If you’re searching for a truly comforting and festive dish, this Christmas Soup Recipe with Pasta, Cheese, and Sausage Recipe is guaranteed to warm your heart and bring joy to your holiday table. Combining savory sausage, creamy cheese, and tender pasta all simmered in a savory tomato broth, this recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just want a cozy meal for your family, this soup is a delightful centerpiece that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Christmas Soup Recipe with Pasta, Cheese, and Sausage Recipe. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the creamy Velveeta to the bright, slightly spicy diced tomatoes, creating a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juice: This provides a vibrant, slightly tangy tomato base that’s essential for depth of flavor.
- 10 ounces canned Rotel original tomatoes and green chilies with juice (mild): Adds a subtle kick and extra dimension without overwhelming heat.
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese (1” cubes): Melts into a luxuriously smooth creaminess that thickens the soup perfectly.
- 4 cups chicken stock (32 oz box): The hearty liquid foundation that ties all the flavors together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives richness and a velvety texture that makes every spoonful indulgent.
- 12-16 ounces holiday pasta (red/white/green or bowtie): Festive touches that bring fun and a great bite to every mouthful.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil garnish: Adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of color.
- Meat options (6-8 sliced sausages, or 2-3 small chicken breasts, or 16 oz crumbled sausage, or 2 cups rotisserie chicken): Choose your favorite protein for a savory, satisfying boost.
How to Make Christmas Soup Recipe with Pasta, Cheese, and Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Start with the Tomatoes
Begin by adding the canned diced tomatoes and Rotel, juices and all, into your slow cooker or soup pot. These tomatoes create the vibrant and slightly tangy foundation that will support all other flavors as the soup cooks low and slow.
Step 2: Add Stock and Velveeta Cheese
Next, pour in the chicken stock and toss in the Velveeta cheese cubes. Cooking on high heat for one hour allows the cheese to melt perfectly, transforming the soup into a rich, creamy base that’s begging to be savored.
Step 3: Stir in the Cream
After the initial hour, lower the heat and whisk in the heavy cream. This step turns the soup silky smooth and balances the acidity of the tomatoes with velvety richness. A good stir here ensures everything melds beautifully.
Step 4: Add Your Choice of Meat
Now it’s time for the star proteins. Whether you opt for sliced sausages, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage, add your defrosted meat to the pot. Browning the meat beforehand enhances flavor greatly, but it’s optional. This meat will cook gently in the soup, soaking up the lovely tomato and cheese flavors.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add your chosen holiday pasta to the soup and let it cook for about 45 minutes. This timing is crucial to achieve perfectly tender pasta without turning mushy—remember, pasta in slow cooker soup can become too soft if left too long.
Step 6: Adjust the Consistency
As the pasta simmers, it thickens the soup naturally. If you prefer a thinner broth, simply stir in extra chicken stock or water until it reaches your desired consistency. This step allows you to customize the soup exactly how you like it.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Once everything is cooked through and flavors are melding, ladle the soup into bowls or festive handled mugs. The warmth and colors will have everyone eager to dive in.
Step 8: Stovetop Alternative
You can also make this Christmas Soup Recipe with Pasta, Cheese, and Sausage Recipe on the stovetop by cooking it gently over low-medium heat in a large Dutch oven. Stir frequently, melt the cheese first, then add cream and meat after the first hour. Finish by shredding chicken and simmering with pasta. This method offers more control and can speed up the process slightly.
Step 9: Handling Leftovers
Keep leftover soup in a large covered pot or container in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy again, remove it about 30 minutes before reheating, then warm it gently on the stove over medium heat or in microwave-safe bowls.
How to Serve Christmas Soup Recipe with Pasta, Cheese, and Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Show your soup some extra love by topping it with fresh basil ribbons for a hint of herbaceous brightness and beautiful color contrast. Crunchy crackers, tortilla chips, or warm bread slices are excellent for dipping and add delightful texture contrast.
Side Dishes
This hearty soup pairs well with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a light cheese plate. These options complement the rich soup without overpowering its delicious flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this soup in festive mugs or bowls to add a holiday vibe. For a party, consider mini servings in small espresso cups as a fun appetizer. You can also top with shredded Parmesan or a sprinkle of chili flakes for some extra zing and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Christmas Soup Recipe with Pasta, Cheese, and Sausage Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Freezing
Because of the pasta and cream, freezing isn’t ideal as it can change the texture and flavor. If you must freeze, omit the pasta before freezing, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If it has thickened too much, add a little chicken stock or water to loosen the soup to your preferred texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Velveeta melts smoothly and creates the perfect creamy texture for this soup, but you can substitute with processed cheese or a mild cheddar combined with cream cheese. Just expect a slightly different consistency.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage or chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock. Add your favorite vegetables or plant-based protein to keep it hearty and satisfying.
What kind of pasta works best in this soup?
Small or medium shapes like bows, shells, or festive holiday-themed pasta work wonderfully. Just be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it can get mushy if left too long in the soup.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for a large gathering?
Absolutely! It’s a great make-ahead dish. Prepare everything except the pasta and add the pasta when you’re ready to serve to keep it from becoming overcooked.
What is the best way to brown the sausage before adding it to the soup?
For maximum flavor, slice the sausage and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until nicely browned on both sides. This step caramelizes the meat juices and adds wonderful depth to the soup.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Soup Recipe with Pasta, Cheese, and Sausage Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting experience that brings festive cheer to any table. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a holiday party, I encourage you to whip up a pot and enjoy the blend of creamy, savory, and colorful flavors that make it an absolute classic you’ll return to year after year.
Print
Christmas Soup Recipe with Pasta, Cheese, and Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Soup combines creamy Velveeta cheese, savory chicken or sausage, and colorful holiday pasta in a delicious, comforting slow cooker or stovetop meal. Perfect for feeding a crowd during the holidays, this soup features diced tomatoes, Rotel mild chilies, chicken stock, heavy cream, and fresh basil garnish for a rich and flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with the juice
- 10 ounces canned Rotel original tomatoes and green chilies with the juice (mild, not hot)
- 4 cups chicken stock (32 oz box)
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta
- 12–16 ounces Christmas or holiday pasta (red/white/green or bowtie pasta)
Meat Options (choose one)
- 6–8 sliced sausages
- 2–3 small chicken breasts (whole or shredded)
- 16 ounces crumbled sausage
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Add Tomatoes and Rotel: In a slow cooker, combine the canned diced tomatoes and the Rotel tomatoes with their juices to form the soup’s tomato base.
- Add Stock and Cheese: Pour in the chicken stock and add the Velveeta cheese cubes. Cook on high for 1 hour in the slow cooker, or simmer on low heat in a large soup pot on the stovetop.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: After 1 hour, reduce the slow cooker to a low setting and whisk in the heavy cream thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy soup base.
- Add Meat: Add your choice of defrosted meat—sliced sausage, shredded chicken breasts, crumbled sausage, or rotisserie chicken. Optionally, brown sausage or crumbled sausage in a skillet first for extra flavor. The meat will cook fully while simmering in the soup.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the holiday pasta and cook for 45 minutes. Keep cooking time for the pasta under an hour to avoid overcooking and mushy noodles.
- Adjust Consistency: The pasta will thicken the soup after about an hour. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more chicken stock or water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into individual bowls or handled mugs. Garnish with fresh basil ribbons and pair with crackers, tortilla chips, warm bread, or croutons for a complete meal.
- Stovetop Variation: To prepare on the stovetop, cook over low-medium heat in a large Dutch oven, stirring often. Once the Velveeta melts, lower heat and add heavy cream and meat after 1 hour. Shred chicken directly in the pot after 1 hour, then add pasta and cook an additional 45 minutes.
- Storing and Reheating Leftovers: Store leftovers in a large saucepan and remove about 30 minutes before reheating. Warm gently over medium heat on the stove or in the microwave in individual bowls.
Notes
- Defrost meat before adding to the soup for faster and more even cooking.
- Brown sausage before adding to the soup if you want a deeper flavor.
- Do not cook pasta longer than 1 hour to avoid soggy texture.
- Add more chicken stock or water to adjust soup thickness if needed.
- The soup is easy to make in either a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
- Leftovers can be reheated gently without losing flavor or texture.
