Description
Creamy Mushroom Pastina Soup is a comforting and nourishing dish that combines tender star-shaped pastina pasta with earthy mixed mushrooms and rich plant-based cream. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you desire a warm, soothing meal with a delicate balance of flavors. Featuring fresh herbs and vegetable broth, it offers a versatile base adaptable to various mushroom varieties and additional herbs or garnishes.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup pastina pasta (tiny star-shaped pasta)
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms (cremini, button, shiitake), sliced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup plant-based cream
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves or 3 thyme sprigs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasoning
- Salt (natural), to taste
- Black pepper (natural), to taste
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Smoked turkey bacon, crispy crumbles
- Toasted walnuts or pine nuts
- Pinch of smoked paprika or mild chili flakes
- Fresh rosemary or baby spinach
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics and Mushrooms: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and garlic, cooking gently until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and turn golden brown, developing a rich base flavor.
- Add the Broth and Herbs: Pour in the vegetable broth and add fresh thyme sprigs. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in Pastina and Plant-Based Cream: Add the pastina pasta directly into the simmering broth. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Once cooked, pour in the plant-based cream and stir well to achieve the creamy, smooth texture signature to this soup.
- Season and Serve Hot: Season the soup with natural salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the thyme sprigs and ladle the soup into bowls. Serve immediately, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh mushrooms for best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook pastina to avoid mushiness.
- Simmer broth slowly to deepen mushroom flavor.
- Season gradually with salt to balance flavors.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley just before serving for brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: creamy mushroom soup, pastina soup, plant-based cream soup, easy mushroom soup, comfort food, gluten free soup
