One-Pot Tortellini Instant Pot Soup: Comfort in Minutes

Craving a warm, comforting meal but short on time? This One-Pot Tortellini Instant Pot Soup is the answer! This recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful soup packed with cheesy tortellini in under 30 minutes. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to clean up. This recipe is easily customizable to suit your taste, making it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

The Instant Pot is a game-changer for quick and easy meals, and this tortellini soup is no exception. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Fast: Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes.
• Easy: Minimal prep work and only one pot to clean.
• Flavorful: A rich, creamy broth infused with Italian herbs and vegetables.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to your favorite ingredients and dietary needs.
• Kid-Friendly: A comforting and familiar flavor that kids adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:

• Tortellini: Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini work well. Opt for cheese-filled for a classic flavor.
• Italian Sausage: Ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) adds richness and depth. You can substitute with ground beef, turkey, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian option.
• Aromatics: Onion and garlic form the base of the flavor profile.
• Vegetables: Diced carrots and celery add sweetness and texture. Spinach adds nutrients and a pop of color. Other vegetable choices would include bell pepper or zucchini.
• Broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth provides the liquid base.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add acidity and flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Enhances the tomato flavor and adds richness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy, luxurious texture. Can substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that provides a classic Italian flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds salty, savory flavor and enhances the creamy texture.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Protein: Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles.
• Vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, or kale.
• Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Creaminess: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, coconut milk, or cashew cream. For a lighter option, skip the cream altogether.
• Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Pasta: If you can’t find tortellini, you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use plant-based sausage, vegetable broth, dairy-free cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This soup is incredibly easy to make. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying meal:

1. Sauté the Sausage: Turn on the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” function. Add olive oil and brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.

2. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Pressure Cook: Add the tortellini to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to the “Sealing” position. Cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 3 minutes.

5. Quick Release: Carefully perform a quick pressure release by moving the valve to the “Venting” position. Be cautious of the steam.

6. Stir in Cream and Spinach: Stir in heavy cream and spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt.

7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Tortellini Soup

• Don’t overcook the tortellini: Cooking for just 3 minutes ensures the tortellini is perfectly tender and doesn’t become mushy.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the soup before adding the cream and adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of the soup will be enhanced by using high-quality sausage, broth, and Parmesan cheese.
• Don’t skip the quick release: A natural pressure release can result in overcooked tortellini.
• For a thicker soup: Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup after pressure cooking. Simmer until thickened.

Serving and Storing Your Soup

This One-Pot Tortellini Instant Pot Soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Garnish: Top with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
• Side Dishes: Serve with crusty bread for dipping or a side salad.
• Wine Pairing: Pair with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the tortellini can become mushy. If you must freeze, do so without the cream. Add the cream when reheating.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Get creative and experiment with different flavors! Here are some ideas to customize your soup:

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sautéing vegetables or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth.
• Chicken: Substitute Italian sausage with cooked shredded chicken.
• Pesto: Stir in a spoonful of pesto after pressure cooking for added flavor.
• Lemon: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for an intense burst of flavor.

Perfecting the Presentation

Presentation matters! Here are some tips for serving your One-Pot Tortellini Instant Pot Soup in style:

• Garnish Generously: Don’t be shy with the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
• Use Attractive Bowls: Serve in beautiful bowls that complement the colors of the soup.
• Drizzle with Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds richness and visual appeal.
• Add a Dollop of Ricotta: A dollop of ricotta cheese adds creaminess and a touch of elegance.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious broth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. There’s no need to thaw it before adding it to the Instant Pot.

Can I make this soup without the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Sauté the sausage and vegetables in a large pot. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the cream and spinach) and simmer until the tortellini is tender. Stir in the cream and spinach before serving.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or kale.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can also add plant-based sausage crumbles.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Use plant-based sausage, vegetable broth, dairy-free cream, and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free alternative.

How long does this soup last in the fridge?

This soup will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze this soup?

Freezing is not recommended as the tortellini can become mushy. If you must freeze, do so without the cream. Add the cream when reheating.

My soup is too thick, what do I do?

Add a splash of broth or water to thin it out.

My soup is not thick enough, what do I do?

Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the soup after pressure cooking. Simmer until thickened.

What kind of tortellini should I use?

Cheese-filled tortellini is the most common and classic choice. You can also use meat-filled or vegetable-filled tortellini.