I absolutely love this Alphabet Soup with Vegetables and Noodles Recipe because it hits all the cozy comfort food notes while sneaking in a good dose of veggies. It’s one of those dishes that just warms you up from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you want something light but still satisfying. The combination of tender vegetables, flavorful broth, and those fun little alphabet noodles makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
You’ll find that this soup is incredibly versatile and easy to make, especially if you want something quick but still homemade. When I first tried this recipe, I was impressed by how the Italian seasoning and tomato paste added just the right depth without overpowering the delicate veggies and noodles. Plus, it’s a great way to get creative—add your favorite proteins or swap in fresh or frozen veggies depending on what you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: This recipe comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Friendly: The alphabet noodles turn soup time into a fun, interactive experience especially for kids.
- Flexible Ingredients: Easily swap veggies or add proteins to tailor it to your taste or pantry.
- Nutritious and Comforting: You get a wholesome meal full of vitamins and makes for satisfying, warm comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Alphabet Soup with Vegetables and Noodles Recipe are straightforward and easy to find, yet they work beautifully together to build layers of flavor and nourishing goodness. When picking your veggies, fresh or frozen both work great—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Olive oil: I prefer extra virgin for best flavor, but any neutral oil works.
- Carrot: Gives a subtle sweetness and vibrant color—fresh and firm is best.
- Celery: Adds a nice aromatic crunch and depth.
- Onion: Use yellow or white; dicing finely helps it cook evenly.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic wakes up the whole soup, don’t skimp on it.
- Beef broth (reduced sodium): Adds rich flavor but keeps sodium in check.
- Water: Balances the broth so it’s not too intense.
- Canned diced tomatoes with juices: Brings acidity and a bit of sweetness.
- Tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor for a fuller taste.
- Potato: Adds heartiness and a creamy texture when diced small.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that lifts the flavor with herbs you probably have on hand.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to season to your liking.
- Alphabet noodles (uncooked): These make the soup fun and nostalgic—feel free to substitute small pasta shapes if you prefer.
Variations
One of the best things about this Alphabet Soup with Vegetables and Noodles Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often tweak it based on what my family is craving or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative!
- Adding Protein: I’ve tossed in cooked ground beef or shredded chicken to make it a heartier meal—works like a charm and the family loves the extra bite.
- Vegetable Swaps: Sometimes I swap the potato for sweet potato or add zucchini and spinach for extra freshness.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika adds great warmth.
- Make it Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of beef and skip the meat for a delicious veggie-only option.
How to Make Alphabet Soup with Vegetables and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Veggies for That Perfect Base
Start by heating the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. Stir them around until the onion softens and becomes translucent—it usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step is important because it builds the foundation of flavor for your soup, so don’t rush it or let the garlic burn.
Step 2: Bring It All Together with Broth and Tomatoes
Next, pour in the beef broth and water, then add your canned diced tomatoes with their juices and the tomato paste. Stir well to combine everything. Toss in the diced potatoes and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. This gives the potatoes time to soften and all the flavors to marry beautifully.
Step 3: Alphabet Noodles – The Fun Finale
Once your veggies are tender, add the uncooked alphabet noodles straight to the pot. Stir and let them cook for 7-8 minutes until they’re al dente—meaning they should be soft but still have a little bite. Keep an eye on the pot to make sure the noodles don’t overcook and become mushy. And that’s it—your Alphabet Soup with Vegetables and Noodles Recipe is ready to enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Alphabet Soup with Vegetables and Noodles Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: I learned this the hard way—adding noodles at the end and cooking just until tender keeps them from getting mushy.
- Use Reduced Sodium Broth: It lets you control salt better and avoid an overly salty soup as the flavors concentrate.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add whatever you have—this soup is forgiving and welcomes your creativity.
- Simmer Gently: Maintain a light simmer so everything cooks evenly without breaking apart the vegetables.
How to Serve Alphabet Soup with Vegetables and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top my soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a little grated Parmesan cheese—it instantly brightens the flavor and feels extra special. Sometimes I add a crack of fresh black pepper or a few red pepper flakes if I want a subtle kick. These garnishes are simple but really elevate the dish.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this Alphabet Soup with Vegetables and Noodles Recipe are crusty garlic bread or a warm grilled cheese sandwich. The bread soaks up the broth perfectly, and the sandwich adds a nice cheesy complement that turns the meal into pure comfort heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or when serving kiddos, I’ve served the soup in mini bread bowls or colorful bowls with a fun napkin. You can even stir in some tiny meatballs or swirl in a dollop of pesto to jazz it up visually and flavor-wise. Presentation can make delivery of this comforting soup even more memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Because the noodles continue to soak up the broth, the soup thickens, so I always add a splash of water or broth when reheating to bring back that perfect soup consistency.
Freezing
I’ve found that freezing this soup works best if you undercook the noodles slightly before freezing. When you thaw and reheat, the noodles won’t turn mushy. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of water or broth if necessary to loosen up the soup. Microwaving works too—just stir every minute or so to ensure even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use vegetable broth instead of beef broth in this alphabet soup with vegetables and noodles recipe?
Absolutely! Using vegetable broth is a great way to make this soup vegetarian or vegan-friendly. It may change the flavor profile slightly, but with the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, the soup still packs plenty of deliciousness.
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What’s the best way to keep the alphabet noodles from getting mushy?
The trick is to add the noodles towards the end of cooking and cook them just until al dente. If you plan to store leftovers, consider undercooking the noodles slightly; they’ll finish cooking when reheated without becoming mushy.
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Can I add meat to this alphabet soup with vegetables and noodles recipe?
Yes! This soup is very flexible—you can add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or mini meatballs to boost protein and make it a more substantial meal. Just add them after the vegetables have simmered and before adding the noodles.
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Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Definitely! Fresh vegetables will bring a brighter flavor and a bit more texture. Just adjust the simmering time slightly since fresh veggies might cook faster than frozen ones.
Final Thoughts
This Alphabet Soup with Vegetables and Noodles Recipe is one I always keep in my regular rotation because it’s comforting, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, yet flexible enough to suit whatever ingredients you have in the kitchen. I really hope you give it a try—it’s the kind of recipe that makes even the simplest dinner feel special, and I bet you’ll love sharing it with your family as much as I do with mine.
PrintAlphabet Soup with Vegetables and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and classic Alphabet Soup featuring savory beef broth, fresh vegetables, and fun alphabet noodles, perfect for a family-friendly meal that’s both nutritious and easy to make.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 rib celery, sliced
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 potato, diced
Liquids & Broth
- 5 cups beef broth, reduced sodium
- 1 cup water
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings & Pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup alphabet noodles, uncooked
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté the mixture until the onion begins to soften, releasing its aroma and flavors.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the reduced sodium beef broth, water, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato paste. Add the diced potato and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the uncooked alphabet noodles to the soup and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the noodles reach al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup hot as a nourishing and fun meal.
Notes
- Fresh vegetables can be substituted for frozen vegetables if preferred.
- For added protein, cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or mini meatballs can be included.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 121
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 332mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg