Description
This Creamy Mushroom Pasta Soup is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal combining tender mushrooms, savory broth, and small pasta, all enriched with a luscious cream and Parmesan finish. Perfect for chilly days, it offers a warming blend of flavors and textures that satisfy without being heavy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz mushrooms (cremini, button, or mixed), sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tsp thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini, orzo, or elbows)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute to release its flavor.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and the liquid they release has evaporated.
- Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add thyme (or Italian seasoning), salt, and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to combine the flavors.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the small pasta shape you chose and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and the soup is flavorful.
- Make it Creamy: Lower the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half along with the grated Parmesan cheese if using. Let the soup simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot alongside crusty bread for a complete comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter or vegan-friendly version (adjust dietary accordingly).
- Use vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian; chicken broth adds a richer flavor.
- Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or small elbows work best to blend well with the soup texture.
- For a thicker soup, simmer a few minutes longer after adding cream, or blend a portion of the soup for creaminess.
- Fresh herbs such as thyme or Italian seasoning can be adjusted depending on your taste preferences.
- Add extra vegetables such as spinach or kale for more nutrients and color.
