Description
This Creamy Mushroom Pasta Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Combining sautéed mushrooms, aromatic onions and garlic, tender pasta, and a rich creamy broth, this soup is easy to prepare and makes a hearty meal. Garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese, it offers a delicious blend of textures and savory taste in every bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 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
Pasta and Cream
- 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)
Garnish
- 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, approximately 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release the flavors.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and their liquid has evaporated, intensifying their flavor.
- Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add the thyme or Italian seasoning along with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start melding the flavors.
- Add Pasta: Stir in the small pasta of your choice and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente but still tender.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and the grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Let the soup simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot, ideally accompanied by crusty bread for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Mushroom varieties like cremini or button work best as they provide a good texture and flavor balance.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end as per your taste preference.
- For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though it will be less creamy.
- The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of umami flavor.
- Use small pasta shapes to ensure they cook evenly and fit well in the spoon with the soup.
