Creamy Garlic Parmesan Soup
Ingredients (serves 4-6)
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh herbs for garnish
Optional: crusty bread or croutons for serving
Instructions
Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add broth: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors develop.
Blend (optional): For a silky smooth texture, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the soup.
Add cream & cheese: Stir in the cream and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with thyme or fresh herbs, and serve with crusty bread or croutons.
Chef’s tip: Roasting the garlic beforehand makes the soup taste extra rich and restaurant-worthy. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or cooked chicken for a heartier version.
If you want, I can also give you a 5-minute shortcut version that tastes just as gourmet but uses fewer steps and ingredients. Do you want me to do that?