Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender pasta, a medley of sautéed vegetables, and a generous helping of savory Parmesan cheese to create a soup that’s both comforting and satisfying. With its creamy broth and bright hints of herbs and lemon, this soup strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is the first step to making this delightful soup. Each one plays a key role, from building the hearty texture with pasta and vegetables to enriching the broth with cheesy goodness and fresh herbs.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the vegetables without overpowering the flavors.
- Yellow onion: Offers a sweet base flavor when finely chopped and sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the soup with their distinctive aromatic punch.
- Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the broth.
- Celery stalk: Contributes an earthy undertone and a little crunch when sautéed.
- Vegetable broth: Provides a flavorful foundation that keeps the dish vegetarian-friendly.
- Small pasta (ditalini or elbow): Perfect for spooning up with each bite—cook until al dente for the best texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient that melts into the broth, creating a creamy, luxurious depth.
- Italian seasoning: Brings in fragrant herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance the taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Lemon juice (optional): Adds a fresh, zesty brightness to lift the overall flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A colorful garnish that adds a fresh herbal note just before serving.
How to Make Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in the finely chopped onion, carrot, and celery, and cook them gently until the veggies soften, about 5 to 6 minutes. This process releases their natural sweetness and lays a flavorful base for your soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Italian Seasoning
Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for just another minute. This lets the garlic bloom without burning, and the herbs will become wonderfully fragrant, preparing the pot for the broth.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Bring to a Boil
Next, add the vegetable broth to the pot and crank up the heat to bring it to a rolling boil. This step infuses the whole soup with flavor and ensures maximum warmth for cooking the pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, stir in your choice of small pasta like ditalini or elbow. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until it’s perfectly al dente. This timing is key for maintaining the pasta’s tender bite inside the creamy soup.
Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan Cheese
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as it melts beautifully into the broth, thickening it slightly and giving that signature cheesy richness that defines this Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe.
Step 6: Season to Taste and Finish
Finally, adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper until it hits your perfect savory note. If you like a touch of brightness, add a splash of lemon juice now. Give everything a good stir and prepare to ladle some comfort into bowls.
How to Serve Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top each serving with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and vibrant chopped parsley. These simple touches boost flavor and create a welcoming, colorful presentation that’s nearly irresistible.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast to mop up every last drop, and a light green salad makes for a balanced meal. For a cozy dinner, roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter would also complement the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun, edible twist. Or layer it in clear glass mugs to show off its creamy texture and colorful bits of pasta and veggies. Adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can take the presentation up a notch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. The pasta may soak up some broth over time, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
Freezing
Freezing Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe isn’t ideal because the pasta can become mushy, but if you must, freeze the soup before adding pasta. When reheating, cook fresh pasta separately to maintain a satisfying texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Add a bit of broth, water, or cream if the soup has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely! Using chicken broth adds a richer, more robust flavor, but vegetable broth keeps the dish vegetarian and just as delicious.
What type of pasta works best for this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal because they’re easy to spoon and cook evenly within the broth.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. The soup’s texture and flavor will change slightly but can still be tasty.
How can I make the soup creamier?
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This adds richness without overpowering the Parmesan flavor.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in zucchini, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and color. Just add them towards the end of cooking to keep their textures fresh.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe will quickly become one of the highlights of your week. It’s straightforward, soul-soothing, and packed with flavors that feel like a warm conversation with an old friend. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again when comfort food calls.
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Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Parmesan Pasta Soup is a comforting and flavorful Italian-inspired recipe that features tender sautéed vegetables, small pasta, and a creamy Parmesan cheese broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines simple ingredients with delicious seasonings to create a warm and satisfying dish that is easy to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
Soup Base
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese and Garnish
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 1 minute to release their aroma.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil to start building the soup base.
- Cook Pasta: Add the small pasta to the boiling broth and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and slightly thickens the broth, creating a creamy texture.
- Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice if desired for a touch of brightness. Stir well to combine.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a richer soup, add a splash of cream at the end of cooking.
- You can substitute chicken broth for vegetable broth if preferred.
- Enhance flavor by simmering Parmesan rinds in the soup and removing them before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
