Fideo Pasta Soup is a cozy bowl of goodness! This dish features short, thin noodles simmered in a tasty broth with veggies and spices. It’s warm and comforting—a perfect meal for any day!
Making this soup is super easy! Just cook the noodles with your favorite broth and toss in some fresh veggies. I love adding a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fideo Pasta: This is the star of the soup! Fideo is short, thin noodles that cook quickly. If you can’t find fideo, breaking up vermicelli into shorter pieces works well, or even using angel hair pasta is a good alternative.
Broth: Chicken or vegetable broth adds great flavor. If you’re vegetarian or want a lighter option, use low-sodium vegetable broth. Homemade broth is excellent if you have it available!
Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes bring a nice brightness to the soup. You can swap them with canned diced tomatoes for convenience. Just make sure they’re of good quality for the best taste.
Spices: Ground cumin gives a warm flavor, and chili powder adds a kick. You can skip the chili powder if you prefer a milder soup. Adding fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can also enhance the flavor.
How Do You Toast the Fideo Pasta Perfectly?
Toasting the fideo pasta is a crucial step that deepens its flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil in the pot over medium heat. This will help the pasta toast evenly.
- Add the fideo pasta and stir it frequently. Keep an eye on it; you want a golden brown color without burning.
- This process should take about 3-5 minutes. Once done, remove it from the pot and set aside to prevent overcooking.
Toasting the fideo adds a nice nutty flavor to the soup, elevating the whole dish. Don’t skip this step for the best results!
Fideo Pasta Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fideo pasta (or vermicelli broken into short pieces)
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a bit of warmth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at just about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toast the Fideo Pasta:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the fideo pasta to the pot. Stir it frequently to ensure it toasts evenly, cooking until it turns golden brown. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once done, remove the pasta from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot you used for the pasta, add the chopped onion. Sauté it until it becomes translucent, which will take about 3-4 minutes. Now, add the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 30 seconds until it’s aromatic. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Cook the Tomatoes:
Add the diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) to the pot. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, allowing them to break down and release their juices. This will add a delicious base flavor to your soup.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Next, stir the toasted fideo pasta back into the pot. Mix everything together well. Then, sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine.
5. Add Broth and Simmer:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the fideo pasta is tender, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
6. Final Adjustments:
After the pasta is cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thinner soup, feel free to add a little more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
This soup is best served hot! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. If you like a zesty flavor, squeeze some lime juice over the top before enjoying. It’s a cozy and comforting dish perfect for any season!
Enjoy your delicious and heartwarming Fideo Pasta Soup!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you cannot find fideo pasta, you can use vermicelli broken into small pieces or even angel hair pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta types may cook at varying rates.
Is There a Vegetarian Version of This Recipe?
Yes! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the soup in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some broth and soften over time, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If the soup thickens too much, you can add a little extra broth or water when reheating to restore its consistency.