30-Minute Homemade Alphabet Soup - Tender alphabet pasta in a tomato flavored broth with a variety of vegetables including carrots, corn, peas, and green beans. So much BETTER than the canned store bought alternatives that many of us grew up with! A one pot EASY recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Soup
Servings: 4
Calories: 356kcal
Author: Averie Sunshine
Ingredients
2tablespoonsolive oil
1medium yellow oniondiced small
2celery stalkstrimmed and diced small
3garlic clovesfinely minced
10-ouncebag frozen mixed vegetablescarrots, corn, peas, green beans, or similar (thawing not required)
2tablespoonstomato paste
2teaspoonsItalian seasoning
1teaspoondried thymeor 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons fresh
1teaspoondried oreganoor 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons fresh
1teaspoondried basilor 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons fresh
1teaspoonkosher saltplus more to taste if desired
1teaspoonfreshly ground black pepperor to taste
14-ouncecan petite diced tomatoesdo not drain
32ounceslow-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
1or 2 bay leaves
1cupdry alphabet pasta
1tablespoonlemon juice
Fresh parsleyminced; optional for garnishing
Freshly grated Parmesan cheeseoptional for serving
Instructions
To a large Dutch oven or soup pot, add the olive oil, onion, celery, and saute over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are beginning to soften; stir frequently.
Add the garlic, and cook for 1 minutes; stir constantly.
Add the frozen vegetables, tomato paste, thyme, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and stir to combine.
Add the canned tomatoes, broth, bay leaves, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so that the mixture is simmering, and simmer for 7 to 8 minutes.
Add the pasta and cook for about 7 to 9 minutes; do not overcook.
Add the lemon juice, remove the bay leaves, and taste the soup. Tips - If it tastes at all flat or boring, I suggest adding more salt, potentially quite a bit more. If the salt balance is fine, but it still needs "something" you can also try adding a bit more of any of the herbs (thyme, oregano, or basil).
Optionally garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with Parmesan cheese, optionally, or as desired. Leftover soup will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 minutes; reheat gently in the microwave. Tips - The alphabet pasta will continue to absorb broth as leftover soup sits in the fridge so don't be surprised if it looks like the broth "disappeared". You can always add a bit more, if desired, to your leftovers and more salt/pepper/seasonings if desired.