This Fideo Pasta Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With little pasta, tasty broth, and a mix of veggies, it’s both comforting and fun to eat. Perfect for chilly evenings!
Whenever I make this soup, I can’t resist slurping the noodles! It’s so easy, just cook, stir, and enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fideo pasta: This thin pasta really makes the soup special. If you can’t find fideo, broken vermicelli or angel hair pasta works in a pinch.
Ground meat: I like adding ground beef or turkey for protein. If you’re vegetarian, feel free to skip it or add beans like black or pinto for extra protein.
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add freshness, but canned tomato sauce is a great alternative, especially if you’re short on time. I often use the canned variety for convenience!
Broth: Chicken broth gives a rich flavor, but vegetable broth is perfect for a lighter soup. If you want to watch salt, use low-sodium versions.
Cheese: I love using Chihuahua cheese for its meltiness, but Monterey Jack or mozzarella will also work beautifully!
How Do I Toast the Pasta for Extra Flavor?
Toasting the fideo gives your soup a nutty flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat vegetable oil in your pot over medium heat.
- Add the fideo pasta and stir it frequently.
- Cook until it turns golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on it—burned pasta tastes bitter!
- Once toasted, remove it from the pot and set aside until you’re ready to add it back in.
This step adds wonderful depth to the soup, making it even more enjoyable!
What’s the Best Way to Enhance Flavor with Seasonings?
Seasoning is key to making this soup delicious. Here’s how:
- Add ground cumin for a warm, earthy flavor.
- If you like a smokier taste, try smoked paprika—just half a teaspoon adds a wonderful depth.
- Season the broth with salt and pepper during cooking, but taste before adding too much, especially if your broth is salty.
These little touches make a big difference—trust me!
Fideo Pasta Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup fideo pasta (thin, broken vermicelli or angel hair pasta)
- 1/2 pound ground beef or turkey (optional)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium tomatoes, roughly chopped or 1 cup canned tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Shredded cheese (like Chihuahua, Monterey Jack or mozzarella) for topping
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and another 25 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need about 35 minutes to have this delicious soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil and Toast the Pasta:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat. Add the fideo pasta to the pot and toast it, stirring frequently, until it turns golden brown, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn! When it’s done, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
2. Brown the Meat (Optional):
If you’re using ground beef or turkey, add it to the pot now. Cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up while it cooks. If there’s any excess fat, carefully remove it from the pot.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Next, add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté it for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, or until you can smell its delicious aroma.
4. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:
Mix in the chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce, ground cumin, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Cook this mixture for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and everything becomes a bit thicker.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Now it’s time to add the broth. Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Combine the Pasta:
Return the toasted fideo pasta to the pot and give everything a good stir. Let it simmer for about 7-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Remember to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.
7. Season and Garnish:
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Just before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded cheese. Don’t forget to serve it with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over your soup—this adds a wonderful brightness to every spoonful!
Enjoy your cozy, quick, and flavorful Fideo Pasta Soup that warms you up with every delicious bite! 🌟
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fideo pasta is traditional, you can substitute it with broken vermicelli or even angel hair pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pastas may cook at different rates.
What Can I Substitute for Ground Meat?
If you’d prefer a vegetarian option, just skip the ground beef or turkey. You can add canned beans like black beans or chickpeas to boost protein and stay hearty. Tofu or tempeh are great alternatives too!
How Long Will This Soup Last in the Fridge?
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Fideo Pasta Soup! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.