This Vegan Creamy Pasta Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With hearty pasta, fresh veggies, and a creamy plant-based sauce, it’s comfort food that makes you feel good inside.
What’s great is how easy it is to whip up. I often make it when I want to relax; just toss everything in one pot, and let it work its magic! Perfect for chilly days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing veggies. If you want a different flavor, try avocado oil or even coconut oil for hints of sweetness.
Onion and Garlic: These add a tasty base to the soup. If you’re short on time, shallots can be used in place of onion. Garlic powder is a good quick substitute if you don’t have fresh garlic.
Vegetable Broth: I love using homemade broth for richer flavor. Use low-sodium if you prefer! Feel free to substitute with water if in a pinch, though broth gives it a nice depth.
Plant-Based Milk: I stick with coconut milk for creaminess, but almond or cashew milk works too. Just aim for unsweetened kinds to keep the flavor balanced.
Pasta: Bowtie pasta adds a fun shape! You can switch it for any pasta you have on hand—just keep an eye on cooking times.
Pesto: Store-bought works well! If you want, you could also make your own quickly with basil and nuts. Substitute with tahini for a nut-free option that adds creaminess!
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Creamy and Not Watery?
The key to a rich, creamy soup is to mix in the coconut milk at the right time. You want to add it after cooking the vegetables so it warms up without boiling. Here’s how:
- Cook your veggies until soft before adding any liquids.
- When pasta is almost done, turn heat down and gently stir in coconut milk—don’t let it boil.
- Keep stirring just until heated through to maintain that creamy texture.
And remember, adding fresh herbs at the end elevates the flavor without making it watery!
How to Make Cozy Vegan Creamy Pasta Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk or any plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 cups bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tbsp vegan pesto (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, bringing you to a total of about 45 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base Flavors:
In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add in the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until it smells delicious! You just love that smell!
2. Add Vegetables:
Next, stir in the sliced carrots and mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes. You want them to start softening and mixing their flavors together. It’s already looking like a hearty soup!
3. Mix in the Spices:
Now it’s time to add the tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together to coat the veggies nicely in those spices—this step makes a big flavor difference!
4. Bring to a Simmer:
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, or until the carrots are nice and tender. This is where the magic starts to happen!
5. Cook the Pasta:
Stir in the bowtie pasta now, cooking it according to the package directions (usually about 10 minutes) until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Watch out so it doesn’t get too soft!
6. Make it Creamy:
Reduce the heat, and gently stir in the coconut milk and chopped parsley. Heat it through without boiling to keep it all wonderfully creamy. It should be warming up, but not bubbling away!
7. Final Seasoning:
Now taste your soup and adjust with more salt and pepper as needed. You want that perfect balance of flavors.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your hearty soup hot, topped with a dollop of vegan pesto and an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley for that lovely color! Grab your favorite bowl and enjoy this cozy meal!
Enjoy your cozy bowl of creamy, comforting vegan pasta soup!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in any veggies you have on hand. Spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers are great additions. Just make sure to adjust cooking times for any harder vegetables to ensure everything is tender!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra vegetable broth or plant-based milk to restore creaminess.
Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply swap out the bowtie pasta for a gluten-free pasta alternative like brown rice pasta or a legume-based pasta. Just keep a close eye on the cooking times, as gluten-free pasta can vary.
What Can I Use Instead of Coconut Milk?
If coconut milk isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with any unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For a creamier texture, add a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast or a splash of cashew cream!