Cozy Up with a Soul-Warming Hearty Italian Noodle Soup Recipe

Steaming bowls of homemade hearty Italian noodle soup warm the soul on chilly evenings.

This classic comfort dish blends rich, savory broth with tender pasta and aromatic herbs.

Generations of Italian home cooks have perfected these flavor combinations passed down through time.

Each spoonful brings a comforting embrace of traditional ingredients simmered with care.

Fragrant herbs and robust vegetables dance together in a delightful symphony of taste.

Packed with nutritious vegetables and delicate noodles, this soup delivers both satisfaction and nourishment.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this timeless culinary treasure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

Essentials for Making Italian Noodle Soup

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth base for sautéing and enhancing overall flavor depth.
• Onion: Builds foundational savory undertones and adds sweet complexity to the soup.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle herbal note and aromatic crunch.

• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent flavor that elevates the entire soup profile.
• Oregano: Adds classic Italian herbaceous warmth and earthy undertones.
• Basil: Introduces fresh, bright Mediterranean flavor complexity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides gentle heat and subtle spicy kick.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates a light, clean liquid base with balanced flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds tangy acidity and rich, robust tomato essence.
• Pasta: Serves as hearty, satisfying main component that makes soup more filling.
• Zucchini: Introduces tender, delicate vegetable texture.
• Spinach: Contributes vibrant green color and nutrient-dense leafy element.
• Beans: Provides protein-rich, creamy component with soft, smooth texture.

• Salt: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and aromatic spiciness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers rich, salty umami sprinkle.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh herbal garnish.

Soup-Making Tools That Make a Difference

• Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup, provides ample space for ingredients and even heat distribution.
• Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and other vegetables with ease.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable chopping and ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add herbs, salt, and pepper for balanced flavor.
• Ladle: Ideal for serving soup evenly into bowls.

Instructions to Cook Italian Noodle Soup at Home

• Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot, tossing in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Let them dance and soften for about 5 minutes, releasing their delicious flavors.

• Awaken Spice Profiles

Sprinkle in minced garlic, oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir quickly to create an explosion of fragrant notes that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Build Liquid Foundation

Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, creating a robust and comforting liquid base for your soup.

• Introduce Pasta

Drop in your pasta and let it simmer, becoming tender and absorbing all the delicious surrounding flavors. Cook until it’s almost perfectly al dente.

• Final Vegetable Harmony

Gently fold in zucchini, spinach, and beans. Allow everything to mingle and become tender, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

• Season and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh parmesan and chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy your hearty Italian comfort soup!

Tweaks to Suit Your Tastes in This Soup

• Let the soup sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and develop deeper, richer taste profiles.
• Choose small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo that hold up well in liquid and provide perfect bites throughout the soup.
• Swap regular pasta for gluten-free varieties to make this soup celiac-friendly, or use spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
• Replace beans with shredded chicken, ground turkey, or cubed tofu to increase protein content and create more substantial meal options.
• Store soup without pasta to prevent noodles from becoming mushy, then add fresh pasta when reheating for best texture and quality.

How to Serve Italian Noodle Soup with Bread or More

• Rustic Bread Pairing: Slice a crusty Italian bread or ciabatta to soak up the delicious broth, adding a wonderful texture and extra flavor to each spoonful.
• Hearty Side Salad: Toss a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the soup's rich and comforting profile.
• Cheese Lover's Topping: Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese or add a dollop of ricotta on top for a creamy, indulgent twist that enhances the soup's Mediterranean essence.
• Wine Companion: Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to balance the soup's robust flavors and create a complete dining experience.

Best Way to Store This Comforting Soup

• Keep leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors will actually improve overnight, making next-day meals even more delicious.
• Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at top. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on stovetop.
• Store pasta separately from liquid to prevent noodles from becoming mushy. When ready to eat, combine just before serving for perfect texture.
• Warm soup slowly on stovetop, adding splash of broth if needed to restore original consistency. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning.

Hearty Italian Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian noodle soup brings comfort and warmth to chilly evenings, blending traditional Mediterranean flavors with simple, nourishing ingredients. Simmering broth, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs invite you to savor a classic dish that warms both body and soul.

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Ingredients

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• 6 cups (1.4 L) vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 oz) (411 g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup (240 ml) small pasta (like ditalini, elbow, or orzo)
• 1 (15 oz) (425 g) can cannellini beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (30 g) baby spinach or kale
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame. Gently sweat onion, carrots, and celery until they soften and release their delicate flavors, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Enhance Fragrance: Introduce minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, stirring continuously to prevent burning and allow herbs to bloom, creating an aromatic base.
3. Build Liquid Foundation: Pour in broth and diced tomatoes, elevating heat to generate a rolling boil that will infuse the soup with robust flavors.
4. Incorporate Pasta and Vegetables: Add pasta and allow it to dance in the simmering liquid until nearly tender. Incorporate zucchini, spinach, and beans, continuing to cook until vegetables reach perfect doneness and pasta becomes fully al dente.
5. Final Seasoning: Calibrate flavor profile by delicately introducing salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting to personal preference.
6. Presentation: Ladle the steaming, vibrant soup into warm serving bowls. Optional garnish includes a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley to add visual appeal and depth of flavor. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Cook onions, carrots, and celery slowly to develop deep, rich flavor without burning. Stir frequently and keep heat at medium to prevent browning.
• Add pasta later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente texture. Watch cooking time closely to avoid mushy noodles.
• Add delicate vegetables like spinach and zucchini towards the end to preserve their texture and vibrant color. This prevents them from becoming soggy or losing nutritional value.
• Easily make this soup gluten-free by using alternative pasta like chickpea or rice noodles. For protein variations, swap beans or add shredded chicken for extra heartiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg