One-Pot Tortellini Spinach Soup (Weight Watchers Low Point)

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and healthy soup that fits into your Weight Watchers (WW) plan, the One-Pot Tortellini Spinach Soup is an ideal choice. This soup combines tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a flavorful, savory broth in a quick and easy one-pot recipe. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a nutritious lunch, this soup delivers on flavor, satisfaction, and keeps your WW SmartPoints low.

Why This Soup Is Perfect for Weight Watchers

This One-Pot Tortellini Spinach Soup is not only delicious but also lightened up to ensure it fits into your WW SmartPoints. By making a few simple swaps like using low-sodium broth and reduced-fat cheese tortellini, you can enjoy a hearty soup without exceeding your points for the day. Plus, the spinach adds an extra boost of nutrients while keeping the calories low. This recipe is designed to be filling and satisfying, with plenty of flavor to keep your taste buds happy.

Ingredients:

To prepare this healthy One-Pot Tortellini Spinach Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 8 oz reduced-fat cheese tortellini (about 2 cups; you can use fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable tortellini)
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a different flavor)
  • 2 cups water (to dilute the broth for a lighter base)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (you can also use frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable)
  • 1 medium onion, diced (adds a savory base flavor)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds flavor and depth)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes, canned (low-sodium if possible, or fresh)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano (adds a touch of Italian seasoning)
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil (for that classic soup flavor)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Heat Olive Oil in the Pot

Start by heating 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Olive oil is a healthy fat choice, and it adds a nice depth of flavor to the soup.

Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step is essential for building the base of the soup, as the flavors of onion and garlic will infuse the broth.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Next, add the 1 cup of diced tomatoes along with the dried oregano, dried basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and let the mixture cook for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the spices to bloom and the tomatoes to break down slightly, creating a rich, flavorful base for the soup.

The tomatoes add natural sweetness and acidity to balance the savory flavors in the broth.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Water

Once the tomato mixture has cooked down, pour in the 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth and 2 cups of water. Stir the ingredients to combine. The low-sodium broth keeps the soup flavorful without adding excessive salt, which is an essential part of keeping the WW SmartPoints low.

Bring the broth to a simmer over medium-high heat. Allow it to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

Once the broth has simmered and the flavors have melded together, add the 8 oz of reduced-fat cheese tortellini to the pot. Stir to incorporate the tortellini into the broth. You can use any type of tortellini you prefer—whether it’s cheese-filled, spinach, or meat—but for this recipe, we recommend cheese tortellini to complement the spinach and tomato-based broth.

Allow the soup to simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the tortellini is cooked through and tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to ensure the tortellini doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. The soup will thicken slightly as the pasta cooks, making it even heartier.

Step 5: Add the Spinach

Once the tortellini is cooked, add the 4 cups of fresh spinach to the pot. Stir the soup to mix the spinach in, and allow it to wilt into the broth. This should take about 1-2 minutes. If you’re using frozen spinach, you can simply stir it in and let it thaw in the soup.

The spinach adds a boost of vitamins (like Vitamin A and C), minerals, and fiber without adding many calories or SmartPoints. Plus, the vibrant green color adds a fresh pop to the soup.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once the spinach has wilted, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan adds a salty, savory finish that perfectly complements the flavors in the soup.

If you like, garnish the soup with some fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor and a pop of color.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Based on 6 servings

  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Net Carbs: 22g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

WW SmartPoints:

For those following Weight Watchers, this One-Pot Tortellini Spinach Soup is approximately 5 SmartPoints per serving on the Blue, Green, and Purple plans. The points can vary based on your specific ingredients (such as the type of broth, tortellini, or any added toppings), so be sure to adjust the points accordingly if you modify the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Tortellini Spinach Soup:

  1. Lightened-Up Comfort Food: This soup offers all the comfort and heartiness of a traditional tortellini soup but with fewer calories and lower WW points. It’s the perfect solution for those cold, chilly nights when you want something warm, satisfying, and flavorful without going overboard on points.
  2. Packed with Nutrients: Spinach provides a healthy dose of fiber, iron, and vitamins A and C, while the cheese tortellini offers protein and a rich, creamy texture. This soup is a great way to incorporate more vegetables and whole grains into your diet while still enjoying the comforting flavors of your favorite pasta dish.
  3. Quick and Easy: This is a one-pot recipe that can be on the table in just about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something easy to prepare that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.
  4. Customizable: The soup can be customized to suit your tastes. You can use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth for a heartier, more savory base, or try adding other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can puree some of the broth and vegetables before adding the tortellini for a creamy consistency.
  5. Meal Prep-Friendly: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. It’s an ideal dish to prepare in advance for meal prep or to enjoy as leftovers. Just be sure to store the soup and tortellini separately to avoid the pasta becoming too soft when reheated.

Additional Tips for Success:

  1. Tortellini Tips: If you’re using frozen tortellini, be sure to check the cooking instructions on the package. Some frozen tortellini might require a slightly longer cook time than fresh or shelf-stable varieties. If you’re using shelf-stable tortellini, it may cook quicker, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
  2. Make It Even Lighter: To reduce the points even further, you can opt for light tortellini or use a vegetable-based tortellini to cut down on calories. You can also skip the Parmesan or use a smaller amount for an even lighter option.
  3. Thicker Soup Option: For a thicker soup, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the tortellini. This will create a more creamy base without the need for additional cream or milk.
  4. Flavor Boosters: If you love a bit of extra flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of red wine vinegar at the end of cooking to brighten the flavors.

Conclusion:

The One-Pot Tortellini Spinach Soup is the ultimate comfort food for those on a Weight Watchers plan. With only 5 SmartPoints per serving, it’s a satisfying, filling meal that won’t derail your progress. The combination of cheese tortellini, spinach, and a savory broth makes this soup a perfect option for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner idea, this soup delivers all the flavors you love, with fewer calories and low WW points.

So, grab a pot and enjoy this hearty, nutritious, and delicious soup today!