Creamy White Bean Mushroom Soup with Shell Pasta

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When the chill hits and comfort is calling, this Creamy White Bean Mushroom Soup with Shell Pasta is the answer. It wraps you up in warmth with every spoonful—velvety, rich, and loaded with cozy textures. Think tender mushrooms, perfectly cooked shell pasta, and creamy white beans in a luxurious broth that makes you want seconds (and thirds).

What makes this soup special is how it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and elegant. It’s a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner but fancy enough to serve on a holiday table. The magic is in the layers: the earthy depth of mushrooms, the creaminess of the beans, and the tiny pasta shells that hold all that goodness in one bite.

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What Kind of Mushrooms Should I Use?

Cremini mushrooms are ideal for this recipe—they bring a meaty flavor and hold their shape beautifully in soup. But don’t hesitate to use white button mushrooms or even shiitakes if you want an earthy twist. The key is to sauté them until golden to bring out their richness.

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Ingredients for the Creamy White Bean Mushroom Soup with Shell Pasta

Cremini Mushrooms – Earthy, rich, and perfect for that umami flavor base.

White Beans – Their creaminess adds body to the soup without making it too heavy.

Small Shell Pasta – These little shells catch the broth and bits of mushroom perfectly in every bite.

Garlic & Onion – A must for building flavor from the start.

Vegetable Broth – Keeps the soup vegetarian while giving it depth.

Heavy Cream – Adds luxurious silkiness to the broth.

Thyme & Bay Leaf – For herbaceous notes that pair beautifully with mushrooms.

Olive Oil & Butter – A combination that sautés aromatics beautifully.

Salt & Pepper – Essential for bringing everything together.

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How To Make the Creamy White Bean Mushroom Soup with Shell Pasta

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

Add sliced cremini mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Cook them down until they’re golden brown and have released their moisture—this step is crucial for flavor.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Broth

Toss in thyme and a bay leaf. Pour in the vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

Step 4: Simmer with Beans and Pasta

Add the white beans and shell pasta. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cream

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer another 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

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How to Serve and Store This Soup

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley, along with crunchy croutons for texture. This dish is satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad.

Leftovers? Even better. Store any extra soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based cream alternative. Just make sure it won’t curdle when heated.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Ditalini, elbows, or even orzo all work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

You can freeze it, but for best texture, cook the pasta separately and add it fresh when reheating. Beans and mushrooms freeze well, but pasta can turn mushy.

What protein can I add?

Rotisserie chicken or cooked Italian sausage are great add-ins if you want more protein without compromising the flavor.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Sauté the aromatics and mushrooms first, then transfer everything (except the cream and pasta) to your slow cooker. Add pasta in the final 20 minutes and stir in cream before serving.

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Want More Cozy Soup Ideas?

If this Creamy White Bean Mushroom Soup with Shell Pasta warmed your soul, you might want to try these other cozy comfort recipes:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli for a cheesy one-pot meal.
• Creamy Shrimp Chowder when you’re craving something creamy and seafood-inspired.
• Zesty Tuscan Artichoke Soup for a bright and herbaceous twist.
• Crockpot Thai Coconut Chicken Soup for warming spices and tropical flavor.
• Mediterranean White Beans and Greens to keep things hearty and healthy.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so it’s ready for the next cold night.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you use a mix of mushrooms? Maybe added a splash of wine or a spicy kick?

I love hearing your twists and seeing your photos! Questions? Drop them below — we’re in this cozy cooking thing together.

You can also follow along for daily inspiration on my Pinterest: Life with Nina.

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