Easy Pasta Soup Recipe

Most Comforting Easy Pasta Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort waits around every corner with this easy pasta soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a delightful culinary adventure.

Noodles dance through rich broth, creating a symphony of flavors you’ll adore.

Weeknight meals need not be complicated or bland when such simple magic exists.

Quick preparation meets delicious results in this soul-warming dish.

Packed with nutrition and love, each spoonful tells a story of home-cooked goodness.

Let’s dive into a recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Soup Tips for Flavorful Broth and Perfect Noodles

  • Boost Veggie Flavor: Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and maximize taste absorption in the soup.
  • Customize Pasta Choice: Select short pasta shapes like rotini or shells that capture broth and hold ingredients well for better eating experience.
  • Enhance Protein Power: Replace beans with cooked chicken, tofu, or extra legumes to increase protein content and create variety in the recipe.
  • Dial Down Sodium: Use low-sodium broth and adjust salt gradually to control overall sodium levels without compromising taste.
  • Preserve Green Nutrition: Add leafy greens like spinach or kale at the very end to maintain their vibrant color, texture, and maximum nutritional value.

Why Pasta Soup Is Your Go-To Comfort Bowl

  • Packed with veggies, beans, and pasta, this soup pleases picky eaters and nutrition-conscious parents alike.
  • Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot, saving time and reducing kitchen mess.
  • Easily adaptable by swapping vegetables or adding different proteins, making it perfect for using pantry ingredients.

What You Need to Make Pasta Soup

Main Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion: Sweet base that adds depth to the soup's flavor profile.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a robust, sharp taste.
  • Carrot: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
  • Celery: Contributes a subtle, fresh background flavor and texture.
Liquid Base:
  • Broth: Provides the primary liquid and foundational flavor for the soup.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity, texture, and rich tomato essence to the soup.
Pasta and Protein:
  • Pasta, Beans: Hearty ingredients that make the soup filling and satisfying.
Seasonings and Finishing Touches:
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that gives an authentic Mediterranean taste.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that adds freshness at the end.
Optional Greens:
  • Spinach, Kale: Nutritious leafy greens that provide color and extra nutrients.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Parmesan Cheese: Optional toppings for added flavor and visual appeal.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a smooth, rich undertone.

How to Make Pasta Soup in No Time

Step 1: Awaken Vegetable Flavors

Drizzle olive oil into a spacious pot over medium warmth. Toss in chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery. Dance these veggies around the pot for about 5 minutes until they soften and release their fragrant essence.

Step 2: Build Robust Liquid Base

Introduce these ingredients into the pot:
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Hearty broth
  • Italian seasoning blend
  • Pinch of salt
  • Dash of black pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, allowing flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 3: Welcome Pasta and Beans

Drop pasta and beans into the bubbling liquid. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let everything cuddle together for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 4: Embrace Green Goodness

Sprinkle fresh spinach or kale into the soup. Let these leafy greens wilt and merge with the other ingredients for about a minute.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Remove pot from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice for a bright kick. Garnish with chopped parsley or sprinkle parmesan cheese. Ladle into warm bowls and enjoy your comforting creation!

Best Way to Store and Reheat Pasta Soup

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing pasta soups with noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
  • Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating and prevent hot spots.

Serve Pasta Soup with These Tasty Sides

  • Sprinkle crispy parmesan cheese crisps alongside the soup for a delightful textural contrast and extra cheesy flavor.
  • Select a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the soup's bright, fresh ingredients and enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for dipping, which absorbs the soup's rich broth and adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
  • Top the soup with additional fresh herbs like basil or oregano to intensify the Italian-inspired flavor profile and add a vibrant green garnish.

Pasta Soup Twists You Should Try

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all broth and seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Swap out chicken or beef broth for vegetable broth. Use plant-based protein like white beans or chickpeas. Skip cheese garnish and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use fewer beans and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added volume.
  • Protein-Packed Option: Add grilled chicken, lean ground turkey, or diced tofu to increase protein content. Choose high-protein legumes like lentils or edamame instead of traditional beans.

Easy Pasta Soup FAQs

  • Is this pasta soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with vegetables, beans, and greens, providing a balanced meal with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. The combination of ingredients offers a nutritious and wholesome option.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! The recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a complete vegetarian meal.

  • How can I add more protein to the soup?

Try adding cooked chicken, tofu, or increasing the amount of beans. Chickpeas or white beans work great and boost the protein content significantly.

  • What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

No problem! Create your own by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. These herbs will provide a similar flavor profile to the original recipe.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Easy Pasta Soup Recipe

Easy Pasta Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting Tuscan pasta soup delivers a heartwarming blend of robust Italian flavors and simple ingredients. Simmering herbs, tender pasta, and rich broth create a delightful meal you can savor with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup (90 grams) small pasta (like ditalini, macaroni, or orzo)
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cooked beans (cannellini, chickpeas, or kidney beans)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1 cup (30 grams) fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
  • Fresh parsley or parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame, introducing chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté the aromatics until they become translucent and tender, releasing their fragrant essence.
  2. Pour in crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and ground pepper. Elevate the heat to generate a robust boil, creating a flavorful liquid base.
  3. Gently introduce kidney beans and pasta into the simmering liquid, reducing temperature to maintain a gentle bubbling. Allow the mixture to simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches an al dente consistency and beans become perfectly heated.
  4. Incorporate fresh leafy greens like spinach or kale, letting them wilt gracefully into the soup’s vibrant landscape. The greens will soften and integrate seamlessly within moments.
  5. Extinguish the heat and brighten the soup’s profile with a refreshing splash of lemon juice. Enhance the presentation by garnishing with delicate fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls and serve immediately for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

  • Optimize vegetable texture by cutting into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution.
  • Choose short pasta shapes like shells or rotini that capture broth and ingredients beautifully, creating more interesting bites.
  • Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or quinoa pasta, maintaining nutritional value and hearty consistency.
  • Enhance protein content by adding rotisserie chicken, white beans, or tofu for a more substantial and satisfying meal that works perfectly for meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star