This Weight Watchers Tortellini Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or an easy-to-prepare lunch. Loaded with nutritious vegetables, tender tortellini, and a medley of Italian herbs, it’s a light and satisfying option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Not only is this soup delicious and filling, but it also fits well into a balanced diet, earning only three points per cup on the Weight Watchers scale. With options to make it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, it’s versatile and ideal for meal prep, making it a favorite for busy families or anyone looking to stick to a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients for Weight Watchers Tortellini Soup

To create this nourishing and flavorful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 8-10 oz. package Tortellini pasta (dried, frozen, or fresh) – Choose a variety that best fits your schedule; fresh tortellini will cook faster, while dried holds up well for longer simmering.
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil – Adds a touch of healthy fat for sautéing the vegetables.
  • 1 small onion, diced – Adds a sweet, aromatic base to the soup.
  • 3 carrots, diced – Adds natural sweetness and color.
  • 2 stalks celery, diced – For a classic soup texture and added flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed – Brings a savory depth and richness to the broth.
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (reduced-fat for fewer calories) – Adds a creamy, savory taste.
  • 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped – Provides a dose of greens, adding both color and nutrients.
  • 1 14-oz. can diced tomatoes – A classic soup addition, bringing both flavor and texture.
  • 1 cup water – Helps control the saltiness of the broth.
  • 3 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium) – Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
  • 1 tsp. black pepper – Adds a touch of warmth and spice.
  • 1 tsp. rosemary – A fragrant herb that adds earthy, woodsy notes.
  • 1 tsp. basil – A sweet, slightly peppery herb, essential in Italian cuisine.
  • 1 tsp. oregano – Complements the basil with a slightly more intense, peppery taste.
  • Optional: Italian turkey sausage, cooked and crumbled – Adds a hearty, protein-rich addition if desired, without overloading the calorie count.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Tortellini Soup

Stovetop Instructions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by prepping all vegetables – dice the onion, carrots, and celery, and crush the garlic cloves.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables start to soften. Add the crushed garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring to prevent burning.
  3. Add Herbs and Broth: Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, and 1 cup of water to the pan. Stir in the black pepper, rosemary, basil, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  4. Simmer and Build Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer for 5-10 minutes, giving the herbs time to infuse their flavors into the broth. Stir occasionally, ensuring the flavors meld together.
  5. Add the Tortellini and Spinach: After the soup has simmered and the vegetables are tender, add the tortellini, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
  6. Optional – Add Turkey Sausage: If using Italian turkey sausage, cook it in a separate skillet and crumble it into the soup at this point. Stir well to incorporate.
  7. Final Simmer and Serve: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to ensure all ingredients are heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top, if desired.

Slow Cooker Instructions

  1. Add Vegetables and Herbs to the Slow Cooker: Place the diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken broth, water, black pepper, rosemary, basil, and oregano into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  2. Cook on Low Heat: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop gradually, giving the soup a rich, aromatic base.
  3. Add Tortellini, Spinach, and Parmesan: After the initial cooking time, add the tortellini, chopped spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to mix, then continue cooking on low for an additional hour, or until the tortellini is tender.
  4. Optional – Add Turkey Sausage: If using Italian turkey sausage, cook and crumble it separately, then add it to the soup during the final hour of cooking.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the tortellini is cooked and the flavors are well-blended, serve the soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Cooking Tips for the Best Weight Watchers Tortellini Soup

  • Choose Low-Sodium Broth: Opt for a low-sodium chicken broth to control the soup’s saltiness, making it both heart-healthy and Weight Watchers-friendly.
  • Fresh vs. Dried Tortellini: Fresh tortellini will cook quickly and give a softer texture, while dried tortellini is a bit firmer and can hold up for reheating.
  • Use Italian Seasoning Blend: For added convenience, substitute rosemary, basil, and oregano with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning mix.
  • Customize with Vegetables: Add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra fiber and nutrients.
  • Adjust the Consistency: For a thicker soup, add less water. For a brothier texture, add a bit more chicken broth as needed.

Variations and Additions to Tortellini Soup

  1. Vegetarian Option
    Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian soup. You can add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for even more flavor.
  2. Creamy Tortellini Soup
    Add 1/2 cup of light cream or unsweetened almond milk for a creamier consistency. This will make the soup richer without adding too many extra calories.
  3. Spicy Tortellini Soup
    Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular turkey sausage.
  4. Keto-Friendly Option
    Substitute the tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative.
  5. Add More Protein
    For an extra protein boost, add cooked, shredded chicken breast or even lean ground turkey.

Nutritional Benefits of Weight Watchers Tortellini Soup

This Weight Watchers Tortellini Soup is not only low in calories but also packed with essential nutrients:

  • Vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health.
  • Chicken broth offers a rich flavor base while keeping the soup low in calories.
  • Tortellini adds carbohydrates, helping to make the soup filling and satisfying.
  • Olive oil and Parmesan cheese contribute healthy fats, which help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This soup is delicious on its own but can be paired with the following for a fuller meal:

  1. Whole Wheat or Seed Crackers – Serve with a side of low-calorie crackers for a bit of crunch.
  2. Side Salad – Pair with a simple salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes for added nutrients.
  3. Whole-Grain Bread – Toast a slice of whole-grain bread for dipping, making a hearty meal.
  4. Grilled Vegetables – Serve alongside grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for added fiber.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
    Yes, although tortellini adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with any pasta or even zoodles for a low-carb version.
  2. How Long Will This Soup Last in the Fridge?
    Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
  3. Can I Freeze Weight Watchers Tortellini Soup?
    Yes! For best results, freeze the soup without the tortellini and add it when reheating, as pasta can become mushy when frozen.
  4. What Other Herbs Can I Use?
    Feel free to experiment with thyme, marjoram, or a pinch of Italian seasoning blend to vary the flavor profile.

Final Thoughts on Weight Watchers Tortellini Soup

This Weight Watchers Tortellini Soup is a versatile, delicious, and nutritious recipe that fits well into a weight management plan. With each cup being only 3 points, it’s an ideal option for those looking to enjoy a hearty, Italian-inspired meal without overindulging. The soup’s customizable ingredients, ease of preparation, and wholesome flavors make it a must-have in your recipe collection, especially if

WEIGHT WATCHERS TORTELLINI SOUP
Ingredients
8-10 oz. package Tortellini pasta-dried, frozen, or fresh
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. Black pepper
1 tsp. Rosemary
1 tsp. Basil
1 tsp. Oregano
3 cloves garlic,crushed
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (use reduced fat for less calories)
1 ½ cups fresh spinach,chopped
2 stalks celery, diced
1 small onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
1-14 oz. can diced tomatoes
1 cup water
3 cups chicken broth (we use low sodium)
** Optional: Italian Turkey Sausage, cooked and crumbled
INSTRUCTIONS

Saute olive oil, onions, carrots, and celery in a large saucepan over medium-high heat until onions start to become translucent. Stir in garlic until heated through.
Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, water, Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, and black pepper- simmer, stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
Add in tortellini pasta, spinach and Parmesan cheese- simmering for an additional 15 minutes, stirring several times during simmer.
OR, toss onions, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, water, Oregano, Rosemary and black pepper into your crock pot. Cook on low 3-4 hours. Add tortellini, spinach and Parmesan cheese and cook on low another hour.
Serve and Enjoy this 3 point per cup soup!