Description
This creamy mushroom pasta soup is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. Featuring sautéed mushrooms, aromatic garlic and onion, tender pasta, and a rich creamy broth, it’s an easy-to-make soup that blends hearty textures with savory goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 12 oz mushrooms (cremini, button, or mixed), sliced
Broth & Seasonings
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 tsp thyme or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Soup & Garnish
- 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 the minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute to release its fragrance.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until they are golden brown and their moisture has evaporated, concentrating their flavor.
- Add Broth & Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, then add thyme or Italian seasoning along with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to blend the flavors.
- Add Pasta: Stir in your choice of small pasta such as ditalini, orzo, or elbows. Cook according to the package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente, absorbing some of the broth.
- Make it Creamy: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half along with grated Parmesan cheese if using. Let the soup simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Serve the soup hot, ideally paired with crusty bread for a fulfilling meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or chicken broth for richer flavor.
- For gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a nice color and fresh flavor as garnish.
- This soup reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
