Hearty Ditalini Vegetable Soup Minestroneish Delight
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave something super comforting? I do. This soup with ditalini pasta is my go-to. It's like a warm hug in a bowl with that classic Italian flavor.
Brief Overview
This is basically an Italian vegetable soup , but way less intimidating than it sounds. It's quick about 50 minutes total. It makes six generous servings, perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
This ditalini pasta soup recipe is packed with veggies, so it's pretty good for you too. It's the perfect way to sneak extra vegetables into picky eaters.
Plus, it's just so easy to customize!
Let's Talk About This Soup!
Honestly, this soup with ditalini pasta is one of those recipes you can’t mess up. You know? I love making this on a chilly evening.
It's totally fuss free. It tastes like minestrone soup variations , but it's much simpler to prepare! You could have it ready on the table in about 30 minutes.
This isn't just any easy soup recipes for beginners . It's also great when you want a hearty winter soup recipes , without needing to spend hours in the kitchen.
It's also way easier than making pasta e fagioli alternative . And if you are vegetarian, this vegetarian ditalini soup is going to be your new best friend.
Did you know that adding pasta to soup makes it more satisfying? That’s probably why I love this recipe so much. Oh my gosh, and toasted pasta?! Absolutely divine!
What Makes It So Special?
This soup with small pasta shapes is all about the veggies. It’s a great way to use up whatever is lingering in your fridge.
Honestly, you can swap out most of the veggies for what you’ve got. A quick weeknight soup like this saves the day often.
It features tender ditalini pasta, colorful vegetables, and fragrant herbs. It is like the crème de la crème of the soups.
It is so easy to make and incredibly comforting to eat. I love to top it with a generous dollop of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
This step is totally optional, but highly recommended. Oh, and you need a side of crusty bread for dunking. Trust me on this one.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this absolutely banging soup with ditalini pasta . Don't stress if you don't have everything exactly as listed.
This recipe is super forgiving! You know, like that comfy pair of jeans you can always rely on.
Main Ingredients
Okay, here's the rundown.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Use a decent quality one. You can taste the difference.
- Yellow onion: 1 medium , diced (about 1 cup).
- Carrots: 2 , diced (about 1 cup).
- Celery stalks: 2 , diced (about 1 cup).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, honestly.
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Red pepper flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, but highly recommended for a kick).
- Vegetable broth: 8 cups (2 liters). Low sodium is preferred.
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can , undrained (400g).
- Cannellini beans: 1 (15 ounce) can , rinsed and drained (425g).
- Ditalini pasta : 1 cup (approximately 100g). Honestly you can use any small pasta shapes!.
- Zucchini: 1 cup , chopped (about 1 medium).
- Spinach or kale: 1 cup , chopped (packed).
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
For the herbs, if you can get fresh instead of dried, definitely do it . It makes a world of difference!. You can turn it into an amazing Italian vegetable soup .
Seasoning Notes
Okay, listen up! A ditalini pasta soup recipe isn't just about the ingredients, it's about the vibes of the seasoning, yeah?
Oregano and basil are a classic combo, innit?. Red pepper flakes add a bit of warmth. If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of smoked paprika can be pretty lush too.
For something that feels like pasta e fagioli alternative , this works a charm.
Don't underestimate the power of good old salt and pepper. Season generously! Seriously, taste as you go. You got this.
Equipment Needed
Right, you won't need anything fancy. This easy soup recipes for beginners doesn't require any special tools.
- Large pot or Dutch oven: For simmering the soup.
- Cutting board: Obvs.
- Chef's knife: For chopping those veggies.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To get those measurements right.
- Ladle: For serving up that hearty winter soup recipes .
If you don't have a Dutch oven, don't sweat it. A large pot will do the trick. You got this! And you can find lots of Minestrone soup variations with this basic setup.
Get Your Slurp On: The Easiest Ditalini & Vegetable Soup Recipe Ever!
Okay, so you fancy a ditalini pasta soup recipe ? Ditch the ready meals. This Italian vegetable soup is so easy.
Even if you’re, like, totally rubbish in the kitchen. Honestly, if I can make it, anyone can! Think of it as minestrone's laid back cousin.
Less rules, more flavour! I always keep the ingredients on hand for a quick weeknight soup when I'm too knackered to think.
Ready in under an hour. Let's get cracking!
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Bits & Bobs
Firstly, get your "mise en place" sorted. Basically, chop all the veg. That's the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini. Mince the garlic.
Get the tinned tomatoes and cannellini bean soup recipe ingredients ready. Organisation is key, darling! That's how you save time.
Always wash your veg first. Duh!
How to Make Magic: step-by-step Guide
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a big pot.
- Chuck in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5- 7 minutes , until they soften up a bit.
- Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano , 0.5 teaspoon dried basil , and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1 minute . The smell? Divine!
- Pour in 8 cups of vegetable broth . Add a 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes . Don't drain them, you need that juice!. Also add 1 15-ounce can of cannellini beans , rinsed. Bring it to a boil. Then turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes .
- Add 1 cup of ditalini pasta . Cook for 8- 10 minutes , until it's al dente. That means it's cooked through but still has a slight bite. Nobody likes mushy pasta!.
- Stir in 1 cup chopped zucchini and 1 cup chopped spinach . Cook for another 3- 5 minutes . Until those veggies are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste it! Add more if you fancy. Serve with parsley and parmesan!.
Pro Secrets: Level Up Your Soup Game
Want to make your vegetarian ditalini soup extra special? Lightly toast the ditalini in a dry pan first. This gives it a nutty flavour and stops it from going soggy.
Common mistake? Overcooking the pasta. It should be al dente! This hearty winter soup recipes is brilliant the next day.
The flavours have had time to get to know each other. You could make a big batch on Sunday and have it for lunches all week! Plus, it's a great pasta e fagioli alternative .
Enjoy!.
Recipe Notes for Your Delightful Soup with Ditalini Pasta
Okay, so you're about to dive into this Ditalini pasta soup recipe . Awesome! But before you get started, let's chat a bit about some things I've learned while making this soup 'cause honestly, cooking isn't always sunshine and rainbows, you know?
I've had my fair share of "Oh my gosh, what have I done?" moments.
What’s On Your Plate? Plating and Presentation Ideas
Presentation matters, even with easy soup recipes for beginners ! I love serving this soup with small pasta shapes in rustic bowls.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of ricotta cheese really elevate the look. Got some crusty bread? Dunk it! For drinks, I usually stick to water or, if I'm feeling fancy, a crisp white wine.
You can also use a bit of olive oil to add to the beauty of this Italian vegetable soup .
Cool It Down: Storage Tips
This hearty winter soup recipes is great for meal prepping, honestly. I've had it in the fridge for up to 3 days and it's fine! Just pop it in an airtight container.
For freezing, let it cool completely first. Don't overcook the pasta initially , as it can get mushy upon reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Remix Time: Variations to Make It Your Own
Feeling adventurous? Let's talk variations. Want to ditch the gluten? No probs! Just swap the ditalini for a gluten-free version or even quinoa.
For a Vegetarian ditalini soup , make sure you’re using vegetable broth, not chicken. You can change up the vegetables to suit the season.
In autumn, butternut squash would be amaze. You might want to include some Kale. The flavor change makes it a great Minestrone soup variations option
Nutri Bomb: Nutrition Basics
Okay, I'm no nutritionist, but this soup is packed with good stuff. We’re talking fiber from the beans and veggies, vitamins from the tomatoes, and a good dose of carbs for energy.
It is a great Cannellini bean soup recipe ! It's relatively low in fat and calories, especially if you use low-sodium broth.
Plus, all those veggies are great for your immune system. Perfect as a Pasta e fagioli alternative
So there you have it! A few extra notes to help you nail this quick weeknight soup . Honestly, don't stress too much about following the recipe exactly .
Cooking should be fun. Now get in the kitchen and whip up some magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup with ditalini pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is actually even better the next day. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight in the fridge, like a fine wine getting better with age. Just be aware that the pasta will absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add a little extra liquid when reheating.
What other veggies can I throw into this ditalini soup?
Think of this soup as a "clean out the fridge" kind of meal! Almost any vegetable works well. Bell peppers, green beans, peas, corn, and potatoes are all fantastic additions. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable harder veggies like potatoes will need to be added earlier.
How can I make this soup with ditalini pasta vegetarian or vegan?
It's already vegetarian friendly! To make it vegan, ensure your vegetable broth is truly vegan (some contain honey) and skip the Parmesan cheese garnish. You could add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor alternative, it's like a vegan's secret weapon.
Is there a trick to keeping the ditalini from getting mushy in the soup?
Definitely! Overcooked pasta is the bane of a good soup. First, add the ditalini according to package directions and cook al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite. Secondly, if you are planning to make the soup ahead of time, you might consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to the soup just before serving to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid.
Can I freeze this soup with ditalini pasta?
Freezing soup with pasta can be tricky as the pasta can get a bit mushy upon thawing. For best results, undercook the ditalini slightly before adding it to the soup if you plan to freeze it. Alternatively, freeze the soup without the pasta and then cook the ditalini separately when you're ready to reheat.
It's a bit more work, but worth it for the texture!
I don't have ditalini. What else can I use for this soup with ditalini pasta recipe?
No ditalini? No worries! Any small pasta shape will work just fine. Think elbow macaroni, small shells, or even orzo. The key is to choose a shape that will cook relatively quickly and not overpower the soup. Basically, anything that won't turn your lovely soup into a pasta bake!
Hearty Ditalini Vegetable Soup Minestroneish Del
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 8g |