Hey there, friends! I’m so excited to share with you my creamy pasta soup recipe—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Trust me, there’s something magical about the combination of tender pasta, rich cream, and fresh veggies that just makes everything feel right in the world. This soup is perfect for cozy nights, and it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes, which is fantastic when you’re craving comfort but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can mix in whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand. So, grab a spoon and let’s dive into this delicious creamy pasta soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup pasta (any shape you love!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that dreamy, creamy texture)
- 1 cup diced vegetables (I like a mix of carrots, celery, and onions)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for a touch of herbaceous goodness)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this—seasoning is key!)
How to Prepare the Creamy Pasta Soup Recipe
- First things first, grab a large pot and heat it over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in the minced garlic and diced vegetables. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, or until they’re nice and soft—this will fill your kitchen with an amazing aroma!
- Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the whole mixture to a boil. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t bubble over!
- Once it’s boiling, add your pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—usually around 8-10 minutes, but check to make sure it’s just right for you!
- When the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream. This is where the magic happens, turning your soup into a creamy delight.
- Now, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with some salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 more minutes. This allows all those flavors to blend beautifully.
- Finally, once everything is heated through, your creamy pasta soup is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and maybe top with some fresh herbs or grated cheese if you’re feeling fancy!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers—nutrition can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this information is a general guideline. For a serving size of 1 bowl of my creamy pasta soup, here’s what you can typically expect:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Remember, these values are just a rough estimate, so feel free to adjust based on your own ingredients, and enjoy every creamy, comforting spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pasta Soup Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes!
- A comforting taste that warms you from the inside out.
- Adaptable with any veggies or proteins you have on hand.
- Perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week.
- Rich, creamy texture that feels indulgent but is oh-so-simple to make!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your creamy pasta soup turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Watch the pasta: You don’t want to overcook it! Aim for al dente while the pasta is still cooking in the soup. It’ll continue to soften as it sits in the broth, and nobody likes mushy pasta!
- Season gradually: Start with a pinch of salt and pepper, then taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s tough to take it out once it’s in!
- Mix up the veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorites! Zucchini, spinach, or even bell peppers work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to dice them small so they cook evenly.
- Try different broths: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, or add a splash of white wine for a little extra depth of flavor if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Make it heartier: Add some protein like shredded chicken or white beans to boost nutrition and make it even more filling!
- Leftovers are gold: This soup is great the next day! Just reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of broth if it thickens up too much.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a creamy pasta soup that not only tastes amazing but feels like a cozy hug in every bowl!
Variations of the Creamy Pasta Soup Recipe
One of the best things about my creamy pasta soup recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily customize it to fit your taste and what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Veggie Delight: Swap out the veggies for your favorites! Try adding spinach, peas, or even roasted tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Pasta Shapes: Don’t feel limited to just one type of pasta! Use small shapes like shells or elbows, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
- Protein Boost: Make it more filling by adding shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked sausage, or chickpeas. They’ll complement the creamy base beautifully!
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil, parsley, or thyme to brighten up the flavors and add a fresh twist.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when you season the soup. It’ll add a nice zing!
- Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese just before serving for an extra creamy and cheesy finish.
With these variations, you can keep things exciting and make this creamy pasta soup your own. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers! If you find yourself with any creamy pasta soup left (which is rare, but it happens!), you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and tasty. Here’s what to do:
- Cool it down: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the soup watery.
- Store in an airtight container: Transfer the soup to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label it so you remember what’s inside!
- Freezing for later: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the soup! Just be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen. It should last about 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your creamy pasta soup again, here’s how to reheat it:
- Stovetop method: Pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
- Microwave method: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed through.
Remember, reheating gently will help maintain that creamy texture and delicious flavor. Enjoy every last spoonful!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen vegetables in this creamy pasta soup recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen veggies are a great time-saver and can work perfectly in this soup. Just toss them in with the garlic and sauté for a few extra minutes until they’re heated through.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No worries! You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, or even use whole milk. Just keep in mind that the texture may be a bit less creamy, but still delicious!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, definitely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and feel free to add more vegetables for a hearty, meat-free meal. It’s just as comforting!
How can I thicken my creamy pasta soup?
If you find the soup is a bit too thin, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and stir it in while simmering. It’ll thicken up beautifully!
Can I double the recipe?
Of course! Just make sure you have a big enough pot to hold all that deliciousness. This creamy pasta soup is perfect for leftovers, so doubling it is a great idea for meal prep!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy cavatappi recipe or this creamy chicken pasta recipe!
Print
Creamy Pasta Soup Recipe: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting creamy pasta soup.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, sauté the garlic and vegetables until soft.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente.
- Reduce heat and add the heavy cream.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer.
- Add protein like chicken or beans for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: creamy pasta soup recipe