Italian Noodle Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Steaming bowls of hearty italian noodle soup capture the essence of rustic comfort with every spoonful.

Grandmothers in tuscany have perfected this recipe through generations of loving preparation.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of rich flavors and warmth.

Pasta swirls nestled among tender vegetables tell stories of rural kitchens and simple culinary traditions.

Fragrant herbs and slow-simmered broth promise a soul-warming experience that connects you directly to italian countryside cooking.

Inviting aromas will draw everyone around the table, eager to savor each delicious bite.

You cannot resist the charm of this classic, nourishing dish that speaks directly to the heart.

How to Simmer a Great Italian Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become soft and translucent.

Step 2: Bloom Herbs and Spices

• Garlic
• Oregano
• Basil
• Red pepper flakes

Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and spices release their aroma.

Step 3: Build Soup Base

• Vegetable or chicken broth
• Diced tomatoes

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Add orzo pasta and cook for 6-8 minutes until almost tender.

Step 5: Add Final Vegetables

• Zucchini
• Spinach
• Cannellini or white beans

Simmer for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender and pasta is fully cooked.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Ladle soup into warm bowls. Optional garnishes include freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve piping hot with crusty bread.

Tricks for Making Italian Noodle Soup Even Better

• Select Low-Sodium Broth: Choose a low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier soup without compromising flavor.
• Boost Vegetable Varieties: Swap or add different vegetables like kale, swiss chard, or bell peppers to customize the soup's nutritional profile and taste preferences.
• Cook Pasta Separately: Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking noodles separately and adding them just before serving to maintain perfect texture and prevent overcooking.
• Freeze for Later: Prepare a large batch and freeze portions in airtight containers for quick, convenient meals during busy weeks – just exclude pasta until reheating to preserve quality.
• Enhance Protein Options: Experiment with different protein sources like shredded chicken, diced tofu, or white beans to create versatile and satisfying meal variations.

Store and Reheat Italian Noodle Soup Without Fuss

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Beans and pasta might slightly change texture when thawed.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reaches 165°F.
• Avoid microwaving pasta dishes repeatedly, as noodles can become mushy. Reheat gently on stovetop for best texture and flavor preservation.

Pairing Options for Italian Noodle Soup

• Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the soup's robust vegetable and herb flavors, creating a warm and harmonious dining experience.
• Serve a rustic Italian ciabatta or sourdough bread alongside the soup, perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, savory broth while adding delightful textural contrast.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the soup's heartiness and provides a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the warm, comforting dish.
• Offer a chilled glass of sparkling water with fresh basil or mint leaves, offering a light, herbaceous drink that echoes the soup's Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and cleanses the palate.

Creative Takes on Italian Noodle Soup

• Gluten-Free Noodle Soup: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Protein-Packed Version: Swap beans for grilled chicken, tofu, or lean ground turkey to increase protein content and provide alternative protein sources.
• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and mint instead of standard oregano and basil to create a more complex, aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice or riced turnips instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup's hearty texture and nutritional value.

Answering Italian Noodle Soup Curiosities

• Why use different herbs like oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes?

These herbs add layers of authentic Italian flavor, creating a rich and complex taste profile that makes the soup more interesting and aromatic compared to basic broths.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth, and the recipe remains completely vegetarian while maintaining its delicious flavor and nutritional value.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! The soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and lean ingredients. It provides protein from beans, vitamins from multiple vegetables, and is low in calories but high in nutrients.

• How can I boost the protein content?

Add cooked chicken, ground turkey, or increase the quantity of beans. Alternatively, you can stir in some cooked quinoa or lentils to enhance the protein profile of the soup.

What Makes Italian Noodle Soup So Comforting

• Loaded with colorful vegetables, protein-rich beans, and nutrient-dense spinach, this soup delivers a balanced and wholesome dinner that keeps everyone satisfied and healthy.
• Swap ingredients based on what's in your pantry – use different beans, switch out veggies, or add leftover chicken for a personalized twist that makes this recipe endlessly adaptable.
• Warm, aromatic, and reminiscent of traditional Italian cooking, this soup provides instant comfort and feels like a big, welcoming hug on a chilly evening.

Ingredients to Gather for Italian Noodle Soup

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Aromatic base that provides a flavor foundation for the soup, adding depth and sweetness.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances overall soup flavor and adds complexity.
• Zucchini, Spinach: Fresh vegetables that boost nutrition and add color to the soup.

• Olive Oil: Healthy fat for sautéing vegetables and adding rich flavor.
• Broth: Creates the liquid base of the soup, providing essential moisture and taste.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity, moisture, and a classic Italian flavor profile.
• Oregano, Basil, Red Pepper Flakes: Classic Italian herbs and spices that provide warmth and authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall soup flavor.

• Beans: Adds protein and creates a hearty, filling texture.
• Pasta: Main starch that makes the soup substantial and satisfying.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds a salty, umami finish.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for brightness and fresh herb flavor.

Italian Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian noodle soup brings comfort and warmth to chilly evenings, blending traditional flavors with homemade simplicity. Rich broth, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup baby spinach or kale

Protein and Beans:

• 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can cannellini beans or chickpeas, drained and rinsed

Liquids, Seasonings, and Pasta:

• 6 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini, elbow, or orzo)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious pot and warm olive oil over medium temperature, introducing chopped onions, sliced carrots, and diced celery. Allow vegetables to soften and become translucent, developing rich aromatic foundations.
2. Incorporate minced garlic, fragrant oregano, delicate basil, and zesty red pepper flakes. Gently toast herbs for approximately 60 seconds to unleash their profound essence.
3. Pour vegetable or chicken broth into the pot, complementing with robust diced tomatoes. Elevate heat until liquid reaches a vigorous boil, creating a hearty liquid base.
4. Carefully introduce dry pasta, reducing heat and allowing noodles to gently simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, monitoring pasta’s progression toward al dente texture.
5. Integrate vibrant zucchini chunks, tender spinach leaves, and creamy white beans into the simmering liquid. Continue cooking until vegetables reach perfect tenderness and pasta completes its cooking journey.
6. Fine-tune the soup’s flavor profile by seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
7. Artfully distribute the steaming soup into serving vessels, garnishing with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for an elegant finishing touch. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Adapt the soup’s thickness by adjusting broth quantity, adding more for a lighter consistency or reducing for a heartier texture.
• Swap pasta shapes to keep the recipe exciting, like using orzo, small shells, or mini rotini for different meal experiences.
• Consider protein alternatives like shredded chicken or white fish to transform this vegetarian soup into a more substantial main course.
• Prepare extra batches and freeze in portion-sized containers for quick, nutritious meals during busy weekdays, ensuring the zucchini and spinach remain tender when reheated.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 60 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg