Name: Hearty Vegetable and Pasta Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 medium carrots, chopped; 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced; 3 garlic cloves, grated; 1 cup chopped green beans; ½ cup chopped fresh parsley; 1½ cups cooked white beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste); Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Red pepper flakes, to taste; ¾ cup small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you have ever craved a comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug, then this Hearty Vegetable and Pasta Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining vibrant vegetables, tender pasta, and satisfying beans in a flavorful, aromatic broth, this soup is a celebration of wholesome, nourishing ingredients that come together effortlessly. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cozy experience that fills your kitchen with inviting scents and your heart with happiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay photo showing fresh cooking ingredients on a white marbled surface, including a whole yellow onion and fresh green beans lying on a wooden cutting board with two bay leaves and a dish towel beside them. There is a white bowl filled with bright red diced tomatoes in juice, a white bowl with chopped orange carrots, a clear glass bowl holding chopped light green celery, and a clear glass bowl filled with dry white beans. A wooden bowl in the center contains small dry pasta with a wooden spoon resting on top. Small white and wooden dishes hold dried herbs, red chili flakes, salt, and cumin seeds. Fresh green parsley is placed near the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the caramelized onions to the fresh parsley finishing touch, every component adds something special and makes this soup both delicious and visually enticing.

Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base to sauté the vegetables and enhances overall flavor.
Yellow onion (diced): Provides sweetness and depth once softened, fading into the background but vital to the broth.
Carrots (chopped): Bring subtle sweetness and a pop of orange color that brightens the soup.
Celery ribs (thinly sliced): Deliver a mild, refreshing crunch and aromatic taste that balances the sweetness of carrots and onions.
Sea salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the natural flavors of the produce.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and bite.
Garlic cloves (grated): Infuse the soup with a fragrant pungency you can’t resist.
Canned diced tomatoes: Lend a luscious, tangy base that melds with the herbs and broth.
Cooked white or kidney beans: Add protein and creaminess, making the soup wonderfully filling.
Chopped green beans: Contribute fresh texture and vibrant color, enhancing the veggie medley.
Vegetable broth: The nutritious liquid foundation that carries all other flavors beautifully.
Bay leaves: Infuse a subtle, woody aroma that deepens the soup’s complexity during simmering.
Dried oregano and thyme: Classic Italian herbs that brighten and elevate the soup’s herbal notes.
Small pasta: Creates a tender, chewy bite that brings a satisfying contrast to the broth and vegetables.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Sprinkled at the end for a burst of freshness and color.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, for a hint of heat that wakes up your taste buds.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, creamy richness when sprinkled on top just before serving.

How to Make Hearty Vegetable and Pasta Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base Vegetables

Start by warming the extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, chopped carrots, sliced celery, sea salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir occasionally and cook for about 8 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This step develops the base flavors and creates a beautiful aroma that signals good things are coming.

Step 2: Build the Soup with Garlic, Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Next, grate in the garlic and add the canned diced tomatoes, cooked beans, chopped green beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, dried oregano, and thyme. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the beans to heat through. This slow simmer is key to creating a rich, cohesive flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Once the soup has simmered, stir in the small pasta. Leave the pot uncovered and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still slightly firm to the bite. This ensures the pasta perfectly complements the soup without becoming mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly distribute heat.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serving

Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or freshly ground pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat if you like, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an indulgent finishing touch. Your Hearty Vegetable and Pasta Soup Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable and Pasta Soup Recipe

A large pot filled with colorful vegetable soup sits on a white marbled surface, showing green beans, sliced orange carrots, diced tomatoes, white beans, and small pasta rings in a light red broth. Two white bowls below the pot each hold a serving of the same soup, with a silver spoon resting inside one bowl and a knife with a dark handle placed inside the other. To the right on a wooden board, there are three cloves of garlic, a small wooden bowl with red pepper flakes, a wooden bowl with chopped green herbs, fresh parsley sprigs, and slices of crusty white bread on the white marbled surface. A light-colored napkin with blue stripes lies folded near the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your soup presentation and flavors, fresh parsley is a must for its brightness and subtle herbaceous notes. Add some red pepper flakes for a playful kick or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, salty contrast that melts beautifully into the warm broth. These simple garnishes turn a humble soup into something truly special.

Side Dishes

Pair this soup with crusty artisan bread or garlic bread for dipping, which soaks up every last drop of the luscious broth. A light green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette can add crunch and freshness to complement the heartiness of the soup without overpowering its flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy yet elegant moment, serve the Hearty Vegetable and Pasta Soup Recipe in rustic bowls and top each serving with edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color. You could also ladle it into hollowed-out mini bread bowls, perfect for a crowd-pleasing presentation that doubles as an edible dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors become even more melded and delicious the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy schedules or casual leftovers that taste surprisingly fresh.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Note that the pasta may absorb more broth during freezing and reheating, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the soup.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a little extra vegetable broth can help restore the perfect soup consistency. Avoid boiling vigorously to keep the pasta tender and the flavors intact.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta in this soup?

Absolutely! Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or small shells work best because they cook quickly and blend well with the soup. Just adjust the cooking time if using larger pasta shapes.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply omit the grated Parmesan cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. The soup itself is fully plant-based and packed with nourishing ingredients.

Can I substitute canned beans with dried beans?

You can, but dried beans require soaking overnight and longer cooking times. Using canned beans keeps the recipe quick and easy, but if you prefer dried, cook them fully before adding to the soup.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley on hand?

Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh parsley adds a brightness and freshness that really makes the soup sing. You could also try fresh basil or cilantro for a slightly different but lovely flavor.

Can this soup be made in a slow cooker?

Definitely! Start by sautéing the vegetables separately, then add all ingredients to your slow cooker except the pasta. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in the pasta during the last 20-30 minutes so it doesn’t overcook.

Final Thoughts

If you want a soup that feels like a loving embrace in a bowl, you have to try this Hearty Vegetable and Pasta Soup Recipe. It’s a wonderful harmony of fresh vegetables, cozy pasta, and comforting broth that’s simple to make yet full of magnificent flavor. Whether for a chilly evening or a nourishing lunch, this soup will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen.