Easy Pasta Soup is a warm, comforting, and hearty dish that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Packed with tender pasta, vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this soup is easy to customize and can be made in under 30 minutes. Whether you need a cozy dinner on a cold day or a simple meal for busy nights, this soup is a perfect choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and simple – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- One-pot meal – Easy cleanup and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable – Use any pasta, vegetables, or protein you like.
- Great for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
- Kid-friendly – Mild flavors make it a family favorite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Small pasta (such as elbow, ditalini, or orzo)
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Celery
- Canned tomatoes (diced or crushed)
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes and broth, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta and let it cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is tender, adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein Boost – Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or beans for extra protein.
- Spicy Kick – Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy Version – Mix in a little heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta or substitute with rice.
- Vegetarian/Vegan – Use vegetable broth and skip the cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, adding extra broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or elbow macaroni work best.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving, especially if storing leftovers.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except the pasta and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in the pasta 30 minutes before serving.
What vegetables can I add?
Zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, and peas all work well in this soup.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, chop about 4 fresh tomatoes and cook them down until soft before adding the broth.
How do I thicken the soup?
Let it simmer longer, or mash some of the cooked vegetables for a thicker consistency.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
What can I serve with pasta soup?
Pair it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I add meat to this soup?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, sausage, or ground beef make great additions.
How do I make the soup more flavorful?
Use a high-quality broth, fresh herbs, and a little lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
Conclusion
Easy Pasta Soup is a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a hearty, flavorful soup that everyone will love. Try this recipe today and enjoy a cozy, homemade meal in minutes!
Print
Easy Pasta Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This hearty and nourishing soup is made with pasta, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 can (14oz/400g) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (90g) small pasta (like ditalini, macaroni, or orzo)
- 1 cup (150g) cooked beans (cannellini, chickpeas, or kidney beans)
- 1 cup (30g) fresh spinach or kale (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for brightness)
- Fresh parsley or parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add broth and seasonings: Stir in diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Cook the pasta: Add the pasta and beans to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 8–10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
- Add greens (if using): Stir in spinach or kale and cook for another minute.
- Finish & serve: Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Garnish with fresh parsley or parmesan cheese. Serve hot!
Notes
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Add cooked chicken or sausage for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days (the pasta may absorb liquid, so add extra broth when reheating).