If you’ve ever wished your favorite creamy pasta could turn into a comforting soup, this Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup is exactly that dream come true. The first time I made it, I was trying to use up half a box of pasta and a wedge of Parmesan sitting in the fridge. It was one of those cold evenings when all I wanted was something simple but cozy — something you could eat in a bowl while wrapped in a blanket. I tossed the pasta into a creamy garlic broth, added cheese, and suddenly dinner was pure comfort. Now this soup sits right beside my Creamy Meatball Soup and Chicken Mushroom Soup on our weeknight rotation list.
It’s creamy, rich, and loaded with Parmesan flavor like a cross between Alfredo and chicken noodle soup, but way easier and faster.
Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add flour and stir until it forms a thick paste. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth. This creates the creamy base of the soup.
- Pour in milk and cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and add the uncooked pasta. Cook for 10–12 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Lower heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add shredded chicken if using. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with Parmesan, parsley, and black pepper. Serve with crusty bread or garlic rolls.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup
This recipe turns everyday pantry staples into something warm and indulgent. It’s all made in one pot, comes together in less than 30 minutes, and has that irresistible creamy, cheesy taste everyone loves. It’s hearty without being heavy, and it reheats beautifully a win for busy families or cozy nights in.
If you love soups that combine comfort and creaminess like my Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup or Chicken Corn Chowder, this one will fit right in. Serve it with crusty bread or my Christmas Bread Recipe for the ultimate winter meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups uncooked small pasta (like ditalini, shells, or elbows)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Extra Parmesan
- Chopped parsley
- Cracked black pepper
If you’ve made my Creamy Beef Noodle Bake, you already know how much comfort a little cheese and cream can bring — this soup delivers that same magic in spoonfuls.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Melt butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Base
Add flour and stir until it forms a thick paste. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth. This step creates the creamy base that makes the soup silky and rich.
Step 3: Add Dairy and Pasta
Pour in milk and cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and add the uncooked pasta. Let it cook in the broth for 10–12 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Chicken
Lower the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. If you’re using shredded chicken, add it now. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a little cracked pepper. Serve immediately with toasted bread or garlic rolls.
If you love creamy dishes with depth, my Ham and Potato Chowder has a similar richness — hearty, simple, and endlessly comforting.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup
- Add cheese off the heat: This keeps it smooth and prevents graininess.
- Stir the pasta often: Prevents sticking and keeps the texture even.
- Use real Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded.
- Want extra richness? Add a tablespoon of cream cheese.
These same small tricks make my Pioneer Woman Loaded Potato Soup silky and restaurant-worthy every single time.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in a sealed container.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the dairy, but it can be frozen before adding milk and cheese.
Reheating: Warm slowly on low heat and add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
If you’re into soups that taste even better the next day, my Beef Lombardi Casserole is another dish that’s just as delicious reheated.
Flavor Variations
- Spinach Parmesan Soup: Stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end for color and nutrition.
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Double the garlic for a deeper, savory flavor.
- Bacon Twist: Add crispy bacon bits before serving for smoky crunch.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
Like my Snow Day Soup, this recipe adapts beautifully to what you have on hand — flexible, simple, and always delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, Asiago or Romano blend well with Parmesan for extra flavor.
2. Can I make it without chicken?
Definitely — it’s just as creamy and satisfying without meat.
3. How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?
Add a little extra broth or milk when reheating to thin it to your liking.
4. What pasta shape works best?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbows, or shells absorb the flavor perfectly.
The Final Bite
This Creamy Parmesan Pasta Soup is everything comfort food should be — warm, cheesy, and filled with love in every spoonful. It’s one of those easy, one-pot recipes that feels like a hug after a long day. Whether you serve it as a main dish or alongside your favorite salad, it’s guaranteed to bring everyone to the table.
Serve it with buttery Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls or Christmas Bread Recipe and you’ve got a meal that’s cozy, simple, and unforgettable.
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