Hearty Italian Lentil and Pasta Soup
This Hearty Italian Lentil and Pasta Soup is a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for cozy gatherings or nutritious weeknight dinners. Packed with protein-rich lentils, colorful vegetables, and tender pasta, this soup brings together classic Italian flavors in a hearty, comforting bowl. Enhanced with fragrant thyme and topped with freshly grated Parmesan, it's sure to warm your soul and delight your taste buds. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family to spread warmth and joy during any season!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 tablespoons (For cooking and drizzling)
onion
1 medium (Chopped)
carrots
2 (Peeled and chopped)
celery
2 ribs (Chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (Chopped)
salt
to taste (For seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground for seasoning)
diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can (With juices included)
lentils
1 lb (approximately 1 1/4 cups) (Rinsed before adding)
low sodium chicken broth
11 cups (For base flavor)
fresh thyme sprigs
4-6 (Whole)
dried elbow macaroni
2/3 cup (To be added during cooking)
shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup (For serving)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Italian Lentil and Pasta Soup?
It is a nutritious, comforting soup featuring protein-rich lentils, colorful vegetables like carrots and celery, and tender elbow macaroni, flavored with fresh thyme and Italian seasonings.
Is this lentil soup vegetarian?
The recipe as listed uses chicken broth, but it can easily be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omitting the Parmesan cheese.
What type of lentils should I use?
Standard brown or green lentils are best for this recipe as they hold their shape well during the cooking process compared to red lentils.
Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?
No, lentils do not require soaking like beans. Simply rinse them under cold water to remove any debris before adding them to the pot.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while elbow macaroni is suggested, you can use ditalini, small shells, or orzo. Just ensure they are small shapes suitable for soup.
How do I prevent the pasta from absorbing all the liquid?
If you plan on having leftovers, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls, or add a bit more broth when reheating to maintain the soup's consistency.
What is the purpose of the 11 cups of broth?
The large amount of broth is necessary because lentils and pasta absorb a significant amount of liquid as they cook and expand.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can combine all ingredients except the pasta in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours on low. Add the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Can I freeze this lentil soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well for up to 3 months. However, the pasta may become softer upon thawing; you may prefer to freeze the soup without pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating.
What can I substitute for fresh thyme?
You can use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of dried thyme in place of the 4-6 fresh sprigs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe contains elbow macaroni which is made from wheat. To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta alternative or omit the pasta entirely.
How do I make the soup creamier?
For a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend a small portion of the lentils and vegetables before adding the pasta.
What are the health benefits of lentils?
Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, high in fiber, and rich in minerals like iron and folate.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Zucchini, spinach, or kale are great additions. Add leafy greens at the very end of the cooking process until just wilted.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
Given the 11 cups of broth and 1 lb of lentils, this recipe typically serves 8 to 10 people.
Can I use red lentils instead of green/brown?
Red lentils cook much faster and tend to break down into a puree. If you use them, the soup will be much thicker and less chunky.
What should I serve with this soup?
It pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread, a simple side salad, or garlic knots.
Is low sodium broth necessary?
Low sodium broth is recommended so you can control the saltiness of the dish yourself, especially since the recipe calls for added salt to taste.
What is the role of the diced tomatoes?
The diced tomatoes provide acidity and depth of flavor, balancing the earthiness of the lentils.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, Italian sausage or pancetta can be browned with the onions and carrots for added savory flavor.
How do I know when the lentils are cooked?
Lentils are done when they are tender but not mushy, which usually takes 20 to 30 minutes of simmering.
Why do you use olive oil for drizzling?
A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil before serving adds a rich, silky finish to the soup's flavor profile.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavors and familiar pasta shapes usually make this a hit with children.
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes, but use less broth and add them toward the end of the cooking process as they are already cooked and only need to be heated through.
How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
What if my soup is too thick?
Simply stir in more broth or warm water until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use water instead of broth?
You can, but you will need to increase the herbs, salt, and spices significantly to make up for the lost flavor base.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative for a cheesy flavor, or you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
How much garlic is too much?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves, but garlic lovers can easily double or triple that amount without overpowering the soup.