Easy Pasta Soup Recipe

Pasta soup is one of those dishes that can warm you up, comfort you, and fill your belly all at the same time. It’s simple, hearty, and versatile enough to be enjoyed any day of the week-whether you’re craving a quick lunch or preparing a cozy dinner for the family. This easy pasta soup recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Packed with delicious flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s a dish that promises to leave everyone coming back for seconds. What’s more, it doesn’t require any advanced culinary skills-just a little bit of prep, a pot, and you’re on your way to a satisfying meal.

Pasta soups are also incredibly forgiving when it comes to ingredients. You can use what you have on hand, making it perfect for those nights when you don’t want to make a special trip to the grocery store. And who can resist the combination of pasta, broth, and fresh vegetables simmering together in one pot? If you’ve never tried making pasta soup before, this guide is your perfect introduction.

This easy pasta soup recipe is ideal for busy nights, but it still offers all the heartiness and warmth you want from a comforting meal. Imagine a savory broth filled with tender vegetables, pasta that perfectly soaks up the flavor, and a touch of herbs to tie everything together. It’s simple yet satisfying and can be adjusted based on your taste preferences. Here’s the breakdown.

Ingredients Needed

Pasta: About 1 to 1 ½ cups of any short pasta. Penne, ditalini, or elbow macaroni work best, but feel free to use what you like.
Vegetables: Chopped carrots, celery, and onion. These give the soup a natural sweetness and earthy flavor.
Garlic: Minced for that lovely aromatic base.
Broth: 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. This forms the liquid base for the soup, bringing in the savory flavor that ties everything together.
Herbs: A couple of bay leaves, dried thyme, and rosemary add fragrance and depth. Fresh herbs are also a great option if you have them.
Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons to add some richness and umami flavor.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding a silky richness.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. Don’t be shy with the salt as it helps balance the flavors in the broth.
Optional Add-ins: Fresh spinach, chopped kale, or even a splash of heavy cream at the end to make the soup creamy and extra comforting.

Cooking Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
Add Garlic and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the tomato paste, mixing it into the vegetables. This will give the soup a rich depth of flavor.
Simmer the Broth: Pour in the broth of your choice. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Add the herbs-bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary-and bring everything to a simmer.
Cook the Pasta: Once the broth is simmering, add your pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. If you’re adding leafy greens like spinach or kale, throw them in about 2 minutes before the pasta is finished cooking.
Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust with salt and pepper. Remove the bay leaves and serve immediately. For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top.

Ingredient Insights

Pasta: The type of pasta you use is important because it absorbs the broth and flavors, so choose one that holds up well in soup. Smaller pasta like elbow macaroni, farfalle, or orzo is often preferred as it blends easily with the vegetables.
Vegetables: A classic mirepoix mix (onions, carrots, and celery) serves as the base for many soups, but feel free to get creative with other veggies. Zucchini, peas, and corn can also make great additions, depending on what’s in season.
Broth: The broth is your soup’s backbone, so choose a high-quality one for the best flavor. Homemade broth is always preferred, but store-bought will do just fine. If you prefer a richer soup, a bone broth or creamy base could also be used.
Herbs: Fresh herbs are wonderful when available, but dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves are fantastic for creating a flavor-packed soup with minimal effort. You can even experiment with other herbs like oregano or basil to find your favorite combination.

Expert Tips

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since pasta continues to cook even after you take it off the heat, it’s best to keep an eye on it and remove it from the pot once it’s al dente. Overcooking will turn it mushy, and you don’t want that!
Adjust the Broth Level: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth, or let the soup simmer longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. On the flip side, if you like a more brothy soup, simply add more stock.
Herb Variations: Experiment with your herbs! Fresh basil can lend an Italian flair, while oregano or even sage can bring a comforting, earthy note. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat if you’re feeling adventurous.
Leftovers: Pasta tends to absorb broth as it sits, so if you have leftovers, you might need to add a bit of water or broth when reheating. It’ll still taste just as good!

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, simply use vegetable broth, skip any meat additions, and load up on extra veggies. You can add beans like chickpeas or cannellini beans to add protein and heartiness.
Add Meat: You can easily make this soup more filling by adding some cooked chicken, sausage, or even turkey. If using sausage, slice it up and sauté it with the vegetables.
Creamy Pasta Soup: For a creamy version, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking. You can also blend a portion of the soup to create a smooth, creamy texture while keeping the chunky vegetables.
Italian Twist: Add in a can of diced tomatoes for a more Italian-style soup. You could also toss in a few teaspoons of pesto or a sprinkle of parmesan at the end for extra flavor.
Add Beans or Lentils: Toss in some beans (like kidney, black, or white beans) or cooked lentils to turn the soup into a more substantial meal.

Final Words

Pasta soup is a versatile, low-maintenance dish that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create something hearty and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that encourages creativity, allowing you to throw in whatever ingredients you have lying around in the pantry or fridge. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover veggies, pasta, and broth. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is perfect for beginners and will leave even the most seasoned foodies craving more.

Easy Pasta Soup Recipe