This Fideo Pasta Soup is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for any day! Made with tiny pasta, flavorful broth, and fresh veggies, it’s simple and satisfying.
I love how quick it is to whip up this soup—just toss everything together and let it simmer. It’s like a big hug in a bowl! Perfect for chilly nights. 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fideo Pasta: This is the star of the soup! Fideo pasta is thin and short, perfect for absorbing the broth. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with vermicelli or even broken spaghetti to create a similar texture.
Broth: I use chicken broth for added flavor, but vegetable broth works great too for a vegetarian option. Home-made broth adds a lovely touch if you have it on hand!
Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes are a time saver and pack in lots of flavor. If you prefer, you can use fresh tomatoes, just chop them finely and adjust cooking time to let them soften.
Spices: Ground cumin adds warmth, while chili powder brings a hint of spice. Feel free to adjust to your taste or omit if you prefer a milder soup. Smoked paprika could also be a tasty alternative!
How Do You Toast Pasta for Extra Flavor?
Toasting the fideo pasta is a simple yet important step in this recipe. It deepens the flavor and adds a nice crunch before it cooks in the broth. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat.
- Add the fideo pasta and stir frequently to ensure even toasting. It should take about 3–5 minutes to turn golden brown.
- Watch closely to avoid burning. If it starts to smell nutty and turn a light brown, you’re right on track!
This step helps build a rich flavor base for your soup, so don’t skip it!
Fideo Pasta Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup fideo pasta (thin, short noodles similar to vermicelli)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare this soup and another 10 minutes for cooking time. In total, it’s a quick 25 minutes to serve up a bowl of delicious Fideo Pasta Soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. This will be the base for our flavors!
2. Toast the Fideo Pasta:
Next, add the fideo pasta to the pot. Toast it by stirring frequently until it turns golden brown—this should take about 3–5 minutes. Just be careful not to let it burn!
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
Once the pasta is golden, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together until the onion is softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
4. Add Tomatoes and Spices:
Now it’s time to stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) along with the ground cumin and chili powder if you’re using it. Give it a minute to let the flavors mix well.
5. Pour in the Broth:
Pour the chicken or vegetable broth into the pot and stir everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
6. Bring to a Boil:
Raise the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 8–10 minutes, or until the fideo pasta is tender.
7. Season to Taste:
After simmering, taste your soup and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference.
8. Add Fresh Herbs:
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh pop of flavor.
9. Serve:
It’s time to enjoy your comforting Fideo Pasta Soup! Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes! If you can’t find fideo pasta, you can substitute it with vermicelli or even broken spaghetti. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Soup Spicier?
If you’re looking to add some heat, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also top the soup with sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This Soup in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to the point just before adding the broth. Let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and stir in the broth, then simmer until hot.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so before adding the pasta. Cooked pasta can become mushy upon reheating. Just thaw, reheat, and then add freshly cooked pasta to serve!