Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate culinary companion dedicated to bringing delicious, affordable, and wholesome dishes into your home kitchen. Today, we delve into the comforting world of a classic restaurant-style tomato and macaroni soup—a dish that embodies simplicity, flavor, and heartwarming satisfaction. This soup, often found in many eateries, has evolved from humble beginnings into a beloved comfort food that appeals to all ages. Its rich tomato base, tender macaroni, and aromatic seasonings create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that make it a perfect choice for a quick lunch, cozy dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility and affordability. Crafted with pantry staples like canned tomatoes, dried herbs, and basic pasta, it offers a nourishing experience without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or someone who appreciates hearty, homemade food, this soup is designed to be accessible, customizable, and above all, delicious. As you explore this recipe, you’ll discover tips and tricks to elevate its flavor, make it healthier, and adapt it to your personal preferences. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s create a bowl of soul-soothing tomato and macaroni soup that you’ll want to revisit time and again.

Time

The total time required for preparing this soup from start to finish is approximately 40 to 50 minutes. This includes prep time, cooking, and simmering to develop a rich flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown:

• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking and Simmering: 25-30 minutes

Keep in mind that actual times may vary depending on your familiarity with kitchen tasks and the specific equipment used. For instance, chopping vegetables might take longer if you’re a beginner, while experienced cooks may streamline this process. The simmering stage is crucial for flavor development, so patience during this phase ensures a deeper, more layered taste.

Needed Equipment

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large Soup Pot or Stockpot: A sturdy, heavy-bottomed pot to evenly distribute heat and prevent scorching.
• Cutting Board: A clean, stable surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
• Chef’s Knife: Sharp and comfortable for precise chopping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of liquids, pasta, and seasonings.
• Can Opener: To open canned tomatoes and broth.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Colander or Strainer: To drain cooked pasta and rinse if necessary.
• Stove or Cooktop: A reliable heat source suitable for medium to high heat cooking.
• Ladle: For serving the soup in individual bowls.
• Optional: Immersion Blender or Regular Blender: For blending part of the soup for a creamier texture, if desired.

Additional Tools for Enhancing Preparation

• Kitchen Timer: To keep track of cooking durations precisely.
• Food Processor (optional): For finely chopping vegetables or making purees.
• Grater: For Parmesan cheese or other garnishes.

Tags

Comfort Food, Budget-Friendly, Quick Dinner, Vegetarian (if using vegetable broth), Vegan (if using plant-based broth and cheese substitutes), Stove-Top, Family-Friendly, Easy, Affordable, Homemade, Soups & Stews, Hearty, Classic

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 generous servings, making it perfect for family meals or meal prepping for the week. Each serving provides a satisfying portion that balances carbohydrates, vegetables, and flavorful broth. Adjust the quantities proportionally if you’re cooking for more or fewer people, ensuring the flavor-to-ingredient ratio remains optimal.

Difficulty Level

Easy to Moderate: This recipe is straightforward and suitable for beginner cooks, yet it offers opportunities for more advanced culinary techniques such as making homemade broth or blending for a creamier texture. The steps involve basic chopping, sautéing, simmering, and seasoning, making it accessible while still providing room for customization and flavor enhancement.

Allergen Information

Dietary Preference

This recipe can be adapted to various dietary preferences:

• Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and omit cheese or replace with plant-based alternatives.
• Vegan: Use vegetable broth, omit Parmesan, and incorporate vegan cheese or nutritional yeast as garnish.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta options.

Course

Main Course / Appetizer / Comfort Food

Cuisine

American / International Comfort Food

Ingredients

Ingredients in Table Format

Instructions

Step-by-step Preparation Guide

1. Preparing the Base

Start by heating a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Once the pot reaches optimal temperature, add the olive oil. Allow the oil to warm up for about 30 seconds to a minute, ensuring it coats the bottom evenly. The oil’s shimmering appearance indicates it’s hot enough for sautéing. Add the finely chopped onion to the pot. Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, stir the onions to coat them in the oil. Sauté the onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 4-5 minutes. This step is crucial as it develops the foundational sweetness and depth of flavor for the soup.

Next, add the minced garlic to the onions. Stir continuously and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter and affect the overall taste of the soup. The aroma of garlic should be noticeable, signaling readiness for the next stage.

2. Building the Tomato Base

Pour the canned crushed tomatoes into the pot, stirring well to combine with the sautéed onions and garlic. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, blanch and peel them before crushing or chopping into smaller pieces. Stir the mixture thoroughly, allowing the flavors of the tomatoes to meld with the aromatic base. Add the dried basil and oregano, stirring to evenly distribute the herbs throughout the tomato mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but hold off on full seasoning until the soup has simmered for a bit; this allows the flavors to develop fully.

Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially with a lid. Let the tomato mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This simmering phase allows the flavors to deepen and the acidity of the tomatoes to mellow, resulting in a richer, more balanced broth.

3. Cooking the Pasta

While the tomato base simmers, bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously—about 1-2 teaspoons of salt per quart of water—to season the pasta from the inside out. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook until al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes, but always check the package instructions for accuracy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

If you prefer a creamier or thicker soup, you might opt to rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch, or you can add the cooked pasta directly into the soup later, as specified in the next step.

4. Combining and Simmering

Once the tomato base has simmered and developed a rich flavor, carefully add the cooked macaroni to the pot. Stir well to distribute the pasta evenly throughout the broth. Continue to simmer the combined mixture for another 10-12 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the savory notes of the tomato broth.

During this final simmer, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add additional salt, pepper, or herbs based on your preference. If the soup appears too thick, you can thin it with a splash of additional broth or water. Conversely, if you desire a thicker consistency, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.

5. Serving and Garnishing

Once the soup reaches your preferred consistency and flavor balance, turn off the heat. Ladle the hot soup into individual bowls using a ladle. For an authentic restaurant-style presentation, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each serving. You may also add a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic finish. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Optional Variations

• For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the pasta, then reheat gently.
• Incorporate cooked chicken, beans, or vegetables for added protein and nutrients.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a vibrant flavor boost.
• Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Preparation Tips

• Select Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality canned tomatoes and broth for the best flavor. San Marzano or similar premium brands are ideal.
• Enhance Flavor with Aromatics: Consider adding a bay leaf during simmering or a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste the soup at different stages and adjust salt and herbs accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.
• Cook Pasta Separately: To prevent over-softening or sticking, cook pasta separately and add at the end, especially if leftovers are stored.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• Make It Vegan: Substitute vegetable broth and vegan cheese, and omit Parmesan.
• Boost Protein: Add cooked lentils, beans, or shredded cooked chicken for added nutritional value.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh basil or parsley at the end for bright, fresh flavor.
• Control Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and rinse canned tomatoes to reduce salt content.
• For a Creamy Version: Blend part of the soup or add a splash of coconut milk for richness.

Add-ons

• Crumbled bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist
• Chopped green chilies or jalapeños for heat
• Shredded cheese or vegan cheese for added creaminess
• Cooked ground beef or sausage for a meaty version

Side Dishes

• Crusty French bread or garlic bread
• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
• Grilled cheese sandwich for a classic pairing

Improvements

• Use homemade vegetable or chicken broth for richer flavor
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance acidity
• Incorporate roasted tomatoes for a deeper, smoky flavor
• Experiment with different pasta shapes like shells or rotini for visual variety

Save and Store

This soup keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if necessary to restore the desired consistency. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving. To prevent pasta from becoming mushy upon reheating, consider storing the cooked pasta separately and adding it to the heated soup just before serving.

FAQ

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely. Use vegetable broth, omit cheese or choose vegan cheese, and add extra vegetables or plant-based proteins. The recipe is highly adaptable to dietary needs.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you will need to peel and chop fresh tomatoes, then cook them longer to develop the flavor. Canned crushed tomatoes offer convenience and consistent flavor.

How do I make this soup thicker or creamier?

You can blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender before adding pasta. Adding a dollop of coconut milk or a splash of cream also enhances creaminess.

What pasta shape is best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but pasta shells, rotini, or penne work well. Choose shapes that hold onto the sauce and add visual interest.

Can I add protein to this soup?

Yes, cooked chicken, beans, lentils, or ground meat can be incorporated for added protein and nutritional value. Add cooked proteins during the final simmer.

Conclusion

Love With Recipes celebrates the art of creating hearty, budget-friendly dishes that bring comfort to your table. This restaurant-style tomato and macaroni soup exemplifies that ethos—simple, flavorful, and customizable. Whether you’re short on time, ingredients, or funds, this recipe offers a satisfying solution that warms the soul and fills the belly. By mastering this foundational dish, you unlock a versatile template for countless variations, ensuring that your culinary repertoire remains rich and adaptable. Remember, the secret to a memorable soup lies in the quality of ingredients, patience during simmering, and your personal touch. Happy cooking!

References

• “The Joy of Cooking,” Irma S. Rombauer, Marion Rombauer Becker
• “How to Cook Everything,” Mark Bittman