Creamy Bow-Tie Pasta Soup

Creamy Bow-Tie Pasta Soup

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium carrot, diced
– 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef/chicken)
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups bow-tie (farfalle) pasta
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat
– Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. **Sauté the Aromatics:**
– Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
– Add diced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent.
– Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

2. **Cook the Meat:**
– Add the ground sausage (or your choice of ground meat) to the pot.
– Cook until browned, breaking up the meat into small pieces as it cooks.
– Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. **Add the Vegetables and Broth:**
– Add the diced carrot to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes.
– Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with juice).
– Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

4. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then add the bow-tie pasta.
– Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the pasta is cooked al dente (about 10-12 minutes).

5. **Make it Creamy:**
– Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream.
– Allow the soup to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.

6. **Serve:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
– Serve hot, with crusty bread on the side if desired.

This comforting soup combines the flavors of a creamy pasta dish with the warmth of a hearty soup, making it a perfect meal for cooler days. Enjoy!