How to Make French Vegetable Soup with Pasta

French vegetable soup with pasta, known for its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, is a delightful dish that warms the soul. This simple recipe offers a perfect balance of nutritious vegetables and comforting pasta. Below, we'll explore how to make this delicious soup step by step.

Ingredients You'll Need

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 zucchini, diced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into pieces
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables. This includes dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, slicing the carrots, and chopping the zucchini and bell pepper. Having all your ingredients prepped makes the cooking process smoother.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, stirring for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Vegetables

Next, add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced zucchini, and bell pepper to the pot. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

4. Incorporate the Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the diced tomatoes, along with their juice. Stir in the green beans, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

5. Cook the Pasta

Once the soup is boiling, add the small pasta of your choice. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.

6. Final Touches

Once the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you'd like, you can add a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness. Remove the pot from the heat.

7. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This beautiful touch adds color and enhances the flavor profile of your French vegetable soup.

Tips for a Perfect Soup

Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in season to add variety to the soup.
For added protein, consider incorporating beans or chickpeas.
To keep the soup hearty, serve it with crusty bread or a light salad.

This French vegetable soup with pasta is a perfect dish for any season—rich in flavor, packed with nutrients, and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy this warm bowl of goodness with family and friends!