Creamy Pasta Soup

This Creamy Pasta Soup is a delightful dish that combines comfort and nutrition in every spoonful. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a hearty lunch, this recipe features wholesome plant-based ingredients like cannellini beans and cashews, making it creamy and satisfying. It’s not only vegan but also gluten-free and easily adaptable for nut-free diets. Enjoy this soup for cozy family dinners, meal prep for the week, or even as a light starter for gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This creamy pasta soup comes together quickly with simple steps and minimal prep time.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables, beans, and healthy fats from cashews, this soup is both filling and nourishing.
• Versatile Dish: Customize your creamy pasta soup by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spices to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it a great option for lunches throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly Flavor: The creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delicious creamy pasta soup, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools that help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing all ingredients to meld together beautifully.
• Blender: A high-speed blender creates a super smooth cream from the cashews and beans, which is crucial for achieving that creamy consistency.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables efficiently while keeping your kitchen organized.
• Knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, saving you time during prep.

Ingredients

This creamy pasta soup contains only wholesome plant-based ingredients, is easy to make, and delicious! It’s made with cannellini beans and cashews. The recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and can be made nut-free.

Vegetables

• 1 large carrot (peeled and chopped)
• 1-2 stalks celery (chopped)
• 7 oz broccoli florets
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)

Broth & Seasoning

• 5-6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1-2 tsp ground lovage (Maggi herb) (optional)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Pasta & Beans

• 7 oz dry pasta (gluten-free preferred)
• 1 (15 oz) can white cannellini beans (or any other white beans, drained and rinsed)

Cream Base & Garnish

• 1/2 cup cashews (soaked)
• 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Fresh herbs (to garnish)

How to Make Creamy Pasta Soup

Creating this creamy pasta soup is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious result.

Step 1: Prepare the Cashew Cream

1. Soak cashews in water for a couple of hours OR boil them in water for 20 minutes until soft.
2. Once softened, transfer cashews to a blender along with the cannellini beans, plant-based milk, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Blend on high speed for about 2 minutes or until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions, chopped carrots, celery, broccoli florets, and sauté for about 4 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Stir in minced garlic along with onion powder, Italian seasoning, ground lovage (if using), salt, and pepper; cook for an additional minute.

Step 3: Combine Broth & Cream

1. Pour in the vegetable broth; start with 5 cups but be prepared to add more if needed later.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat.
3. Stir in the prepared cashew-cannellini cream; let it simmer for about 6-8 minutes.

Step 4: Add Pasta

1. Add your choice of dry pasta into the pot.
2. Allow it to simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes or until al-dente; stir frequently to prevent sticking.
3. If you find the soup too thick at any point, add more vegetable broth or plant-based milk until reaching your desired consistency.

Step 5: Final Touches

1. Taste your soup; adjust seasoning as necessary—more salt may be needed!
2. Serve garnished with fresh herbs of your choice alongside Vegan Parmesan Cheese if desired.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Creamy Pasta Soup that brings warmth to any occasion!

How to Serve Creamy Pasta Soup

Creamy pasta soup is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor, making the soup visually appealing and aromatic.

Drizzle with Olive Oil

• A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the richness of the soup while adding an extra layer of depth to its flavor.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Serve your creamy pasta soup alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping. This combination makes for a comforting meal.

Add Vegan Parmesan

• Sprinkle some vegan Parmesan cheese on top for an added cheesy taste without using dairy, which complements the creaminess of the soup perfectly.

Serve in Individual Bowls

• Presenting the soup in individual bowls makes it more inviting and allows guests to customize their garnishes.

How to Perfect Creamy Pasta Soup

To ensure your creamy pasta soup is always a hit, follow these tips for perfection.

• Soak cashews properly: Soaking cashews for at least a couple of hours or boiling them until soft helps create a smooth, creamy texture.

• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh carrots, celery, and broccoli enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your soup compared to canned or frozen options.

• Adjust seasoning as needed: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and spices according to your preference for the best flavor.

• Cook pasta al-dente: Cooking the pasta just right ensures it retains some bite and doesn’t become mushy in the soup.

• Add broth gradually: Start with less vegetable broth and add more as needed. This way, you can control the thickness of your soup perfectly.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Pasta Soup

Pairing side dishes with your creamy pasta soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, adding flavors that complement each other beautifully.

2. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers brings brightness and balances the richness of the soup.

3. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide a hearty side that pairs nicely with the creamy texture of the soup.

4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a crunchy texture and extra nutrients that enhance your meal’s overall healthiness.

5. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy spring rolls filled with fresh vegetables offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy soup.

6. Chickpea Fritters: These flavorful bites are high in protein and make an excellent side dish that complements the creamy nature of the main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your creamy pasta soup, it’s easy to overlook a few important steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can lead to mushiness. Aim to sauté them just until they are tender yet still vibrant.
• Skipping the Soaking Step: Not soaking cashews can result in a grainy texture. Always soak them for a couple of hours or boil them for 20 minutes to achieve that creamy consistency.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: A bland soup can ruin the experience. Taste your creamy pasta soup as you cook, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
• Using Too Much Pasta: Adding too much pasta can make your soup overly thick. Measure carefully, and remember that pasta expands while cooking.
• Not Stirring Frequently: Leaving your soup unattended can lead to sticking or clumping. Stir frequently, especially when adding pasta, to ensure even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Creamy Pasta Soup

• Freeze for up to 2-3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Leave space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Creamy Pasta Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in increments of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often until hot. Add a splash of broth or plant-based milk if it’s too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about creamy pasta soup that might help you as you prepare this delicious dish.

Can I make Creamy Pasta Soup nut-free?

Yes! You can substitute cashews with soaked sunflower seeds or use store-bought nut-free cream alternatives.

What type of pasta works best in Creamy Pasta Soup?

Any small pasta shape works well, such as elbow macaroni or ditalini. Gluten-free options are also available if needed.

How do I thicken my Creamy Pasta Soup?

If you want a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the soup and return it to the pot. Alternatively, you can add more blended beans or use a plant-based thickener.

Can I customize the vegetables in my Creamy Pasta Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers according to your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This creamy pasta soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your palate. Its wholesome ingredients make it an excellent choice for any meal—perfect for cozy dinners or quick lunches. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how satisfying and easy it is!