As the weather cools down, there’s nothing like a warm and comforting bowl of pasta soup to cozy up with. And when you add a rich and creamy element to the mix, you’ve got a match made in heaven! In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 creamy pasta soup recipes that are sure to become your new go-to comfort food. From classic combinations like tomato basil and chicken alfredo, to more adventurous options like spicy sausage and kale or Thai coconut curry, there’s something for everyone on this list.
Whether you’re a busy professional looking for an easy weeknight dinner solution or a college student craving a satisfying meal after a long day of classes, these creamy pasta soupees are sure to hit the spot. So grab your favorite pasta shape, get ready to slurp up some serious comfort, and let’s dive into our top 18 picks!
Tomato Basil Pasta Soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of fresh flavors, combining the sweetness of tomatoes with the brightness of basil and the heartiness of pasta. A warm and satisfying meal for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, heavy cream, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
4. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the soup pot.
5. Simmer the soup for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Soup
A comforting twist on the classic Italian dish, this creamy pasta soup is a perfect remedy for a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, spaghetti)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until soup has thickened slightly.
6. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the soup.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli Pasta Soup
Warm up with this comforting and creamy soup that combines the flavors of pasta, broccoli, and melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup cooked pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add broccoli and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cooked pasta, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Sausage and Kale Pasta Soup
A hearty and flavorful soup that combines spicy sausage, tender kale, and al dente pasta in a rich and savory broth. Perfect for a comforting meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup kale, stems removed and chopped
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fusilli)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage; cook, breaking up with spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth; bring to boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Stir in kale; cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add pasta; cook according to package instructions.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Soup
A refreshing and flavorful soup that combines the brightness of lemon with the richness of garlic, all wrapped up in a comforting bowl of pasta.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz. shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup pasta (such as linguine or fettuccine)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, combine garlic, lemon juice, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until pink and cooked through.
4. Stir in cooked pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Creamy Mushroom Pasta Soup
Warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup that combines tender mushrooms, al dente pasta, and a rich creamy broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Sprinkle flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually add broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
6. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Vegetable Minestrone Pasta Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner. This minestrone pasta soup is packed with tender vegetables, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and potatoes)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they start to tenderize, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, pasta shapes, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pumpkin Sage Pasta Soup
This creamy and comforting soup combines the flavors of roasted pumpkin, sage, and pasta for a deliciously warm and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., pappardelle or fusilli)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
4. In a large pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in a little oil until softened.
5. Add roasted pumpkin, chicken broth, sage, and pasta to the pot.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
7. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Soup
This creamy and comforting soup combines the rich flavors of spinach, artichokes, and pasta, making it a perfect meal for a chilly evening. With its velvety texture and savory taste, you’ll want to curl up with a warm bowl of this Spinach and Artichoke Pasta Soup.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or fusilli)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the artichoke hearts and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Pasta Soup
A creamy and flavorful soup that combines the comfort of pasta with the richness of garlic and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and add cooked pasta, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and well combined.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Soup
This creamy soup is a perfect blend of flavors, combining roasted red peppers with pasta and vegetables in a rich and satisfying broth.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1 medium onion
– 3 cloves garlic
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast the red bell peppers for 30-40 minutes, or until skin is charred.
2. Peel the roasted peppers and place them in a blender with garlic, onion, and broth. Blend until smooth.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Add diced tomatoes, cream, salt, and pepper to the blended mixture. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
5. Stir in cooked pasta and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Tuscan White Bean Pasta Soup
This hearty soup is a classic Italian comfort food, perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner. With its creamy white beans and al dente pasta, it’s a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried cannellini beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8 ounces pasta (such as pappardelle or rigatoni)
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
2. Add the soaked and drained cannellini beans, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the soup pot.
4. Simmer the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
5. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
A hearty, flavorful soup that combines the spiciness of Cajun seasoning with the comfort of pasta and chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup Cajun seasoning blend
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in Cajun seasoning blend, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes, pasta, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Soup
Cozy up with a warm and flavorful bowl of Pesto Tortellini Pasta Soup! This comforting soup is packed with tender pasta, rich pesto, and savory chicken broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup tortellini
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions.
5. Stir in the pesto until well combined.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Tomato Pasta Soup
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting beef and tomato pasta soup. Made with tender ground beef, fresh tomatoes, and al dente pasta, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can of crushed tomatoes)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup pasta of your choice (e.g., penne or rotini)
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in cooked pasta. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Sweet Corn and Bacon Pasta Soup
A creamy and comforting soup that combines the sweetness of corn with the smokiness of bacon, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the drippings in the pot.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the sweet corn kernels, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the soup.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the crispy bacon bits.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Thai Coconut Curry Pasta Soup
This creamy and aromatic soup combines the flavors of Thailand with the comfort of pasta. Perfect for a cozy night in, this recipe is quick to make and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., linguine or fettuccine)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in curry paste; cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in coconut milk and broth; bring to a simmer.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
5. Add cooked pasta to the pot; season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Herbed Potato and Pasta Soup
Warm up on a chilly day with this comforting and flavorful soup, packed with tender potatoes, al dente pasta, and a hint of fresh herbs. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup small pasta shapes (e.g., elbow macaroni)
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, potatoes, pasta, chicken broth, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until slightly thickened, or leave it chunky as desired.
4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Cozy up with these 18 creamy pasta soup recipes perfect for a chilly night. From classic combinations like Tomato Basil Pasta Soup and Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Soup to more adventurous options like Spicy Sausage and Kale Pasta Soup and Thai Coconut Curry Pasta Soup, there’s something for everyone. Each recipe combines the comfort of pasta with the warmth of a rich broth, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or international-inspired, these creamy pasta soups are sure to hit the spot.
