Description
Hearty Vegetable Pasta Soup
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup butternut squash, diced
1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
1 cup uncooked pasta (rigatoni, ditalini, or small shells)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Sauté veggies: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Build the soup base: Stir in diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, basil, smoked paprika, and butternut squash. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 10 minutes.
Add pasta and zucchini: Stir in pasta and zucchini. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until pasta and squash are tender.
Season: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve with crusty bread for dipping!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 250 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect soup every time. First, ensure all vegetables are diced uniformly for even cooking. In your large pot, heat the olive oil until it shimmers before adding the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent, then add the garlic for the last minute to prevent burning. When adding the broth and tomatoes, scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate any flavorful bits. Let the base simmer for the full 10 minutes to allow the butternut squash to begin softening before adding the pasta and zucchini. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The soup is ready when the pasta is al dente and the squash is easily pierced with a fork.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it with a slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. For a protein boost, top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, a dollop of pesto, or a handful of white beans. A simple side salad with a lemony vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the hearty soup. For a creamier texture, stir in a spoonful of ricotta or cream cheese just before serving.
How-to Summary
To make Hearty Vegetable Pasta Soup: Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Add broth, tomatoes, herbs, and squash, then simmer. Add pasta and zucchini and cook until tender. Season and garnish with fresh herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any small, sturdy pasta works well. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti. If using gluten-free pasta, add it later in the cooking process as it can become mushy.
How can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Sauté the initial vegetables, then add all ingredients except the pasta and zucchini to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4. Add pasta and zucchini 20-30 minutes before serving.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb broth, so add a splash of water or broth when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this soup? It’s possible, but the pasta texture may become soft upon thawing. For best results, freeze a portion before adding the pasta, then cook fresh pasta when you reheat the soup base.
How can I increase the protein content? Add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas with the tomatoes, or stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Add the pasta only for the time specified on its package. It will continue to soften in the hot broth.
- Adding all vegetables at once: Adding delicate zucchini too early will make it mushy. Add it with the pasta.
- Underseasoning: Vegetable broths vary in saltiness. Always season with salt and pepper at the end, tasting as you go.
- Crowding the pot when sautéing: Ensure your pot is large enough so vegetables sauté instead of steam, building a better flavor foundation.
Conclusion
This Hearty Vegetable Pasta Soup is the ultimate one-pot meal, perfectly balancing nourishment and comfort. Its flexibility with ingredients allows you to use seasonal produce, making it a reliable year-round recipe. Quick to prepare and deeply satisfying, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, plant-based meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy the process of making it and the delicious, warming results.