Nothing beats a warm bowl of pasta soup when you need comfort fast. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy nights or slow weekends. With basic ingredients and one pot, you’ll have a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and always welcome at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Soup Recipe
Comforting, Customizable, and Packed with Flavor
- Wholesome and hearty: Packed with vegetables, pasta, and a rich broth, it fills you up without weighing you down.
- Quick and easy: You can go from chopping board to bowl in under 40 minutes.
- Adaptable: Switch out veggies, change the pasta, or add a protein source to make it your own.
- Great for leftovers: Flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better.
- Budget-friendly: Uses simple, accessible pantry staples.
Ingredients
Olive oil – A base ingredient for sautéing that adds richness and depth to your pasta soup. Using extra virgin olive oil brings out the best flavor.
Aromatics (onion and garlic) – These create the savory foundation of your pasta soup. Do not skip these, as they build the flavor right from the start.
Carrots and celery – These classic soup vegetables add subtle sweetness and texture. Dice them evenly so they cook uniformly in your pasta soup.
Zucchini – Brings a tender, mild taste that pairs perfectly with the rest of the vegetables in pasta soup. Can be swapped with yellow squash if needed.
Spinach or kale – Stirred in at the end, they add a vibrant color and a nutritious boost to your pasta soup. Baby spinach wilts faster and is slightly sweeter.
Diced tomatoes – Use canned diced tomatoes for ease and consistency. They add acidity and a bright, fresh layer of flavor to your pasta soup.
Italian seasoning – A blend of dried herbs that ties all the vegetables and broth together. Essential for capturing the cozy, herby notes in your pasta soup.
Pasta – Small shapes like ditalini or elbow work best. Avoid larger shapes, which may overpower the other ingredients and throw off the balance of your pasta soup.
Broth – Vegetable or chicken broth creates the base of your pasta soup. Choose low-sodium to better control the seasoning.
How to Make Pasta Soup
Saute Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Build the Base
Add the chopped zucchini and canned diced tomatoes to the pot. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
Add the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Cook the Pasta
Stir in the dry pasta and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente—usually about 10–12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta.
Add the Greens
Just before turning off the heat, stir in the spinach or kale. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the greens are wilted but still vibrant.
Taste and Finish
Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan if desired.
Expert Tips for the Best Pasta Soup
From My Kitchen to Yours
- Cook pasta separately if you plan to store leftovers. This prevents the pasta from absorbing all the broth and turning mushy.
- Use homemade broth when possible. It adds depth and elevates the flavor.
- Balance the salt: With store-bought broth and canned tomatoes, taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
- Brighten the flavor: A splash of lemon juice or a dash of vinegar at the end enhances the overall profile.
- Make it a meal: Stir in white beans, lentils, or shredded chicken to add extra protein.
Delicious Variations to Try
Make This Recipe Your Own
- Creamy Pasta Soup: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped fresh chili when sauteing the garlic.
- Protein Boost: Add canned chickpeas, ground turkey, or cubed tofu.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or cooked rice for a variation that suits dietary needs.
- Low-Carb: Swap the pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles).
Serving Suggestions for Pasta Soup
Pairing Ideas to Complete Your Meal
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh mix of greens with a light vinaigrette balances the warmth of the soup.
- Grilled Vegetables: Add more nutrients with a side of grilled seasonal veggies.
- Toasted Pita or Flatbread: A tasty option for dipping and scooping.
- Garnishes: Try chopped parsley, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
More Chicken recipes you will love!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta Soup
Your Top Questions, Answered
What pasta works best in pasta soup?
Stick with small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells. These hold their texture well in broth and offer the perfect bite.
How do I keep pasta from getting mushy in soup?
The best way is to cook it separately and add it to each bowl when serving. This also helps preserve the broth for future meals.
Can I freeze pasta soup?
Yes—but freeze it without the pasta. Reheat the soup and add freshly cooked pasta to keep the texture just right.
Is pasta soup healthy?
Absolutely. You control the ingredients, making it easy to pack in veggies, lean proteins, and fiber while keeping sodium in check.
Can I make pasta soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add all ingredients except pasta and greens to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in the pasta and greens during the last 30 minutes.
pasta soup
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 zucchini chopped
- 1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale
Pantry Staples
- 1 can diced tomatoes 15 oz
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 cup small dry pasta like ditalini, elbow, or shells
- 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add zucchini, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in pasta and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes until al dente.
- Add spinach or kale and cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan, if using.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!