10+ Italian Soup Recipes to Warm Your Soul
Italian soups are beloved for their rich flavors and hearty ingredients. There is a wide variety of recipes that you can easily prepare at home, making them perfect for any season. These comforting dishes not only warm you up on chilly days but also offer a taste of Italy’s culinary tradition.
From classic minestrone to savory pasta e fagioli, the options are endless. You can customize each soup to suit your taste, adding your favorite vegetables, meats, or pasta. These recipes are not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal with family and friends.
1) Classic Minestrone Soup
Classic minestrone soup is a comforting option perfect for any day. This soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, making it hearty and satisfying. You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand.
To make it vegan, skip the cheese on top. The flavors come together nicely with a blend of Italian herbs, adding a delightful taste. You can enjoy this soup in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (e.g., elbow)
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, zucchini, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook until the pasta is tender.
- Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Serve warm.
2) Italian Wedding Soup
Italian Wedding Soup is a warm and comforting dish that combines meatballs, greens, and pasta in a hearty broth. The flavors come together beautifully to make this soup a family favorite.
You can use small meatballs made of beef and pork. Adding spinach or other greens brings freshness and color to the mix. The tiny pasta, like acini de pepe, adds a nice texture and makes the soup more filling.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup acini de pepe pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Form small meatballs from the mixture.
- In a large pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
- Add meatballs and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and pasta, cooking until pasta is tender.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
3) Pasta e Fagioli
Pasta e Fagioli is a classic Italian soup that combines pasta and beans. This dish is not only filling but also packed with flavor. You will find it comforting, especially on chilly days.
The soup usually includes ingredients like tomatoes, vegetables, and herbs. You can make it with different types of beans, such as cannellini or kidney beans. Feel free to add your favorite vegetables for extra taste.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, beans, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 10 minutes before adding pasta.
- Simmer until pasta is tender, about 10 more minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Enjoy your soup!
4) Hearty Zuppa Toscana
Hearty Zuppa Toscana is a comforting Italian soup that warms you up on chilly days. This dish is packed with tender potatoes, flavorful Italian sausage, and fresh kale. The creamy broth makes it rich and delightful.
To make this soup, you can easily find the ingredients at your local store. It combines a perfect mix of flavor and texture that everyone will love. You can serve it as a main dish or as a starter.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat.
- Add the diced potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
- Stir in the kale and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
5) Rustic Ribollita
Rustic Ribollita is a hearty Italian soup that warms you up on chilly days. It’s packed with vegetables, beans, and bread, making it filling and nutritious. This dish originates from Tuscany and is known for its simple, yet flavorful ingredients.
You can use various types of beans, like cannellini or navy beans. Adding day-old bread helps thicken the soup, giving it a unique texture.
Feel free to mix in leftover vegetables or meats you have on hand for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of chopped kale or Swiss chard
- 1 can of cannellini beans, drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups of diced tomatoes
- 2 cups of day-old bread, cubed
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft.
- Stir in chopped kale and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add beans, tomatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Stir in bread and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy your soup!
6) Tuscan White Bean Soup
Tuscan White Bean Soup is a hearty and comforting dish. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a healthy lunch. You can make it in about 30 minutes, making it an easy option for busy days.
This soup features creamy white beans, lots of vegetables, and flavorful herbs. Ingredients like garlic, onions, and carrots add great taste. You can even add spinach for extra nutrition.
A key element is using a good broth to enhance the flavors. You can make it vegan by using vegetable broth or keep it meaty with chicken broth.
Ingredients
- 1 can Cannellini beans
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Olive oil, for sautéing
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onions and carrots, sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and sauté for another minute.
- Add the broth and beans, simmer for 15 minutes.
- Mix in spinach and oregano, cook until spinach wilts.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
7) Hearty Italian Sausage Soup
Hearty Italian Sausage Soup is a delicious and filling dish perfect for any time of year. You can enjoy the rich flavors of Italian sausage along with fresh vegetables. This soup is easy to make and will warm you up on a chilly day.
You will need Italian sausage, onions, carrots, celery, and spinach to create this comforting meal. The combination of spices adds depth to the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) Italian sausage, mild or hot
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups (950 mL) chicken broth
- 1 can (15 oz or 425 g) white beans, drained
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic; cook until softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the white beans.
- Let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and let it cook for 5 more minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
8) Vegetable Lentil Soup
Vegetable lentil soup is a hearty and healthy choice. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients that warm you up and keep you satisfied. You can easily adapt this recipe to include your favorite veggies.
To make this soup, you start with sautéed onions, carrots, and garlic. Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and lentils. Don’t forget to include grains like kale or spinach for added nutrition.
Let everything simmer until the lentils are tender. This usually takes about 30 minutes. You’ll enjoy a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any day.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed
- 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pot.
- Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until soft.
- Stir in zucchini, diced tomatoes, and broth.
- Add lentils and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add kale or spinach and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
9) Chicken and Pastina Soup
Chicken and Pastina Soup is a warm and comforting dish. It’s perfect when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a cozy meal. The tiny pasta, known as pastina, adds a delightful texture to the soup.
You can make this soup with shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions enhance the flavor and add nutrients.
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top brings everything together. This simple yet satisfying soup usually takes just 30 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup pastina (small pasta)
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pot, heat chicken broth over medium heat.
- Add diced carrots, celery, and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the pastina and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan and parsley.
10) Italian Seafood Stew
Italian seafood stew, known as cioppino, is a delightful dish filled with fresh seafood. You can make it with shrimp, clams, mussels, and fish like cod or halibut. The key is to cook everything in a rich tomato-based broth, which adds flavor and warmth.
This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for dinner parties or family meals. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb (450 g) clams, scrubbed
- 1 lb (450 g) mussels, cleaned
- 1 lb (450 g) cod, cut into chunks
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups (960 ml) seafood stock
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté the onion until soft. Then, add garlic.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, seafood stock, and oregano. Then, season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer. Then, add clams and mussels.
- Cook until shells open, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the shrimp and cod. Cook until the shrimp turns pink.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.