Alphabet Soup
A comforting alphabet soup loaded with vegetables, pasta, and crispy bacon, perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a flavorful, hearty, and colorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium-high heat until crisp.
- Remove bacon from pan; drain on paper towel.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to bacon drippings in the pan.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 7 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add chicken broth, basil, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Add alphabet macaroni and chopped parsley to the soup.
- Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Crumble bacon over the soup and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering the broth. If you're short on time, precooked bacon can be used as a substitute. Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition. You can also try using whole wheat or gluten-free alphabet pasta for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra parsley for freshness. It pairs beautifully with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Baked Chicken Breast With Dressing for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens. Avoid microwaving too long to prevent overcooking the pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Alphabet Soup contains roughly 184 calories, with 18g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (104% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (104% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2016mg per serving (88% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.
How can I adjust the texture of the soup?
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend part of the soup after cooking. Alternatively, if you like a chunkier soup, simply adjust the size of your vegetable pieces to your liking.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. However, it's best to freeze it without the pasta as it can become mushy upon reheating. Store the broth and vegetables separately, then add freshly cooked pasta when you're ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).