Easy Vegetable Soup with Pasta Recipe :30-Minute Healthy Dinner Idea

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Looking for quick dinner ideas that won’t leave you standing over the stove for hours? This Vegetable Soup with Pasta is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers! Packed with colorful vegetables, tender mini shell pasta, and topped with a vibrant herb infusion, this soup transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, need cheap dinners for a family, or just want healthy dinner ideas that actually taste amazing, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Vegetable Soup Recipe

This isn’t your average vegetable soup. While most recipes stop at basic broth and veggies, this one features a game-changing almond and parsley infusion that adds incredible depth and freshness. It’s the kind of dinner idea that works for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or lazy dinners when you want something nourishing without the fuss.

Here’s what makes it special:

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
• Budget-friendly: Uses affordable pantry staples and seasonal vegetables
• Kid-friendly: The mini pasta shells make it fun for little ones
• Nutritious: Loaded with vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein
• Customizable: Swap veggies based on what you have on hand
• Meal prep friendly: Tastes even better the next day

At around 150 calories per serving, this soup is light yet satisfying, making it perfect for healthy dinner ideas that don’t sacrifice flavor.

Essential Equipment You’ll Need

To make this delicious vegetable soup, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. A large, heavy pot is essential for building flavors and cooking everything evenly. You’ll also need a food processor to create the signature herb infusion that makes this soup truly special. A good cutting board and sharp chef’s knife will make chopping your vegetables quick and safe, while measuring cups and spoons ensure perfect proportions every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup Base

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Olive oil	3 tablespoons	Extra virgin for best flavor
Yellow onion	1 cup diced	About 1 medium onion
Carrots	1 cup diced	2-3 large carrots
Celery	3/4 cup diced	2-3 stalks
Mini shell pasta	1 cup uncooked	Can substitute ditalini or orzo
Garlic	1 tablespoon minced	About 3 cloves
Italian seasoning	1 teaspoon	Or use dried basil and oregano
Vegetable stock	32 ounces	4 cups, low-sodium preferred
Salt and pepper	To taste	Season generously

For the Herb Infusion

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Whole almonds	1/4 cup	Roasted and lightly salted
Fresh parsley	1 bunch	Flat-leaf variety
Garlic	1 teaspoon minced	Fresh is best
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	Extra virgin
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon	Freshly squeezed
Parmesan cheese	Optional	For serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (you’ll see it move easily across the pan), add your diced onion, carrots, and celery. This classic combination, known as mirepoix, forms the flavor foundation of your soup. Season with about 3/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

Sauté the vegetables for 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is crisp-tender vegetables they should be softened but still have a slight bite. If you notice any browning, reduce your heat slightly. Taking the time to properly soften these vegetables is crucial for developing rich, sweet flavors in your soup.

Step 2: Add Pasta and Aromatics

Add the uncooked mini shell pasta and minced garlic directly to the pot with your vegetables. Sauté, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute. This brief toasting step adds a subtle nutty flavor to the pasta and ensures the garlic is fragrant without burning.

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then pour in all 4 cups of vegetable stock. Using your kitchen utensils, stir everything together and bring the soup to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Once boiling, let the soup cook uncovered for 6-9 minutes, or until the pasta shells reach al dente texture tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of your pot.

Step 4: Prepare the Herb Infusion

While the pasta is cooking, make the star of this recipe the herb infusion! Add the whole almonds to your food processor and pulse several times to break them into small pieces. Be careful not to over-process, or you’ll end up with almond butter instead of texture.

Once the almonds are in small pieces, add coarsely chopped parsley (about 1 bunch), minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon). Pulse everything together until you have a pesto-like mixture with a beautiful green color and chunky texture. The almonds add richness, the parsley brings freshness, and the lemon juice provides brightness.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once your pasta is perfectly al dente, remove the pot from the heat. Stir the herb infusion directly into the hot soup, distributing it evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with thick slices of warm, buttered bread for dipping. Heaven in a bowl!

Pro Tips for the Best Vegetable Soup

Don’t rush the vegetables: Taking the full 7-9 minutes to properly soften your onions, carrots, and celery makes all the difference. This is where the soup builds its sweet, savory foundation.

Toast your pasta: That 1-minute sauté of the dry pasta adds a subtle nutty note that elevates the entire dish.

Make the infusion fresh: The herb infusion loses its vibrant color and flavor if made too far in advance. Whip it up while the pasta cooks for maximum impact.

Watch your pasta: Different brands and sizes cook at different rates. Start checking at 6 minutes to avoid mushy noodles.

Customize your vegetables: This recipe is incredibly flexible. Add zucchini, green beans, peas, or spinach based on what’s in your fridge.

Save some infusion: Reserve a tablespoon or two of the herb mixture to drizzle on top of each bowl for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water when reheating. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

For best results, store the herb infusion separately if you’re meal prepping. This keeps the bright green color and fresh flavor intact. Just stir it in when you reheat individual portions.

Variations to Try

Protein boost: Add white beans, chickpeas, or cooked chicken for extra protein and heartiness.

Grain swap: Replace pasta with quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a different texture.

Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the garlic for heat.

Creamy style: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for richness.

Italian twist: Add a can of diced tomatoes and some fresh basil for a minestrone-style soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Frozen mixed vegetables work great and save prep time. Just add them at the same point as fresh vegetables, but they may need a minute or two less cooking time since they’re already blanched.

What if I don’t have mini shells?
Any small pasta shape works beautifully try ditalini, orzo, elbow macaroni, or broken spaghetti. Adjust cooking time based on package directions.

Can I make this soup ahead?
Absolutely! The soup actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld. However, make the herb infusion fresh when serving for the best taste and color.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the soup base without the herb infusion for up to 3 months. Note that pasta can get mushy after freezing, so consider cooking fresh pasta when reheating if texture is important to you.

Can I use vegetable broth instead of stock?
Yes, they’re interchangeable! Broth tends to be lighter and thinner, while stock is typically richer and more concentrated. Both work well in this recipe.

What can I substitute for almonds?
Walnuts, cashews, or pine nuts all work beautifully in the herb infusion. Each brings its own unique flavor profile to the soup.

Why This Recipe Works for Dinner Ideas

When you’re searching for dinner ideas for family gatherings or easy weeknight dinners after a long day, this vegetable soup with pasta delivers on every level. It’s one of those supper ideas that pleases everyone from toddlers to grandparents. The mini shells make it fun and kid-friendly, while the sophisticated herb infusion satisfies adult palates.

As far as cheap dinners for a family go, this recipe is incredibly economical. Most ingredients are pantry staples, and vegetables are budget-friendly year-round. You’re looking at less than $10 to feed a family of four now that’s a win!

For busy parents seeking lazy dinners that don’t sacrifice nutrition, this soup is your new best friend. With just 30 minutes of hands-on time and one pot to clean, it’s the definition of low-effort, high-reward cooking. Plus, the leftovers make fantastic lunches throughout the week.

Equipment Recommendations

Having the right tools makes cooking this soup even easier. Here are our top recommendations:

• Heavy-Duty Pots – Essential for even heat distribution
• Food Processor – Makes the herb infusion in seconds
• Cutting Board – For safe, efficient vegetable prep
• Chef’s Knives – Makes chopping vegetables a breeze
• Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – For accurate measurements
• Mixing Bowls – Perfect for prep work
• Kitchen Utensils – For stirring and serving

Final Thoughts

This Vegetable Soup with Pasta is more than just a recipe it’s your solution to healthy dinner ideas that actually work for real life. It’s proof that quick dinner ideas don’t have to be boring or bland. With its vibrant vegetables, comforting pasta, and that incredible herb infusion, this soup turns simple ingredients into something memorable.

Whether you’re adding it to your rotation of kid-friendly dinners or your list of go-to dinner dishes for chilly evenings, this soup will quickly become a household favorite. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and delicious everything a great dinner should be.

So grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to enjoy one of the best dinner ideas recipes you’ll make all week. Your family will thank you!

Print

If you found this recipe helpful, feel free to check out the kitchen equipment below. Click on any image to view and purchase the product through our Amazon affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep Deliciousavors.com running and bringing you great recipes!