Basic Pasta Beef or Chicken Soup
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Recipe Category: 60 Minutes or Less
Servings: 4-6 mugs or small bowls
Description:
When winter’s chill sets in, there’s nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of soup. This simple and quick recipe was created during my time caring for my two delightful granddaughters after school. They were always craving something warm, and I decided to experiment a bit with ingredients until I stumbled upon this delicious soup. Not only is it full of cozy comfort, but the small, handle-friendly soup mugs make it fun for little hands. I often test various croutons in this soup, finding that each variety adds a fun twist to the dish. Feel free to play around with the ingredients—whether you’re using beef or chicken bouillon, adding or omitting ingredients, or testing new seasonings. It’s a versatile, easy recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Small shell pasta | 1/2 cup |
| Dry lentils | 1/4 cup |
| Dried mushrooms | 1/4 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 2 tablespoons |
| Chicken bouillon granules | 1 teaspoon |
| Beef bouillon granules | 2 teaspoons |
| Parsley flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Water | 3 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving, 1 mug):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 112.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 1.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 2.6 mg |
| Sodium | 599.9 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g |
| Sugars | 1.6 g |
| Protein | 6.4 g |
Instructions:
-
Start the Soup Base: In a medium saucepan, combine all of the dry ingredients (small shell pasta, dry lentils, dried mushrooms, parmesan cheese, chicken bouillon granules, beef bouillon granules, parsley flakes, oregano, and garlic powder). Add 3 cups of water to the saucepan.
-
Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. This will allow the lentils to soften and the flavors to meld together.
-
Add the Pasta: After 30 minutes of simmering, stir in the small shell pasta and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. The pasta should cook through and the soup will thicken slightly.
-
Cool and Serve: Once the soup has finished cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Ladle the soup into individual mugs or small bowls. Serve with a handful of croutons or oyster crackers for a deliciously crunchy contrast.
Notes:
- Feel free to adjust the bouillon granules to suit your flavor preference, or experiment with other seasonings such as thyme or rosemary for a different twist.
- If you’re using different types of pasta, adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta is cooked through.
- This soup is perfect for testing various crouton types—try a few different kinds to find your favorite pairing!
