There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about a warm bowl of Alphabet Soup, right? This Alphabet Soup Recipe is one I keep coming back to—not just because of the playful noodles but because it’s genuinely delicious and packed with wholesome vegetables. It’s perfect on a chilly day when you want something easy that hugs you from the inside out.
What I love most is how simple it is to pull together, but it still tastes like you spent hours simmering it. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver weeknight soup that the whole family goes crazy for, and I bet you’ll find yourself making it over and over again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic & Fun: The alphabet noodles make it playful and perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find pantry staples that come together quickly for busy days.
- Customizable: You can easily add meat or extra veggies to make it your own.
- Comfort in a Bowl: It’s hearty but not heavy, ideal for warming you up any time you need a cozy meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Alphabet Soup Recipe plays a role in lending flavor and heartiness. I always grab fresh veggies when I can—they make all the difference in the natural sweetness and texture!
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds a silky base for sautéing your veggies.
- Carrot: Adds a subtle sweetness and bright color, sliced thin for quicker cooking.
- Celery: Provides that classic soup fragrance and a bit of crunch before it softens.
- Onion: I use yellow onion for its sweetness once sautéed; diced finely to blend perfectly.
- Garlic: Minced garlic wakes up the soup with a punch of aroma and depth.
- Beef broth (reduced sodium): Low-sodium means you control the saltiness better while still getting rich flavor.
- Water: Balances out the broth for a lighter soup.
- Canned diced tomatoes with juices: Adds acidity, tang, and body to the broth.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the soup’s taste.
- Potato: Diced small, it softens and adds comforting starchiness.
- Italian seasoning: A nice blend of herbs that gives the soup its savory background.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust these to your preference to bring out the flavors.
- Alphabet noodles (uncooked): The star of the show—fun, quick-cooking pasta that’s perfect for soups.
Variations
This Alphabet Soup Recipe is totally flexible—over the years, I’ve played with it a lot, tweaking based on what’s in my fridge or what mood I’m in. Don’t hesitate to put your spin on it!
- Add Protein: I sometimes stir in cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or even mini meatballs to turn it into a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth instead of beef to keep it meat-free without losing flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Extra diced zucchini, spinach, or peas sneak in more nutrients and color.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth if you like a little heat.
How to Make Alphabet Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Base Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the sliced carrot, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic, and sauté everything until the onion softens—this usually takes about 5 minutes. You want the veggies to start releasing their natural sweetness but not get too brown or mushy at this stage.
Step 2: Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Seasonings
Next, pour in the beef broth and water, then stir in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices and tomato paste. Add the diced potato along with the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.
Step 3: Cook the Alphabet Noodles
Finally, stir in a cup of alphabet noodles and cook for another 7-8 minutes, or until the noodles are just tender but still a little chewy—al dente is the goal here. Keep an eye on the soup so the noodles don’t overcook and get mushy. Once done, taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then it’s ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making Alphabet Soup Recipe
- Don’t Skip Sautéing: Sautéing those base veggies builds a richer flavor than throwing everything in the pot cold.
- Noodle Timing Is Key: Add noodles last and watch the time carefully to avoid them turning mushy.
- Use Reduced Sodium Broth: This lets you control the saltiness better, especially with canned tomatoes which can be salty too.
- Customize Boldly: Don’t be afraid to toss in your favorite leftover veggies or proteins to personalize your soup.
How to Serve Alphabet Soup Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this alphabet soup, I love to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top—it adds a fresh pop and vibrant color. Sometimes a little grated Parmesan gives a nice salty kick and creamy finish. If you’re feeling indulgent, a dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice really brightens it up.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up all the flavorful broth. For a light meal, I like tossing a simple side salad with vinaigrette. Or for a cozy family dinner, some cheesy grilled sandwiches are the perfect match.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or to delight kids at a party, I’ve served Alphabet Soup in mini bread bowls, which makes it extra fun and festive! Another time, I added edible flowers as garnishes for a pretty pop at a brunch gathering. Getting creative with how you serve it turns an everyday meal into a little celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Alphabet Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste better the next day! Just keep the soup slightly thicker, as noodles soak up liquid as it rests.
Freezing
Freezing Alphabet Soup is totally doable, but I recommend adding the alphabet noodles fresh when reheating rather than freezing them cooked—they tend to get mushy otherwise. Freeze the soup base in a sealed container for up to 3 months, then boil fresh pasta while reheating the soup.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened up too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back to your preferred consistency. If adding fresh noodles, cook them separately and combine just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I make this Alphabet Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap out the beef broth for vegetable broth, and skip any meat additions. It still turns out flavorful and satisfying thanks to the vegetables and Italian seasoning.
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What’s the best way to avoid mushy noodles?
Adding the noodles last and cooking them for the right amount of time is key. Watch the pot closely once you stir in the pasta, and remove from heat as soon as they’re tender but still firm—al dente is perfect!
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Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! This soup is versatile—try zucchini, spinach, peas, or green beans. Just add them according to how long each takes to cook so everything stays perfectly tender.
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How long does it take to make this soup?
The total time is about 40 minutes, with 15 minutes prep and 25 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and easy meal for busy days or when you want comforting homemade soup fast.
Final Thoughts
This Alphabet Soup Recipe really feels like a warm hug in a bowl to me—and I hope it becomes one for you too. Whether you’re cooking for your kids, looking for a simple weeknight meal, or craving a bit of comforting nostalgia, this soup delivers every time. Grab those alphabet noodles and some fresh veggies, and enjoy making this lovely classic your own!
Print
Alphabet Soup 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 hearty Alphabet Soup made with fresh vegetables, savory beef broth, and fun alphabet noodles. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for family dinners and can be customized with your choice of protein or vegetables.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 rib celery, sliced
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 potato, diced
Broth and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 cups beef broth, reduced sodium
- 1 cup water
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Seasonings & Others
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup alphabet noodles, uncooked
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the beef broth, water, canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato paste. Add the diced potato and Italian seasoning. Stir well, then bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
- Cook the noodles: Add the uncooked alphabet noodles to the simmering soup. Continue to cook for 7-8 minutes or until the noodles are cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- Fresh vegetables can be used instead of frozen for a fresher taste and texture.
- Add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or mini meatballs for added protein and heartiness.
- Adjust the amount of broth or water to reach your preferred soup consistency.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat additions.
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
