Description
A comforting and flavorful Parmesan Pasta Soup that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy meal. This Italian-inspired soup is packed with vegetables, pasta, and Parmesan cheese in a savory broth.
Ingredients
Scale
For the soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup small pasta, such as ditalini or elbow
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5–6 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes with juice, broth, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Bring the soup to a boil, then stir in the pasta.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and optional greens, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the greens wilt and the cheese is melted into the soup.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
- This soup is best served fresh, as the pasta may absorb more liquid as it sits.
- To avoid mushy pasta in leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
