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
Scale
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
