Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pasta
- 8 ounces rigatoni or lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Toppings
- 1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to build a flavorful base for the soup.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and garlic mixture to form a roux. Cook the roux, stirring constantly, until it turns a light golden color, which helps thicken the soup.
- Add Broth: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the mixture stays smooth and free of lumps. Continue stirring until the broth is fully incorporated and the soup base begins to thicken.
- Add Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the heavy cream along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the soup simmer gently for 5 minutes to develop the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Melt Cheeses: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
- Add Cooked Pasta: Stir in the cooked rigatoni or lasagna noodles, allowing them to warm through in the cheese sauce for a few minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into serving bowls. Top each portion with toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Cook pasta just until al dente before adding to soup to avoid overcooking.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though soup will be less rich.
- Breadcrumbs can be toasted in a dry pan with a little butter for added flavor.
- Reheating may require adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American