Looking for a comforting and nutritious meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any season? Our Feel-Good Pasta Soup recipe is the ultimate bowl of warmth and satisfaction. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this Italian-inspired soup combines tender pasta, a rich tomato-based broth, and a medley of fresh vegetables.
Feel-Good Pasta Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Can opener
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup dried pasta (e.g., small shells, elbow macaroni, or penne)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Add carrots, celery, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in the dried pasta, diced tomatoes (with their juice), cannellini beans, and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Season the Soup: Add dried basil, dried oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
- Add Greens: Stir in the fresh spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the greens are wilted.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
Enjoy your warm, comforting feel-good pasta soup!
Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch, this soup will leave you feeling nourished and content. Ideal for both cozy nights in and casual gatherings, it’s a versatile recipe that can be tailored to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
More Vegetarian Recipes:
- Sweet Potato Peanut Curry Recipe
- Vegan Jambalaya Recipe
- American Pancakes Recipe
- Rice Cake Cress Faces Recipe
Feel-Good Pasta Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (e.g., elbow macaroni, ditalini)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat Olive Oil:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add Green Beans and Zucchini:
- Stir in the green beans and zucchini, cooking for an additional 3 minutes.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Broth:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Season the Soup:
- Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir to mix the seasonings into the soup.
- Simmer:
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Add Greens (Optional):
- If using baby spinach or kale, stir them into the soup in the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or parsley.
- Enjoy:
- Serve hot and enjoy a delicious, comforting bowl of Feel-Good Pasta Soup.
Tips:
- Customization: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or to suit your taste. Frozen vegetables can be used as well.
- Protein Boost: For added protein, consider including cooked beans or lentils.
- Creamy Variation: For a creamy version, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving.
This Feel-Good Pasta Soup is not only delightful but also makes for great leftovers, as the flavors continue to develop over time. Perfect for meal prep or enjoying a cozy bowl any day of the week!