Go Back

Alphabet Soup

Alphabet soup is the ultimate comfort food that transforms simple ingredients into a bowl of nostalgia and warmth. This classic dish combines tender pasta letters, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth for a quick and nutritious meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Course: Light Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Calories: 145
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup alphabet pasta
  • 1 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon or ladle
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Colander (optional, for draining pasta)

Method
 

  1. Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a large pot and heat over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables soften and onions become translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  4. Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the can of diced tomatoes with their juice, dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine.
  6. Sprinkle in 1 cup of alphabet pasta and stir to prevent sticking.
  7. Simmer the soup uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender but not mushy.
  8. Add 1 cup of fresh spinach and stir for about 1 minute until wilted into the broth.
  9. Remove soup from heat, garnish with 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Add pasta separately in a bowl of water before stirring into the soup if planning to store leftovers to prevent mushiness. Adjust salt to taste; use fresh herbs like basil or thyme at the end for extra flavor. Serve with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches for best experience.