If you are searching for a comforting and delicious bowl of goodness to warm your soul, look no further than this Creamy Ditalini Soup Recipe. This delightful soup combines tender ditalini pasta with a rich, velvety broth enhanced by fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs. The cream adds a luscious texture that makes every spoonful feel indulgent yet wholesome. Perfect for a cozy night in or a light lunch, this soup is quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, offering a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that you and your loved ones will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this soup, and thankfully, these are simple yet essential items that each bring their own magic to the bowl. From the nutty olive oil to the vibrant carrots and celery, every component plays an important role in building layers of flavor and beautiful color.
- 1 cup ditalini pasta: These tiny tubes soak up the creamy broth perfectly without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sweeten the sautéed vegetables.
- 1 onion, chopped: Provides a savory sweetness that forms the backbone of the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts a warm, aromatic undertone that elevates every bite.
- 2 carrots, diced: Bring a slight natural sweetness and beautiful pops of orange color.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Offer a crisp, fresh flavor and subtle crunch when cooked just right.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base that carries all the ingredients forward.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Delivers the silky, creamy texture that makes this dish special.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy herbal note that complements the creaminess.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a burst of color and freshness on top before serving.
How to Make Creamy Ditalini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once warmed, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these until the vegetables become tender and the onions turn translucent, releasing a mouthwatering aroma that will fill your kitchen and whet your appetite.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Bring to a Boil
Pour in the vegetable broth, stirring to deglaze the pot and combine all the sautéed flavors. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This step is key to infusing the liquid with the wholesome taste of the veggies before adding the pasta.
Step 3: Cook the Ditalini Pasta
Once boiling, stir in the ditalini pasta. Let it cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, so that the pasta becomes perfectly tender yet retains just a slight bite. Keep an eye on it and give the soup an occasional stir to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Herbs
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and pour in the heavy cream along with the dried thyme. This step transforms the soup into its creamy, luscious state while the thyme adds a subtle earthy depth that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Season and Finish
Finally, season the soup with salt and freshly ground pepper to your taste. Give it a good stir to marry all the flavors. Your soup is now ready to be ladled into bowls and enjoyed warm!
How to Serve Creamy Ditalini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch to this Creamy Ditalini Soup Recipe, providing a burst of vibrant green color and a hint of grassy brightness that cuts through the richness. You can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for extra flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crunchy crusty bread or buttery garlic toast that you can dunk into the creamy broth. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a balanced meal, adding freshness to complement the soup’s comforting richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for an impressive and edible presentation. You can also top the soup with toasted pine nuts or crispy pancetta for extra texture and an exciting flavor twist. Individual bowls garnished with microgreens add a delicate and elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Creamy Ditalini Soup Recipe in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its creamy texture and prevent any flavors from mingling with other foods.
Freezing
While this soup freezes well, the creaminess may separate slightly upon thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, and when ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or cream to bring back the silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this soup?
Absolutely! While ditalini is traditional and ideal due to its size and texture, small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or small shells will work nicely if you don’t have ditalini on hand.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Creamy Ditalini Soup Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream for a dairy-free, but equally rich and creamy, alternative that still delivers amazing flavor.
How can I make this soup more hearty?
To turn this into a more filling meal, add cooked beans such as cannellini or chickpeas, or toss in some cooked shredded chicken or sausage for extra protein and heartiness.
What herbs complement the dried thyme in this recipe?
Fresh rosemary, sage, or a bay leaf added during the simmering stage can beautifully complement the thyme and add complexity to the soup’s flavor.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for meal prep?
Definitely! This Creamy Ditalini Soup Recipe is meal-prep friendly and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Just be sure to store it properly and reheat gently as noted above.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope this Creamy Ditalini Soup Recipe becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen. It’s a simple yet spectacular way to enjoy a nourishing bowl of comfort, packed with wholesome vegetables and creamy goodness. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or sharing with friends, this soup is a little hug in a bowl you’ll want to come back to again and again. Give it a try and savor every delightful spoonful!
Print
Creamy Ditalini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Ditalini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender ditalini pasta simmered in a flavorful vegetable broth with sautéed onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Enriched with heavy cream and aromatic thyme, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 cup ditalini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, add the olive oil and allow it to warm up to create a perfect base for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook them while stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add vegetable broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring all flavors begin to meld together.
- Cook ditalini pasta: Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Add cream and thyme: Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme, allowing the soup to become creamy and aromatic without boiling.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finishing touch.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade vegetable broth if available.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter soup, though it may be less creamy.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to avoid a mushy texture.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
