
Cozy, Creamy, Comfort-In-A-Bowl
This Garlic Parmesan Pasta Soup is the ultimate cozy meal for days when you want something warm, creamy, and bursting with flavor—without spending hours in the kitchen. With a rich garlic aroma, silky Parmesan broth, and tender pasta in every spoonful, it’s the kind of recipe your family will request again and again. Perfect for busy weeknights, rainy-day lunches, or a comforting dinner that feels a little indulgent, this soup comes together quickly while delivering big comfort-food vibes. If you love easy pasta dishes or crave simple one-pot meals, this recipe will become a new favorite. Get ready for a bowl of pure, creamy goodness!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz short pasta (ditalini, small shells, or elbow)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Grater (for fresh Parmesan)
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Melt butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion. Cook 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant. 🧄
- Build the broth: Pour in chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the pasta: Stir in the pasta and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick.
- Make it creamy: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir until the broth looks silky.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle in the Parmesan gradually, stirring until melted and the soup becomes creamy and slightly thick.
- Add greens (optional): Stir in chopped spinach and cook 1 minute until wilted. 🌿
- Final touches: Taste and adjust seasoning. Soup should be creamy, garlicky, and glossy. Serve warm and garnish with parsley. 😋
💡 Pro Tips
- Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and may cause graininess.
- Thicken the soup: Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes if you prefer a thicker texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
- Pasta swap: Any small pasta shape works—use what you have on hand!