There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to wrap you in comfort, especially on a chilly day. My favorite is this Tomato Basil Pasta Soup—it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of sautéed garlic and onions filled my kitchen, teasing my taste buds as I eagerly awaited the first taste. The sweet, tangy tomatoes meld perfectly with the fragrant basil, making each spoonful a delightful experience. And the pasta? It adds that hearty touch that makes the soup feel so satisfying. Trust me, once you try this comforting dish, you’ll be dreaming of it on cold nights too!
Ingredients for Tomato Basil Pasta Soup
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delicious Tomato Basil Pasta Soup:
- 2 cups diced tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they’ll bring that rich, tangy flavor.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves: Don’t skimp here; fresh basil is key for that aromatic kick!
- 1 cup pasta: Any shape you love works—penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti cut up.
- 4 cups vegetable broth: This is your soup’s base, so choose a flavorful one.
- 1 onion, chopped: For a sweet depth, sauté it until it’s nice and translucent.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Ah, the magic ingredient that brings everything together!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing your aromatics and adding richness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for that final seasoning touch.
How to Prepare Tomato Basil Pasta Soup
Making this Tomato Basil Pasta Soup is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious pot of warmth in no time. I promise, it’s worth the effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Let it warm up—this is where the magic begins!
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Wow, that smell!
- Next, stir in the diced tomatoes. Cook them down for about 5 minutes, letting their juices meld with the onions and garlic.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, and crank up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil. This is when the flavors really start to come together!
- Once boiling, toss in your chosen pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—don’t forget to stir occasionally!
- Finally, stir in the fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, and enjoy the cozy vibe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty and satisfying, thanks to the pasta and fresh ingredients.
- Flavorful blend of tomatoes and basil that brightens your day.
- Great for meal prep; just heat and enjoy later!
- Vegetarian-friendly and packed with nutrients!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Tomato Basil Pasta Soup turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use fresh basil; it elevates the flavor and aroma to another level—trust me, you’ll taste the difference! When cooking the pasta, keep an eye on it and aim for al dente; you don’t want it mushy in the soup. Also, feel free to customize the soup by adding veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. Lastly, don’t skimp on seasoning! A little salt and pepper can go a long way in enhancing those delicious flavors. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Tomato Basil Pasta Soup, I love serving it with a side of crusty bread—there’s nothing like dipping a warm slice into the soup to soak up all that deliciousness! A fresh garden salad pairs beautifully too, adding a nice crunch and balance to the meal. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the soup just before serving for an extra layer of flavor. Trust me, these sides will elevate your cozy soup experience to a whole new level!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Tomato Basil Pasta Soup is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it should be good for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, you can warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth if it thickens up too much—so easy and delicious!
Nutritional Information for Tomato Basil Pasta Soup
This Tomato Basil Pasta Soup is not only delicious but nutritious too! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates, and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy your healthy bowl of comfort!
FAQ About Tomato Basil Pasta Soup
Got questions about making the perfect Tomato Basil Pasta Soup? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few common ones I often hear:
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil brings a vibrant flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount.
What types of pasta work best?
You can really use any pasta shape you like! Short shapes like penne or shells hold the soup nicely, but if you prefer a long noodle, just break it into smaller pieces.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can toss in some spinach, zucchini, or even bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic for the best results.
How do I thicken the soup?
If you’d like a thicker texture, you can blend a portion of the soup after cooking or add a bit of tomato paste while simmering. Just adjust the seasoning afterward!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it’ll taste even better as the flavors meld together. Just reheat and enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For tips on cooking with tomatoes, visit Healthline for a comprehensive guide.
Print
Tomato Basil Pasta Soup: 5 Steps to Cozy Comfort
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty soup combining the flavors of tomatoes and basil with pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup pasta (any shape)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente.
- Stir in fresh basil, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
- Customize with your choice of pasta.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Tomato Basil Pasta Soup, soup, pasta soup, vegetarian soup