Penne soup is a comfort food that combines the heartiness of pasta with the warmth and flavor of a savory broth. It’s an easy-to-make, cozy dish that’s perfect for any time of the year, but especially during chilly days when you’re craving something satisfying and soul-soothing. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, penne soup can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means minimal cleanup – always a win.
The beauty of penne soup lies in its versatility. You can take the basic recipe and build on it with different herbs, spices, proteins, or even veggies. It’s a blank canvas that lets you get creative, making it as hearty or as light as you prefer. The satisfying combination of penne pasta with a rich, flavorful broth is sure to become a family favorite once you try it.
Penne Soup Recipe
Now, let’s dive into the recipe itself. It’s simple yet packs a punch with its bold flavors. You can easily tweak it depending on what you have on hand or what flavor profile you’re aiming for. Here’s a tried-and-tested recipe that will deliver a hearty, flavorful soup in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients Needed
- Penne Pasta (about 1 cup) – This is the base of the soup, offering that familiar pasta texture.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – For sautéing the veggies and adding a rich base flavor.
- Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced) – Brings in a beautiful aromatic foundation that complements almost any soup.
- Onion (1 medium, diced) – Adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
- Carrot (1 large, sliced) – A pop of color and sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped) – A must for a well-rounded soup with some crunchy texture.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, about 14 oz) – A touch of acidity and a juicy base that helps flavor the broth.
- Vegetable or Chicken Broth (4 cups) – The liquid that binds everything together, creating a hearty and satisfying base.
- Spinach (2 cups fresh or 1 cup frozen) – For added greens and nutritional value. You can also use kale or another leafy green.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional, for garnish) – Adds richness and a savory finish.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste) – The simplest way to bring everything into balance.
Cooking Instructions
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Sauté The Aromatics
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Once it’s warm, add the diced onions and cook for about 3 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, making sure it becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn.
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Add The Veggies
Stir in the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so they begin to soften and release their natural sweetness.
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Incorporate The Tomatoes
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, juice included, and let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes. The acidity from the tomatoes will start to break down some of the other flavors, setting the stage for the broth.
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Pour In The Broth And Seasoning
Add the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
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Add The Penne Pasta
Once the broth has simmered and the flavors are coming together, add the penne pasta to the pot. Stir to make sure the pasta is well-covered by the liquid. Cook the soup according to the pasta package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes), until the penne is al dente.
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Finish With Spinach
About 2 minutes before the pasta is done, stir in the spinach. It will wilt quickly, adding a beautiful green color and nutritional value.
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Taste And Adjust
Give the soup a taste test. Depending on your preferences, you may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
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Serve And Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the cozy, flavorful bowl of goodness.
Ingredient Insights
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Penne Pasta
Penne pasta is slightly tube-shaped, which allows it to absorb the soup’s flavors better than some other pasta shapes. It holds up well during cooking without turning mushy, making it ideal for soups.
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Olive Oil
Olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cooking, known for its heart-healthy fats and rich, slightly fruity taste. It serves as the perfect cooking medium for sautéing the vegetables and garlic at the beginning.
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Garlic And Onion
These two aromatics form the base of many savory dishes and are a great way to infuse the soup with a layered depth of flavor. Garlic brings a sharp, earthy flavor while onion adds a mild sweetness.
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Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes give the broth a tangy, savory richness. They also contribute to the soup’s color, making it visually appealing as well as flavorful. You can substitute fresh tomatoes, but canned ones are convenient and work just as well.
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Spinach
Spinach wilts down to almost nothing, but it adds essential vitamins (like A, C, and K), minerals (like iron), and a lovely green color. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
Expert Tips
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Customize Your Broth
If you’re looking to elevate your soup, consider using homemade broth or adding a splash of white wine to the base for added depth. A dash of balsamic vinegar right before serving can also enhance the flavor profile.
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Make It Creamy
For a creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This will give the soup a velvety texture that’s rich without being too heavy.
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Add Protein
If you want to make the soup more filling, consider adding a protein source. Grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or even some cannellini beans would complement the dish well.
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Don’t Overcook The Pasta
Pasta continues to cook in the soup after it’s off the heat, so be sure to cook it al dente. Otherwise, it might become mushy as it absorbs the broth.
Recipe Variations
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Vegetarian Version
Use vegetable broth and skip the meat or add beans for protein. You can also try roasted vegetables or even tofu for added texture.
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Spicy Penne Soup
Add some crushed red pepper flakes, fresh chili peppers, or a bit of hot sauce to bring some heat to the soup. Pairing spicy with creamy elements, like adding a swirl of sour cream or yogurt before serving, creates a wonderful balance.
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Italian Sausage Penne Soup
Brown some Italian sausage before adding the vegetables to the pot for a meaty version. The sausage adds a robust, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the pasta and broth.
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Penne Soup With Pesto
For an Italian twist, stir in some pesto at the end of cooking. It gives the soup a fresh, herbaceous flavor and pairs wonderfully with the tomatoes and spinach.
Final Words
This penne soup recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. It’s ideal for those nights when you need something comforting yet easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a whole family, this dish can easily be scaled up or down to suit your needs. It’s also highly customizable, which means you can make it your own and experiment with different ingredients until you find your perfect version.
Soup is such a versatile dish, and with the addition of penne pasta, it becomes a meal that fills you up without feeling too heavy. You can make it lighter by adjusting the ingredients or heavier by adding more protein. No matter how you make it, this recipe will always be a comforting go-to.
FAQs
What Is A Basic Penne Soup Recipe?
A basic penne soup recipe typically includes penne pasta, vegetables (such as onions, carrots, celery, and tomatoes), broth (chicken, vegetable, or beef), garlic, olive oil, and seasonings like basil, oregano, and salt. The pasta is cooked in the broth, allowing it to absorb the flavors and create a hearty, comforting soup.
Can I Make Penne Soup Without Meat?
Yes, penne soup can be made vegetarian by omitting any meat and using vegetable broth as the base. You can also add plant-based protein sources such as beans, tofu, or lentils to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
How Do I Prevent The Penne Pasta From Getting Too Soft In The Soup?
To prevent the penne from becoming too soft, it’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving. This way, the pasta won’t overcook and lose its texture. Alternatively, cook the pasta in the soup for a shorter time, ensuring it retains a firm bite.
What Vegetables Are Best For Penne Soup?
Common vegetables used in penne soup include carrots, celery, onions, spinach, zucchini, and tomatoes. You can also add kale, peas, or bell peppers depending on your personal preferences. The vegetables should be chopped into small pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Pasta Instead Of Penne?
Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes such as elbow macaroni, farfalle, or rigatoni. Just be mindful that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and shape of the pasta you choose.
Can I Make Penne Soup Ahead Of Time?
Yes, penne soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, if you plan to store the soup for an extended period, it is best to keep the pasta separate from the soup base and combine them when reheating to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
How Can I Add More Flavor To Penne Soup?
You can enhance the flavor of penne soup by adding herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, or red pepper flakes for heat. Additionally, adding a splash of vinegar, lemon juice, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking can elevate the flavor profile.
Is It Possible To Make A Creamy Penne Soup?
Yes, a creamy penne soup can be made by adding heavy cream, half-and-half, or milk to the soup toward the end of cooking. You can also blend a portion of the soup to create a thicker, creamier texture or add cheese such as Parmesan or mozzarella.
What Is The Best Type Of Broth For Penne Soup?
The best type of broth for penne soup depends on the flavor profile you want. Chicken broth offers a savory and mild base, while vegetable broth is ideal for a vegetarian version. Beef broth provides a richer, heartier taste. You can also use homemade broth for the best flavor.
Can I Freeze Penne Soup?
Yes, penne soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, it’s recommended to freeze the soup without the pasta and add it later when reheating, as the pasta may become mushy when frozen and reheated. Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.