Mediterranean Vegetable Soup
A hearty Mediterranean vegetable soup packed with pasta, vegetables, and savory spices, perfect for a comforting, flavorful meal suitable for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 small pkg. shaped pasta (rotini, shells or wheels) ⓘ
- 16 oz. jar spaghetti sauce with mushrooms ⓘ
- 16 oz. can mixed vegetables (corn, green beans, English peas, carrots and potatoes) ⓘ
- 3 oz. chopped pepperoni ⓘ
- 3 to 4 c. water ⓘ
- herbs and spices to taste (oregano, Italian seasoning, minced dried onion, garlic powder, celery salt, pepper, chives, etc.) ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken stock ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain.
- In a large soup pot, combine the cooked pasta with spaghetti sauce, mixed vegetables, chopped pepperoni, water, herbs, spices, and chicken stock.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until flavors meld and the soup is heated through.
- Serve hot, optionally with garlic bread and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or bell peppers to the soup. You can substitute the pepperoni with diced ham or omit it for a vegetarian option. If you don’t have spaghetti sauce, any marinara or tomato-based sauce will work. Feel free to experiment with different herbs to match your taste, and consider incorporating fresh basil for added freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Mediterranean Vegetable Soup with a side of garlic bread for a comforting meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Greek Feta Chicken for a complete Mediterranean feast. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken stock if it thickens too much. You can also microwave individual servings until heated through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mediterranean Vegetable Soup contains roughly 152 calories, with 8g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (75% of the Daily Value) and vitamin D (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 542mg per serving (24% 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 use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach can be added to the soup for a vibrant flavor. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them with the other ingredients before adding the liquid to ensure they're cooked through.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of pepperoni for a bolder flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference for spice to create a customized kick.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this Mediterranean Vegetable Soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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).