Italian Pasta Soup

Picture a pot on the stove, filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of simmering oregano and basil.

There’s something about Italian Pasta Soup that wraps you in warmth and simplicity.

In just 45 minutes, you’ll have a bowl brimming with tender pasta, vibrant vegetables, and a savory broth that transforms simple ingredients into a truly satisfying meal.

Let’s bring this inviting dish to life together!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 large pot
• 1 wooden spoon
• 1 ladle
• 1 cutting board
• 1 knife

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup pasta, such as ditalini or elbow macaroni
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Italian Pasta Soup, here’s a suggested timeline:

1. Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
   • Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
   • Gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
2. Prep Work (10 minutes):
   • Dice the onion.
   • Mince the garlic.
   • Slice the carrots and celery.
   • Chop the fresh spinach.
3. Cooking (30 minutes):
   • Minute 0-5: Heat olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.
   • Minute 5-10: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent.
   • Minute 10-11: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
   • Minute 11-16: Add the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for 5 minutes.
   • Minute 16-18: Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
   • Minute 18-20: Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
   • Minute 20: Bring the mixture to a boil.
   • Minute 20-22: Reduce heat to a simmer.
   • Minute 22-30: Add pasta to the pot and cook until al dente.
   • Minute 30-32: Stir in chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Serving (3 minutes):
   • Ladle the soup into bowls.
   • Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Cleanup and Enjoy (5 minutes):
   • Clean up your cooking space.
   • Enjoy your Italian Pasta Soup.

Recipe Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add sliced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.

Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.

Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Add pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Stir in chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Simple Green Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light and invigorating complement.
• Garlic Bread: Add a side of garlic bread for a flavorful and satisfying accompaniment.
• Grilled Vegetables: Include a serving of grilled vegetables to add a smoky flavor to your meal.
• Antipasto Platter: Start with an antipasto platter for a classic Italian dining experience.

Storage

To store Italian Pasta Soup, let it cool completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers.

Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stove, adding broth if needed to adjust consistency.

Freezing

To freeze Italian Pasta Soup, cool completely.

Then, transfer to airtight containers. Leave space for expansion.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat Italian Pasta Soup, gently warm it on the stove over medium heat.

Stir occasionally.

Add a splash of broth or water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Italian Pasta Soup is a comforting and versatile dish that can easily be adapted to suit your preferences.

Whether you add extra protein like sausage or chicken, or keep it vegetarian with vegetable broth, it’s sure to be a hit.

Adjust the spices and herbs to match your taste, and don’t forget the Parmesan cheese for a touch of savory richness.

This soup not only warms you up but also gets better with time, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Enjoy the flavors of Italy in every spoonful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Soup Recipe?

Absolutely, substitute gluten-free pasta seamlessly in the recipe. Make sure you monitor the cooking time closely, as gluten-free pasta can overcook quickly. Choose a high-quality brand for best texture and taste, enhancing your culinary creation.

What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese for a Non-Dairy Version?

You can substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a non-dairy version. It imparts a savory, umami flavor. Alternatively, try using a vegan Parmesan made from nuts, like cashews or almonds, for a creamy, rich finish.

How Can I Make This Soup Spicy?

To spice up this soup, incorporate crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions. For a deeper heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped fresh chili peppers during the simmering process.

Can I Add Beans to This Soup for Extra Protein?

You can elevate the soup’s nutritional profile by incorporating beans. Choose cannellini or kidney beans for their creamy texture and robust flavor. Rinse them well, then add during the simmering stage to guarantee ideal flavor infusion.

Is This Soup Suitable for Freezing?

You’re considering freezing this soup, which is a practical choice. However, pasta can become mushy. To retain quality, freeze the soup without pasta, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating for ideal texture and taste balance.

Italian Pasta Soup

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large pot
• 1 Wooden spoon
• 1 Ladle
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 clove garlic minced
• 2 medium carrot sliced
• 2 stalk celery sliced
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz
• 6 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 cup pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Add sliced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes.
• Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
• Season with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
• Add pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
• Stir in chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a heartier soup, consider adding cooked sausage or shredded chicken. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and if you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tends to taste even better as the flavors meld.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.