There are moments in your day when you crave something simple, soothing, and deeply comforting—something that carries warmth from the inside out. That’s exactly the kind of feeling this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Soup brings to your kitchen. Once you take that first spoonful, you’re met with a velvety richness, a heartwarming aroma, and a blend of Italian-inspired flavors that make you feel grounded and nourished.
When life gets overwhelming, you tend to reach for foods that wrap you in a sense of calm. This recipe is one of those dishes. It’s slow-cooked, easy, and forgiving—perfect for busy evenings, chilly afternoons, or days when you just want to feel taken care of. As you make your way through this article, you’ll learn everything you need to create the perfect pot of Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Soup, with practical tips, expert-level steps, variations, and answers to your most common soup questions.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Soup:
There’s a reason this recipe becomes a favorite for anyone who makes it. You’re getting layers of flavor with minimal effort, and every ingredient works together to deliver a rich, restaurant-quality soup. Here’s what makes this dish stand out:
- It’s creamy and luxurious.
The combination of heavy cream, milk, and melted provolone gives you a velvety finish without feeling too heavy. - It’s loaded with savory ingredients.
Mushrooms add earthiness, sun-dried tomatoes bring brightness and tang, and garlic ties everything together. - It’s slow cooker friendly.
You can add most ingredients, walk away, and return to a deeply flavorful base. - It tastes even better the next day.
Leftovers develop even richer flavor, making this a great meal-prep option. - It’s flexible.
You can customize it with different vegetables, different noodles, or different levels of creaminess.
This soup gives you comfort, convenience, and satisfying flavor all in one bowl.
Ingredients You Need for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Soup:
To make this recipe seamless for you, here is a clear, organized ingredients table you can refer to at any time:
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Salted butter | 4 tbsp | Creates a rich roux base |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup | Thickens the soup |
| Yellow onion | 1 medium, chopped | Aromatic base |
| Garlic cloves | 4, minced | Boosts flavor |
| Italian seasoning | 2 tbsp | Adds herbed aroma |
| Red chili flakes | Pinch | Optional heat |
| Chopped celery | 1 cup | Adds texture |
| Mushrooms | 8 oz, sliced | Adds umami richness |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 8 oz, chopped | Brings tang and depth |
| Vegetable or chicken broth | 6 cups | Liquid base |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste | Seasons the soup |
| Taccole pasta or lasagna pieces | 1 lb | Thick, hearty noodles |
| Baby spinach | 4 cups | Adds color and nutrients |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Creates creaminess |
| Milk | 1 cup | Balances richness |
| Provolone cheese | 1 cup, shredded | Melts beautifully |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup, grated | Adds savory sharpness |
These ingredients create the perfect balance of creamy, savory, earthy, and slightly tangy flavors that make this soup unforgettable.
How to Make Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Soup:
Now let’s walk through the process step-by-step so you can make this recipe easily and confidently.
Step 1 — Build the Flavorful Soup Base
Your slow cooker will do most of the work, but building a good base ensures your soup turns out rich and deeply flavorful.
- Turn your slow cooker to High.
- Add the salted butter to melt.
- Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Let this cook for about 5 minutes until it turns slightly golden.
This step creates a roux—a golden, thick paste that sets the foundation for a silky soup.
Step 2 — Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Once your base is ready, start building the heart of your flavor profile:
- Stir in the chopped onions and minced garlic.
- Add the Italian seasoning and a pinch of chili flakes.
- Mix in the chopped celery, sliced mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Pour the broth over everything.
- Season generously with salt and fresh black pepper.
Your slow cooker is now filled with aromatic ingredients that will soften, release their moisture, and create a beautiful base filled with depth.
Step 3 — Slow Cook to Develop the Flavors
Cover the slow cooker and cook on:
- Low for 4–6 hours, or
- High for 1–2 hours
During this time, the vegetables soften, the seasonings bloom, and the base begins to thicken into the creamy texture you’re aiming for.
Step 4 — Add Pasta, Greens, and Creamy Elements
About 20 minutes before serving, it’s time to bring everything together:
- Turn the slow cooker to High.
- Add the pasta directly into the soup.
- Add the chopped baby spinach.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk.
- Stir gently and cook until the pasta is tender.
If you want firmer noodles, boil them separately and stir them in right at the end.
Step 5 — Finish with Melted Cheese
Once the pasta is tender:
- Add the shredded provolone.
- Add the grated Parmesan.
- Stir until everything melts into a velvety smooth consistency.
If your soup becomes too thick, add more broth or a bit of water until you reach your preferred thickness.
Step 6 — Serve Warm and Enjoy
When the soup is creamy, hot, and fragrant:
- Ladle it into bowls.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or thyme.
- Add extra Parmesan if you love a cheesy finish.
- Pair with crusty bread for a restaurant-style meal.
This final touch elevates the entire experience, making every spoonful irresistible.

Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Soup:
If you want this soup to taste even better, these expert tips will take it to the next level:
Brown Your Mushrooms First
Sautéing the mushrooms and onions before adding them to the slow cooker intensifies their flavor.
Use High-Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes
The better the tomatoes, the richer and brighter the flavor.
Control Your Thickness
Add more broth for a thinner soup or melt in extra cheese for a thicker, richer finish.
Stir Gently When Adding Dairy
This prevents curdling and keeps your soup silky.
Taste As You Go
Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan are naturally salty, so season gradually.
Variations to Customize Your Soup:
There are countless ways you can make this dish your own. Here are a few delicious ideas:
High-Protein Version
- Add rotisserie chicken
- Stir in cooked Italian chicken sausage
- Add beans (white beans work great)
Vegan Version
- Use vegan butter
- Swap cream for coconut milk
- Replace cheese with dairy-free versions
- Use vegetable broth only
- Choose a vegan pasta shape
Spicy Version
- Add extra chili flakes
- Stir in Calabrian chili paste
- Add hot smoked paprika
Low-Carb Version
- Replace noodles with zucchini ribbons
- Use less flour
- Increase spinach or add kale
These variations help you adapt the soup to your preferences, dietary needs, or just to try new flavors.
What to Serve with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Soup:
This soup already offers everything you’d want in a cozy meal, but pairing it with something extra makes it even more satisfying.
Perfect Complements
- Homemade garlic bread
- Toasted baguette slices
- Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Rosemary roasted potatoes
- Parmesan crisps
Delicious Soup Toppings
- Fresh basil or thyme
- Chili oil drizzle
- More Parmesan
- Crunchy croutons
Each addition enhances the flavor and texture of your meal.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Tips:
To help you get the most out of your leftovers:
Storing
- Store in airtight containers.
- Refrigerate for 3–4 days.
- Add extra broth when reheating since pasta absorbs liquid.
Freezing
- Freeze without pasta and dairy for best results.
- Add cream and pasta when reheating for the perfect texture.
Reheating
- Reheat on low heat on the stovetop.
- Stir occasionally and add extra milk or broth if needed.
These tips keep your soup tasting fresh and delicious even days later.
FAQ’s:
Here are the most common questions you might have about making Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Soup.
Can I make this soup without cream?
Yes! You can use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or coconut milk for a lighter version.
What’s the best pasta for creamy slow cooker soups?
Thicker noodles like taccole or broken lasagna sheets hold up well and don’t become mushy quickly.
Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted tomatoes or tomato paste work, but the flavor will be less bright.
How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Add it during the last 20 minutes or cook it separately.
What mushrooms work best in this soup?
Cremini, baby bella, or sliced portobello all add the best earthy flavor.
Conclusion:
When you make this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Soup, you’re not just preparing a meal—you’re creating an experience. Every ingredient blends into a bowl of comfort that fills your home with warmth and fills your day with nourishment. This soup is slow-cooked, creamy, hearty, and layered with Italian-inspired flavors that feel both familiar and exciting.
As you finish your bowl, you’ll realize why this recipe becomes a staple. It’s satisfying, easy to adapt, and ideal for both weeknights and special gatherings.
More Recipe Suggestions:
Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup
Slow Cooker Beef Roast with Mushrooms and Onion Gravy
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Chicken and Mozzarella
Chicken in a Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Pasta Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- A pinch of red chili flakes adjust to taste
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms sliced
- 8 ounces sun-dried tomatoes oil drained and chopped
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound Campanelle, Taccole pasta or 8 lasagna noodles ,broken into small pieces
- 4 cups chopped baby spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the base:
- Turn your slow cooker to high. Melt the butter directly in the crockpot. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 5 minutes until lightly golden and smooth.
Add aromatics and vegetables:
- Stir in the onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes. Add celery, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the broth and season generously with salt and pepper.
Slow cook the soup:
- Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 1–2 hours, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
Add pasta and greens:
- About 20 minutes before serving, turn the slow cooker to high. Add the pasta, spinach, cream, and milk. Stir gently and let cook on high until the pasta is tender and the soup is creamy (about 20 minutes).
Tip: If you prefer firmer noodles, boil them separately and stir them in right before serving.
Finish with cheese:
- Stir in the provolone and Parmesan until melted and the soup has a rich, velvety texture. If it thickens too much, add more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency.
Serve and enjoy:
- Ladle the creamy soup into bowls and garnish with fresh thyme, basil, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve warm with crusty bread on the side.
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