Christmas Soup with Pasta, Tomatoes, and Cheese Recipe

There is something truly magical about the holidays, and this Christmas Soup with Pasta, Tomatoes, and Cheese Recipe captures that spirit in a warm, comforting bowl. Imagine tender pasta shapes swimming in a rich, cheesy broth infused with the brightness of tomatoes and a hint of fresh basil. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor each spoonful, and share it with loved ones. Whether you make it in a slow cooker or on the stove, this soup feels like a festive hug, perfect for chilly evenings when you want something hearty, vibrant, and totally satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Soup with Pasta, Tomatoes, and Cheese Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple but each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy Velveeta to the colorful holiday pasta, every element works together to make this soup truly special.

• Canned diced tomatoes with juice (28 ounces): Provide a fresh, slightly tangy base with natural sweetness and vibrant red color.
• Canned Rotel mild tomatoes and green chilies (10 ounces): Add a subtle kick with gentle spice and extra tomatoey goodness.
• Velveeta cheese, cubed (1 pound): Melts beautifully to create a silky, rich soup that feels indulgent.
• Chicken stock (4 cups): The savory liquid base that enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Adds smoothness and a lovely creaminess to balance the tart tomatoes.
• Christmas or holiday-themed pasta (12-16 ounces): Red, white, and green pasta shapes bring festive cheer and a fun texture.
• Fresh basil (1 tablespoon): A bright, herbal garnish that elevates each bowl with fresh aroma.
• Meat options: Choose from sliced sausages, small chicken breasts, crumbled sausage, or rotisserie chicken to add warmth and protein.

How to Make Christmas Soup with Pasta, Tomatoes, and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Start with the Tomatoes

Begin by adding the diced tomatoes and the Rotel (tomatoes with green chilies) along with their juices directly into your slow cooker. This combination delivers the perfect balance of sweet and mild heat right from the start, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Add Stock and Melty Cheese

Next, pour in the chicken stock and add your Velveeta cubes. Cooking this mixture on high for one hour melts the cheese slowly, blending it seamlessly with the stock and tomatoes for a delectably creamy base. If you’re using the stove, just keep it on low heat for the same amount of time and stir occasionally.

Step 3: Bring in the Cream

After the first hour, turn your slow cooker to a lower setting and whisk in the heavy cream. This step is what transforms the soup into that rich, velvety texture that feels so comforting. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Add Your Choice of Meat

Now it’s time for the protein. Whether you prefer sliced sausages, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crumbled sausage, defrosted meat goes in here. Browning sausage beforehand can add an extra layer of savory flavor, but it’s optional. The meat will cook gently in the soup and become tender while absorbing all those festive flavors.

Step 5: Pasta Goes In

Add your holiday pasta and let it cook for about 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it because pasta can become mushy if left too long. The pasta adds playful color and a welcoming bite that balances the creamy broth beautifully.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

As the pasta cooks, it will thicken the soup. If you find it getting too thick, simply stir in a bit more chicken stock or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.

Step 7: Ready to Serve

Once the pasta is perfectly tender, ladle the soup into bowls or handled mugs, and get ready to enjoy the warmth and holiday cheer packed in every spoonful.

Step 8: Stovetop Option

If you prefer cooking on the stove, use a large Dutch oven on medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and melting the cheese gently. After the first hour, add cream and meat, shred chicken in the pot once tender, then finish cooking the pasta for 45 minutes. This method works just as well and offers a hands-on approach to cooking your festive soup.

Step 9: Leftovers

Save any leftovers by storing them in a large saucepan. When ready to eat again, simply warm slowly on the stove or microwave until heated through. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it perfect for enjoying the next day or two.

How to Serve Christmas Soup with Pasta, Tomatoes, and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh ribbons of basil really brighten up this soup and add a touch of garden-fresh aroma to each bowl. For a satisfying crunch, top with crispy crackers, crunchy croutons, tortilla chips, or warm slices of bread. These little extras elevate the experience and add contrasting textures to the creamy soup.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own, but serving with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables makes for a well-rounded holiday feast. If you want to keep things cozy, buttery garlic bread or a warm cornbread muffin complements the flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in festive mugs or small bowls for an inviting touch at holiday parties. You can also ladle it into mini bread bowls for a rustic, impressive presentation that guests will love digging into. Decorate tables with seasonal colors to match the soup’s red, white, and green pasta for an extra festive vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Christmas Soup with Pasta, Tomatoes, and Cheese Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. Before reheating, give it a stir and depending on thickness, you might want to add a splash of broth or water.

Freezing

This soup freezes well but keep in mind that the pasta can soften and become mushy after thawing. If you plan to freeze, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it freshly cooked when reheating. Freeze the soup base in individual portions for convenience.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in bowls, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. Adding a little extra broth or cream during reheating can refresh the texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply skip the meat or replace it with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. The Velveeta and cheese base keeps it rich and delicious even without meat.

What pasta shapes work best?

Holiday-themed pasta like red, white, and green colors bring festive fun, but any small shapes like bowties, shells, or elbows will work well. Just avoid pasta that takes too long to cook or large shapes that won’t fit nicely on a spoon.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

You can, but canned tomatoes give a consistent flavor and texture perfect for this recipe. If using fresh, you’ll want about 4 cups of diced, ripe tomatoes cooked down to achieve the same richness.

Is there a way to make this soup less creamy?

Yes! Simply reduce or omit the heavy cream, or swap it for a lighter milk or unsweetened plant-based milk. Keep in mind the soup will be less rich but still flavorful thanks to the tomatoes and cheese.

How spicy is the soup?

This recipe uses mild Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, so it’s just a gentle hint of spice, perfect for all palates. You can always adjust heat by choosing hotter Rotel or adding a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like more kick.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Soup with Pasta, Tomatoes, and Cheese Recipe is a true celebration of comfort and flavor. It brings together simple ingredients with joyful presentation to make every spoonful feel special. Whether you’re gathering with family or want a festive treat for yourself, this soup is sure to become a beloved holiday tradition. Give it a try and let this warm, cheesy, colorful soup brighten up your festive season!

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