CREAMY PASTA SOUP HEAVEN

Picture this: a chilly evening, a warm bowl nestled in your hands, and the comforting aroma of creamy, cheesy goodness swirling around you. Forget slaving over a complicated recipe! We’re diving headfirst into the wonderful world of Dreamy Creamy Pasta Soup – a dish so easy, so satisfying, and so customizable, it’s about to become your new weeknight staple. Get ready to transform simple pantry ingredients into a soul-soothing masterpiece.

Gathering Your Delicious Ingredients

Before we embark on this culinary adventure, let’s make sure we have all our ingredients prepped and ready to go. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

For the Soup Base:

• Olive Oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
• Onion: Diced, the aromatic foundation of our soup.
• Garlic: Minced, because garlic makes everything better.
• Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth): The liquid gold that brings it all together.
• Diced Tomatoes: Canned or fresh, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity.
• Italian Seasoning: A simple way to add depth of flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!

For the Creaminess and Body:

• Heavy Cream: The key to that dreamy creaminess. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy richness that elevates the soup.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a nutty, savory boost.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount to thicken the soup.

For the Pasta and Extras:

• Small Pasta Shapes: Ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work great.
• Cooked Chicken (optional): Shredded or diced, for added protein.
• Fresh Spinach (optional): Adds a pop of color and nutrients.
• Fresh Basil (optional): Chopped, for garnish and extra flavor.

Step-by-Step to Creamy Pasta Soup Perfection

Alright, my friend, let’s turn these ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort! This recipe is surprisingly simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how delicious it is.

Building the Flavor Base:

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

Creating the Soup:

1. Stir in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
2. While the soup is simmering, in a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, cream cheese (softened), flour, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. This prevents clumps from forming in the soup.

Adding the Pasta and Creaminess:

1. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the simmering soup, stirring constantly until it is fully incorporated and the soup begins to thicken slightly.
2. Add the pasta to the soup and cook according to package directions, or until al dente. Remember the pasta will continue to cook a bit even after you remove it from the heat.

Finishing Touches:

1. If using, stir in the cooked chicken and/or fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
3. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy your Dreamy Creamy Pasta Soup!

Secret Tips for Extra Creamy Goodness

Want to take your Creamy Pasta Soup to the next level? Here are a few insider tips and tricks to make it even more amazing!

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta gets mushy and nobody wants that in their soup. Cook it al dente and remember it will continue to soften as it sits in the hot broth.
• Bloom Your Spices: Before adding the broth, toast the Italian seasoning in the olive oil for about 30 seconds. This releases the oils and intensifies the flavor. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the soup will taste. Opt for good quality broth, cheese, and tomatoes.
• Adjust the Thickness: If the soup is too thick, add a little more broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow the sauce to reduce.
• Make it Your Own: This recipe is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or proteins to create a soup that’s uniquely yours.

Variations That Will Blow Your Mind

The beauty of Creamy Pasta Soup is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences and create exciting new flavor combinations!

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Cheesy Heaven: Use a blend of different cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone, for an even cheesier experience.
• Vegetarian Delight: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as carrots, celery, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• Italian Sausage: Brown some Italian sausage with the onion and garlic for a heartier and more flavorful soup.
• Tomato Basil: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a deeper flavor and add a generous amount of fresh basil.

What to Serve with Your Soup

Creamy Pasta Soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

• Crusty Bread: For dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: Because garlic bread makes everything better.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that’s always a winner.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), Creamy Pasta Soup can be easily stored and reheated.

• Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little broth or water to thin it out, as the pasta will absorb some of the liquid. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it frequently to prevent hot spots.

Exploring Other Delicious Soup Creations

If you’re a soup lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to try! Luckily, the world of soup is vast and filled with endless possibilities. How about trying something with a bit of a kick, like MEXICAN NOODLE SOUP? Or if you’re a fan of rich, cheesy flavors, you might enjoy GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA but in soup form! For a comforting and hearty meal, consider GNOCCHI SAUSAGE SOUP. If you’re craving something bright and flavorful, LEMON CHICKEN ORZO SOUP is a great option. And for a unique twist on a classic dish, be sure to check out CREAMY CHICKEN LASAGNA SOUP. Of course, you can’t go wrong with a classic, so give CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP a try too!

Troubleshooting Common Soup Problems

Even the best cooks encounter occasional hiccups. Here are some solutions to common problems you might face when making Creamy Pasta Soup:

• Soup is Too Thick: Add more broth or water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Soup is Too Thin: Simmer the soup uncovered for a few more minutes to allow the sauce to reduce. You can also whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the soup to thicken it.
• Soup is Bland: Add more salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
• Pasta is Mushy: Make sure you’re not overcooking the pasta. Cook it al dente and remember it will continue to soften as it sits in the hot broth. Next time, add it in during the last few minutes of cooking instead.
• Cream Cheese is Clumpy: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the soup. Whisk it well with the heavy cream, flour, and Parmesan cheese before adding the mixture to the pot. If it still clumps, use an immersion blender to smooth it out.

Why This Soup Will Become Your New Favorite

Seriously, what’s not to love? This Creamy Pasta Soup is easy to make, incredibly comforting, and endlessly customizable. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing party dish, or a cozy pick-me-up on a cold day. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients and reduce food waste. So go ahead, give it a try – I guarantee you’ll be hooked!

Creamy Pasta Soup Heaven

Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy Pasta Soup, a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for chilly evenings. This recipe transforms pantry staples into a cheesy, creamy, and customizable masterpiece that will quickly become a weeknight favorite.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup small pasta shapes ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells
• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced optional
• 2 cups fresh spinach optional
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped optional

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Stir in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. While the soup is simmering, in a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, cream cheese (softened), flour, and Parmesan cheese until smooth. This prevents clumps from forming in the soup.
6. Pour the cream cheese mixture into the simmering soup, stirring constantly until it is fully incorporated and the soup begins to thicken slightly.
7. Add the pasta to the soup and cook according to package directions, or until al dente. Remember the pasta will continue to cook a bit even after you remove it from the heat.
8. If using, stir in the cooked chicken and/or fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
9. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
10. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy your Creamy Pasta Soup!

Notes

For extra flavor, bloom the Italian seasoning by toasting it in the olive oil for about 30 seconds before adding the onion. Don’t overcook the pasta; cook it al dente. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to thin the soup. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini.