Description

A comforting and flavorful Parmesan Pasta Soup featuring a savory vegetable broth, tender pasta, and fresh spinach, all enriched with grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy meal that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Soup Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large carrot, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth

Pasta and Seasonings

3/4 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Greens and Garnish

1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional)
Extra Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another minute to release their flavors without burning the garlic.
Cook the Broth and Pasta: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
Incorporate Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to slightly thicken.
Add Greens: If using, add baby spinach or kale and stir until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt or additional pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Parmesan Pasta Soup.

Notes

For extra depth of flavor, add a Parmesan rind into the broth during cooking and remove before serving.
For a richer, creamier texture, stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking.