This Fideo Pasta Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Made with thin pasta, tasty broth, and a mix of veggies, it’s perfect for a cozy meal.
There’s something about slurping those little noodles that just makes me smile! I often top mine with a sprinkle of cheese for that extra yum—give it a try!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fideo Pasta: This is the star of the soup! If you can’t find fideo pasta, thin vermicelli or even broken spaghetti will work just fine. If you want a gluten-free option, try using rice noodles.
Broth: You can use either chicken or vegetable broth depending on your preference. If you want a richer flavor, try homemade broth. For a vegetarian option, stick with vegetable broth.
Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers add great flavor. You can substitute with leeks or shallots for onion and use any color of bell pepper. Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini or corn for more nutrition.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes bring a nice brightness. If they are out of season, canned diced tomatoes are a great alternative. You could also add a tablespoon of tomato paste for extra depth.
Potatoes: These add heartiness to the soup. If you want to keep things lighter, you can skip them or replace them with white beans.
How Do I Toast the Fideo Pasta Perfectly?
Toasting fideo pasta before adding it to the soup is important for enhancing its flavor and adds a lovely golden color. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the oil in your pot over medium heat.
- Add the fideo pasta and stir constantly for about 3-5 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Once it turns golden brown, quickly move to the next steps of the recipe.
This technique makes your soup extra delicious. Trust me, the effort is totally worth it!
How to Make Fideo Pasta Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup fideo pasta (thin vermicelli or broken spaghetti)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated cheese (such as queso fresco or cheddar), for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Fideo Pasta Soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20-25 minutes to cook. So, in just about 30-35 minutes, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of this warming soup. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. This step is important as it adds flavor to the soup right from the beginning.
2. Toast the Fideo Pasta:
Add the fideo pasta to the pot and toast it by stirring constantly for about 3-5 minutes, until it turns golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning!
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Now, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft, about 2 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Cook the Tomatoes:
Next, add the chopped tomatoes to the pot. Cook them for about 4 minutes until they begin to break down and release their juices. This will help to create a flavorful base for your soup.
5. Add Broth and Vegetables:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the diced potato and red bell pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer.
6. Season and Simmer:
Season your soup with salt, pepper, and ground cumin if you want that extra kick! Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pasta and potatoes are tender and cooked through.
7. Done!
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. If you like, sprinkle some grated cheese on top for that extra cheesy goodness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your delicious Fideo Pasta Soup warm! It’s the perfect comfort food that’s sure to make you feel cozy inside!
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you can’t find fideo pasta, thin vermicelli or even broken spaghetti works well. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so check for doneness as you go.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian. The addition of plenty of vegetables will enhance the flavor too!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen it up.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, corn, or carrots. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you add veggies that take longer to cook to ensure everything is tender and delicious.