Creamy Garlic Soup with Pasta, Ham and Parmesan

Name: Creamy Garlic Soup with Pasta, Ham and Parmesan
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 fresh thyme sprigs or 4 sage leaves; 1 bay leaf; 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth; 3 heads of garlic (8 ounces) separated into unpeeled cloves; 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon sugar; Large pinch of saffron threads (optional); Salt and freshly ground pepper; 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 4 ounces small pasta shapes; 1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream or creme fraiche (optional); 2 ounces lean country ham, cut into thin slivers (1/3 cup); 1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, cut into thin slivers

Servings: persons

8 fresh thyme sprigs or 4 sage leaves
1 bay leaf
4 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth
3 heads of garlic (8 ounces) separated into unpeeled cloves
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon sugar
Large pinch of saffron threads (optional)
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 ounces small pasta shapes
1 1/2 tablespoons heavy cream or creme fraiche (optional)
2 ounces lean country ham, cut into thin slivers (1/3 cup)
1 ounce Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, cut into thin slivers

1
Tie the thyme sprigs and bay leaf together with a piece of string.
2
In a heavy saucepan, combine the herbs with the stock, garlic, olive oil, sugar and saffron.
3
Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil over moderate heat.
4
Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the garlic is soft, about 35 minutes.
5
Discard the herbs.
6
Transfer the garlic to a plate and let cool.
7
Peel the garlic and add the cloves to a blender with 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
8
Blend until smooth.
9
Return the puree to the saucepan and season with salt and pepper.
10
Add the lemon juice as necessary to sharpen the flavor.
11
In a medium saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente; drain well.
12
Bring the soup to a simmer and stir in the cream.
13
Add the ham and pasta and ladle into bowls.
14
Garnish with the cheese and serve at once.

1699

kcal

Calories

Fat

270

Carbs

131

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 fresh thyme sprigs or 4 sage leaves, 1 bay leaf, 4 cups chicken stock or canned low-sodium chicken broth, 3 heads of garlic (8 ounces) separated into unpeeled cloves, and more.

Yes, Creamy Garlic Soup with Pasta, Ham and Parmesan falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!