Ree Drummond's 15-Minute Soup Is a Weeknight Dinner No-Brainer

Making a list of soup recipes in my phone’s Notes app is a fall tradition I look forward to every year. As soon as the weather turns chilly, nothing sounds more satisfying than a hot bowl of soup, stew, or chili.

While slow-cooked soups that simmer on the stove all day are terrific for weekends, I need quick options to accommodate our busy schedule during the work week. Ree Drummond’s Creamy Tortellini Soup is a recent discovery that will be a permanent fixture on my annual soup bucket list.

Made with just seven ingredients and ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a satisfyingly rich bowl that everyone in my family adores.

Why I Love Ree Drummond's Creamy Tortellini Soup

The best things about Ree’s Creamy Tortellini Soup are that it's quick and easy. Anytime I can prepare a meal for my family that has these quality—plus healthy and affordable—is a win in my book.

Ever since I discovered this recipe, I've kept the ingredients stocked in my kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, or those days where time gets away from me and I need a dinner option that can swoop in and rescue us from a trip to the drive-thru.

Let's not forget about taste. While the recipe is very basic, it's not short on flavor. My family enjoys the richness the splash of cream gives the soup. I also like to go a bit heavy on the black pepper—we're loyal fans of cacio e pepe in our house (another fast dinner recipe I keep in my back pocket), so a few extra grinds gives this soup a similar vibe.

Lastly, it's a recipe I can always jazz up. I'll often toss in leftover grilled chicken breast or produce that needs to be used. When it comes to possibilities, this soup truly knows no bounds.

How to Make Creamy Tortellini Soup

I could make Ree's soup with my eyes closed—that's how easy it is.

Simply bring the broth to a gentle boil on the stovetop, then toss in the frozen vegetables. Once the broth returns to a boil, add the fresh tortellini and cook until al dente according to the package directions. Just before serving, stir in the cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Don't forget the toppings. Ree recommends garnishing each bowl with a handful of croutons, a generous pinch of shaved Parmesan, and drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Ways to Upgrade This Soup

While this simple soup is delish as-is, it also serves as a fantastic base that can be easily modified. Here are a few of my favorite tricks for taking this soup to the next level:

• Power up the protein: Consider adding 2 cups of chopped or shredded cooked chicken to the soup. Italian sausage would also make a lovely, zesty addition.
• Tinker with the tortellini: Ree calls for good, old-fashioned cheese tortellini, but you can experiment with any flavor your household enjoys. (I personally think spinach or butternut squash would be wonderful.)
• Layer flavor: Add some oomph with a bit of help from your spice cupboard, like a dash of Italian seasoning, dried oregano, garlic powder, or chile flakes. You could also stir in some fresh herbs to add a flourish of freshness just before serving.
• Pack in the veggies: If you’re looking for a boost of nutrition, try adding green beans, bell pepper, sliced zucchini, or a can of diced tomatoes. Any greens would be nice, too, such as a few handfuls of fresh chopped spinach or kale.