Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a bowl full of cozy comfort that tastes like a hug from your favorite Italian nonna, this Parmesan Pasta Soup is about to become your new obsession. Brimming with tender pasta, aromatic veggies, a swirl of cream, and a generous dusting of nutty Parmesan, it’s a recipe that brings pure joy with every spoonful. The magic lies in its simplicity—just a handful of ingredients transform into a soul-warming meal that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. Whether you’re craving something quick on a busy weeknight or need a soothing pick-me-up, this Parmesan Pasta Soup delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Parmesan Pasta Soup is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and comfort. From the sweetness of sautéed vegetables to the richness of Parmesan and the soft bite of pasta, every item contributes something special.
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, it imparts a subtle fruitiness and depth to the veggies.
- Onion: Diced small, it adds sweet, savory notes that melt into the broth.
- Garlic: A must for any Italian-inspired soup, it gives an aromatic kick that wakes up the senses.
- Carrot: Its natural sweetness balances the saltiness of the cheese and broth.
- Celery: Adds crunch and a touch of earthiness to the soup base.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the savory flavors together.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle heat, this lifts the whole dish.
- Vegetable or chicken broth: The soup’s backbone—choose high-quality broth for the best flavor.
- Small pasta (like ditalini or orzo): These little shapes soak up the broth and make every bite hearty.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The star ingredient, lending a creamy, salty richness.
- Heavy cream (optional): Stirring in a splash at the end makes the soup extra luscious.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley or basil: Chopped herbs add color and a burst of freshness as a garnish.
- Parmesan rind (optional): Simmering this in the broth intensifies the umami and depth—highly recommended if you have one!
How to Make Parmesan Pasta Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your diced onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. The goal here is to coax out their natural sweetness and build the flavor base for your Parmesan Pasta Soup.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. This is your chance to tailor the soup to your taste. Stir everything well so the veggies are coated in those fragrant herbs and spices—this sets the stage for a truly aromatic broth.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Next, carefully pour in your vegetable or chicken broth. If you have a Parmesan rind, now’s the perfect moment to toss it in for extra flavor. Bring the pot to a gentle boil—your veggies and herbs will begin to infuse the broth, taking your Parmesan Pasta Soup to the next level of deliciousness.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add your chosen small pasta straight into the bubbling pot. Lower the heat to a simmer, and let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly tender. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks and everything cooks evenly. If you added a Parmesan rind, let it work its magic during this time.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Cream
Once the pasta is cooked and the soup smells heavenly, remove the Parmesan rind (if used). Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the broth for that signature creamy, cheesy finish. For a richer soup, swirl in the heavy cream now. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Let everything simmer together for another minute or two, then remove from the heat.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and don’t forget the finishing touches! Sprinkle each serving with fresh parsley or basil and a generous pinch of extra grated Parmesan. Now, all that’s left to do is grab a spoon and savor every bite of your homemade Parmesan Pasta Soup.
How to Serve Parmesan Pasta Soup
Garnishes
The simplest way to elevate your Parmesan Pasta Soup is with a flourish of fresh herbs—parsley or basil work beautifully. A little extra grated Parmesan on top adds a delicious salty hit and looks gorgeous as it melts into the steamy bowl. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes does wonders.
Side Dishes
Pairing options are endless! Warm, crusty bread or garlicky breadsticks are classic, perfect for dunking and soaking up every last drop. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. For a heartier meal, a side of roasted veggies or even a simple caprese salad is delightful.
Creative Ways to Present
Parmesan Pasta Soup shines whether served family-style in a big pot at the center of the table or in individual bowls. For a fun twist, ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with a little extra cheese, and broil for a golden, bubbly crust. You can even serve it in bread bowls for an extra-special touch that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Parmesan Pasta Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The pasta will continue to absorb some broth as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of extra broth when reheating to bring back the original consistency.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze this soup (preferably without the pasta, as it can become mushy after thawing). Simply prepare the soup base and freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the soup and cook fresh pasta to stir in just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, simply pour the soup into a saucepan and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. If the soup seems too thick, add a bit of water or broth to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works as well—use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in Parmesan Pasta Soup?
Absolutely! While Parmesan is the star for its nutty, salty flavor, you can experiment with Pecorino Romano or even Grana Padano for a similar effect. Just make sure to choose a hard, aged cheese for the best results.
What pasta shapes work best for this soup?
Small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or small shells are perfect because they cook quickly and soak up all that delicious broth. If you only have larger pasta, break it into smaller pieces before adding it to the soup.
Is Parmesan Pasta Soup vegetarian?
It can be! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and double-check that your Parmesan is made with vegetarian rennet if this is important to you. The soup is just as rich and flavorful when made vegetarian.
How can I make the soup more filling?
For extra heartiness, stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken, white beans, or even chickpeas. These additions blend beautifully and make the soup a full meal.
Can I make Parmesan Pasta Soup in advance?
Definitely. You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. If making ahead, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it just before serving to prevent it from getting too soft.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a bowl of Parmesan Pasta Soup—it’s easy, comforting, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. Whether you’re serving it to family on a chilly night or making a batch just for yourself, this recipe brings a little taste of Italy to your table in just 30 minutes. Give it a try and let it become a new staple in your kitchen—you’ll be hooked from the very first spoonful!
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Parmesan Pasta Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup made with tender vegetables, flavorful broth, small pasta, and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese. This Italian-inspired soup is perfect for a cozy meal and can be easily customized with optional ingredients like heavy cream and Parmesan rind for extra richness.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
Seasonings and Broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Additional Flavorings
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Optional: Parmesan rind for extra flavor
Instructions
- Heat Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and diced celery. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using. This will infuse the soup with warm and slightly spicy flavors.
- Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook Pasta: Add your small pasta of choice along with the Parmesan rind if using. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the pasta is tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the Parmesan rind afterward.
- Incorporate Cheese and Cream: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the optional heavy cream for a creamy, cheesy texture. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer and Finish: Let the soup simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then remove from heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and additional Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish.
Notes
- Use any small pasta shape you prefer such as ditalini, orzo, or small shells.
- For added protein, stir in shredded cooked chicken or white beans before serving.
- The Parmesan rind adds a rich, deep flavor to the broth—try not to skip it if available.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
