursin, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic powder, dried herbs (such as Italian seasoning), and a pinch of salt.
* **Spinach:** Fresh spinach adds a healthy dose of nutrients and a pop of color. You can use baby spinach or regular spinach, just make sure to wash it well. Frozen spinach can be used as well. Thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the soup.
* **Chicken Broth:** Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup. Vegetable broth can also be used for a vegetarian option.
* **Onion and Garlic:** These aromatics form the base of the soup and add depth of flavor. Use yellow or white onion. Fresh garlic is always best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the onion and garlic.
* **Heavy Cream:** Adds richness and creaminess to the soup. You can substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter option, but the soup won’t be as creamy.
* **Parmesan Cheese (Optional):** For garnish and extra cheesy flavor.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** For a touch of heat.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Boursin:

**Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics**

* Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
* Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

**Step 2: Add Broth and Tortellini**

* Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
* Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or slightly longer for frozen.

**Step 3: Stir in Spinach and Boursin**

* Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
* Add the Boursin cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

**Step 4: Add Heavy Cream and Season**

* Stir in the heavy cream and heat through, being careful not to boil.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.

**Step 5: Serve and Garnish**

* Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. A swirl of cream also adds an elegant touch. Some fresh basil leaves are a colorful and flavorful garnish.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Protein:** Cooked chicken, sausage, or shrimp can be added to the soup for extra protein.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables such as chopped carrots, celery, zucchini, or mushrooms.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your tortellini is vegetarian-friendly.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicier kick.
* **Use Different Cheese:** If you can’t find Boursin cheese, you can substitute with cream cheese mixed with garlic powder and dried herbs, or try using a different flavored cream cheese.
* **Make it Lighter:** Substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream for a lighter version.
* **Thicken the Soup:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup while it’s simmering. Cook until the soup thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free tortellini to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Make Ahead:** The soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. Add the spinach just before serving to keep it from becoming too wilted.
* **Freezing:** While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the tortellini and cream may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, consider adding the tortellini after thawing and reheating.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Boursin is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

* **Crusty Bread:** For dipping into the creamy broth.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad or Caesar salad complements the richness of the soup.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic pairing for soup.
* **Garlic Bread:** For extra garlicky goodness.

## Recipe Card

**Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Boursin**

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 (9-12 ounce) package cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
* 5 ounces fresh spinach
* 5.2 ounces Boursin cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Red pepper flakes (optional)
* Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini or slightly longer for frozen.
6. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Add the Boursin cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and heat through, being careful not to boil.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
10. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

**Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving):**

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Boursin! This soup is truly a hug in a bowl. The creamy broth, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach combine to create a flavour profile that is both comforting and satisfying. The addition of Boursin cheese elevates the soup with its unique herbaceous and garlicky flavour. The best part is, it is incredibly simple and fast to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Feel free to experiment with the variations suggested above, such as adding cooked chicken or sausage, or incorporating other vegetables like carrots or zucchini, to customize the soup to your liking. Remember that you can use vegetarian broth and cheese to make it vegetarian. Don’t forget a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes to enhance the flavour and visual appeal. Whether you’re seeking a quick and easy weeknight meal or a comforting dish to warm you on a chilly day, this Creamy Tortellini Soup is guaranteed to hit the spot. The delightful combination of creamy texture, cheesy flavour, and fresh spinach make it an instant favourite for both adults and children. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a bowl of pure deliciousness that will leave you craving more. Bon appétit!

This soup also shines during holiday seasons! Imagine serving this as a starter for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner – the creamy, comforting flavors will be a welcome treat on a cold day. You can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or a few colorful croutons. Pair with a crisp white wine for an elegant touch. It’s also a great way to use up leftover holiday ham or turkey. Simply dice the cooked meat and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. The smoky flavor of the ham or turkey will complement the creamy broth and cheesy tortellini perfectly. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version of this classic soup. Cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so let your imagination run wild and see what delicious creations you can come up with! This Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach and Boursin is a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a culinary masterpiece. So, go ahead and add your own personal touch and create a soup that is truly your own. Remember that the most important ingredient is love, so cook with passion and share your creations with those you care about. After all, food is meant to be shared and enjoyed together. And what better way to bring people together than with a warm and comforting bowl of soup?

Enjoy cooking and have a warm and comforting bowl!