This hearty and healthy vegetable soup with pasta is a perfect dish for any season. Packed with colorful vegetables and aromatic herbs, it’s a comforting, flavorful soup that’s not only easy to make but also full of nutrients. The combination of potatoes, carrots, peppers, and leeks gives the soup a rich and satisfying base, while the pasta adds a little extra texture and makes it even more filling. With the added freshness of parsley and the warmth of garlic and oregano, this soup will quickly become a go-to recipe for a cozy meal, whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day or need a light, healthy dinner.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 celery stick, diced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 leek, finely chopped
- 2 sweet peppers, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oregano, to taste
- 3 potatoes, cut into cubes
- 1.5 liters vegetable broth
- 50 grams pasta (small pasta like elbow or orzo works best)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the diced celery, grated carrot, and chopped leek. Continue sautéing for another 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the diced sweet peppers and chopped garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
2. Season the Soup:
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and oregano to taste. Stir well to combine and allow the herbs to release their flavors.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth:
- Add the cubed potatoes to the pot and stir to combine with the other vegetables.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Cook the Pasta:
- While the soup is simmering, add the pasta to the pot. Stir well to make sure it’s evenly distributed in the broth.
- Let the soup continue to simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
5. Final Touches:
- Once the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or oregano if needed.
- Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley for added freshness.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side salad: A light, green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the soup’s flavors and adds a fresh contrast.
- Serve with crusty bread: A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the soup and adds an extra layer of comfort.
- Top with grated cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan or a dollop of sour cream on top adds richness and flavor to the soup.
Cooking Tips
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or green beans for extra variety and nutrition.
- Make it thicker: If you prefer a thicker soup, use a potato masher to mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot before adding the pasta.
- Use homemade broth: For extra flavor, try using homemade vegetable broth or a good-quality store-bought version.
- Vegan option: This soup is naturally vegan, but make sure the pasta you use is egg-free if you’re following a strict vegan diet.
Variations to Try
- Add beans: For added protein, toss in a can of white beans or chickpeas along with the vegetables.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to bring a bit of heat to the soup.
- Herb variations: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the soup while it simmers for more aromatic depth.
- Pasta alternatives: Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option, or try quinoa for a slightly different texture.
Conclusion
This vegetable soup with pasta is a healthy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with vegetables, full of flavor, and incredibly easy to make. The combination of tender potatoes, hearty pasta, and vibrant vegetables makes it a nourishing and comforting dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, this soup is a fantastic choice. Best of all, it’s customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables and seasonings!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, this soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just be sure to store the pasta separately if you plan to freeze it.
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Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! You can use any small pasta you like, such as fusilli, rotini, or elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you use.
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Is this soup gluten-free? This soup can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check the vegetable broth ingredients for gluten if you’re avoiding it.
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Can I add meat to this soup? Yes, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or ground meat for added protein. Just add the meat after sautéing the vegetables and let it simmer with the broth.
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How can I make this soup more filling? To make the soup heartier, you can add beans, lentils, or even potatoes to the base for added texture and fiber.