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A white bowl of creamy Pasta e Fagioli Soup topped with parmesan cheese and parsley, with a spoon and toasted bread on the side.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Soup

Indulge in this rich and comforting Creamy Garlic Parmesan Soup, a velvety blend of savory roasted garlic, fresh herbs, and generous amounts of Parmesan cheese. It’s a perfect starter or a light, satisfying meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion finely diced
  • 8-10 cloves garlic minced (or 1 head roasted garlic, mashed, for deeper flavor)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
  • Pinch nutmeg (optional, enhances creaminess)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Whisk
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef's Knife
  • Immersion Blender (optional)

Method
 

Prepare the Aromatics
  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Build the Soup
  1. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out and form a light roux. This will thicken the soup.
  2. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, a little at a time, to prevent lumps. Once all the broth is incorporated and smooth, stir in the whole milk and heavy cream.
  3. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the soup has thickened slightly to your desired consistency.
Finish and Serve
  1. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated. Do not boil the soup after adding the cheese, as it can cause the cheese to separate.
  2. Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  3. For a smoother soup (optional), carefully use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup directly in the pot, or transfer 1-2 cups to a regular blender (blend in batches, being careful with hot liquids, and vent the lid) and return to the pot.
  4. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Leftover Creamy Garlic Parmesan Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If it's too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. For an even deeper garlic flavor, consider roasting a head of garlic, mashing the cloves, and adding them with the sautéed minced garlic in step 1. Add cooked shredded chicken for a more substantial meal.