Pasta Soup: A Comforting & Easy Recipe

Broccoli cauliflower salad Italian style is about to become your new favorite potluck dish! Forget everything you think you know about bland, boring salads. This isn’t your grandma’s mayo-laden concoction. We’re talking vibrant colors, incredible textures, and a burst of fresh, zesty flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and asking for the recipe!).

While the exact origins of this particular salad are a bit murky, the combination of raw cruciferous vegetables with a bright vinaigrette is a time-honored tradition in Italian cuisine. Think of it as a rustic cousin to the more formal antipasto platters, designed to showcase the season’s freshest produce. Italians have long understood the magic of pairing simple, high-quality ingredients to create something truly special, and this salad is a perfect example.

So, why is this broccoli cauliflower salad Italian so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of crunchy broccoli and cauliflower florets, the sweetness of red onion, and the salty tang of Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a light and herbaceous Italian dressing. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Get ready to experience a salad that’s anything but ordinary!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)
• 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup chopped cooked chicken (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Sautéing the Vegetables

Okay, let’s get started! The first step is to build a flavorful base for our soup. This involves sautéing some aromatic vegetables to really bring out their sweetness and depth. Trust me, this step is crucial for a truly delicious pasta soup.

1. Heat the olive oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly. Don’t let it smoke!
2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This process is called sweating the vegetables, and it helps to release their natural sugars.
3. Add the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma of garlic cooking is one of my favorite things!

Building the Soup

Now that we have our flavorful vegetable base, it’s time to add the liquids and seasonings that will transform this into a comforting and hearty soup. This is where the magic really happens!

1. Add the chicken broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. These browned bits, called fond, are packed with flavor and will add richness to the soup.
2. Add the diced tomatoes: Add the undrained diced tomatoes to the pot. The liquid from the can will add extra flavor and body to the soup.
3. Season the soup: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
4. Bring to a simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and deepen. The longer it simmers, the better it will taste! You can even let it simmer for an hour or more if you have the time.

Cooking the Pasta and Adding the Final Touches

We’re almost there! The final step is to cook the pasta and add the remaining ingredients that will make this soup truly special. This is where we add the heartiness and texture that make pasta soup so satisfying.

1. Add the pasta: Add the pasta to the simmering soup. Cook according to the package directions, or until the pasta is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to cook slightly even after you remove the soup from the heat, so don’t overcook it.
2. Add the cannellini beans: Stir in the rinsed and drained cannellini beans. These beans add a creamy texture and extra protein to the soup.
3. Add the cooked chicken (optional): If using, add the chopped cooked chicken to the soup. This will make the soup even more hearty and satisfying. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even canned chicken.
4. Heat through: Heat the soup through, making sure the beans and chicken are warmed through.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to taste.

Serving the Soup

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – serving the soup! This is the best part, where you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are a few tips for serving and garnishing your delicious pasta soup.

1. Ladle into bowls: Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with parsley: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the soup.
3. Serve with Parmesan cheese (optional): Serve with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory flavor that complements the soup perfectly.
4. Serve with crusty bread (optional): Serve with crusty bread for dipping. This is a great way to soak up all the delicious broth.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few extra tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

• Vegetarian option: To make this soup vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit the chicken. You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or kale.
• Spicy option: To add a little heat to the soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot along with the Italian seasoning.
• Different pasta shapes: Feel free to use different pasta shapes, such as orzo, farfalle, or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Add more vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the soup, such as zucchini, spinach, kale, or bell peppers.
• Make it ahead of time: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld together and improve over time.
• Freeze it: This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra broth, as the pasta will absorb some of the liquid.
• Use different beans: You can substitute the cannellini beans with other types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or great northern beans.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds a bright and zesty flavor to the soup.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this delicious and comforting pasta soup! It’s a perfect meal for a cold day, or any day when you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl, a comforting and flavorful experience that I truly believe you need in your life. Seriously, this Pasta Soup is a game-changer for busy weeknights, chilly afternoons, or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying. The beauty of it lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s quick to prepare, uses ingredients you likely already have on hand, and delivers a depth of flavor that belies its effortless nature.

Think about it: tender pasta swimming in a rich, savory broth, studded with your favorite vegetables and maybe even some protein. It’s a complete meal in one pot, and cleanup is a breeze! What’s not to love?

But the real reason I’m so passionate about this recipe is because it’s endlessly customizable. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta – ditalini, shells, or even broken spaghetti work beautifully. For a heartier soup, add some cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or chickpeas. If you’re a vegetarian, load it up with extra vegetables like spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* For a Creamier Soup: Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese or a swirl of heavy cream just before serving.
* For a Vegan Option: Use vegetable broth and omit any meat or dairy products. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
* For a Gluten-Free Soup: Use gluten-free pasta.
* Garnish: Fresh parsley, basil, or grated Parmesan cheese are always welcome additions.
* Side Dish: Serve with a crusty loaf of bread for dipping.

I’ve made this Pasta Soup countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen, one that you can rely on time and time again. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables and pantry staples, making it both delicious and economical.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I promise you won’t be disappointed. This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to create something delicious and nourishing for yourself and your loved ones.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of homemade Pasta Soup. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite additions? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of soup lovers and inspire each other with our culinary creations. Happy cooking! I am confident that this will become a regular meal in your household.