Disgustingly Easy Alphabet Soup Recipe in Under 60

Oh, Alphabet Soup! Just the name brings me right back to being a kid, doesn’t it? I have the *best* memories of trying to spell out silly words with those little noodles. And guess what? It’s still just as fun (and yummy!) to make now. This Alphabet Soup recipe is seriously easy – perfect for a quick weeknight dinner the whole family will actually adore. I’ve tweaked it a bunch to get the flavor just right, and trust me, it’s a winner. So, if you’re looking for a flavorful bowl of nostalgia that’s ready in under an hour, you’ve gotta try my version of Alphabet Soup!

Why You’ll Love This Alphabet Soup Recipe

Seriously, what’s not to love? This Alphabet Soup is a total game-changer for busy weeknights. Check out why you’ll be making it again and again:

Quick and Easy Alphabet Soup

Seriously! From start to finish, you’re looking at under an hour. That’s it! Perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something homemade.

Family-Friendly Alphabet Soup

My kids *devour* this! The alphabet pasta makes it fun, and it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Win-win!

Flavorful Alphabet Soup

It’s pure comfort in a bowl. The herbs and spices blend together perfectly, and the chicken broth makes it so rich and satisfying. You’ll be craving it, trust me!

Healthy Alphabet Soup

Packed with lean chicken, tons of veggies, and a flavorful broth, this Alphabet Soup is a nourishing meal you can feel good about serving.

Ingredients for Alphabet Soup

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of my amazing Alphabet Soup. Don’t skimp on the fresh veggies – they make all the difference!

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – for sautéing!
• 1 ½ cups peeled and diced carrots – about 2 medium carrots.
• 1 ½ cups minced celery – that’s about 3 stalks.
• 1 cup minced onion – yellow or white works great.
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic – I always use fresh for the best flavor!
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – that’s roughly 2 large ones.
• 1 quart low sodium chicken stock – keeps the salt in check!
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes – one big can!
• 2 cups water – just regular tap water is fine.
• 1 cup chopped green beans – fresh or frozen, either works!
• 1 cup corn – I use frozen.
• 1 cup peas – frozen here, too!
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – adds a nice touch.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – another must-have!
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley – for a little extra green.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is always best, if you’ve got it!
• ¼ teaspoon salt – or more, to taste!
• ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes – just a *tiny* pinch for a little kick!
• 2 bay leaves – don’t forget to take these out later!
• 1 Parmesan cheese rind (optional) – adds a *ton* of flavor to the broth.
• 1 cup dried alphabet pasta – the star of the show!

How to Make Alphabet Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? Here’s how I make my amazing Alphabet Soup, step by step. Don’t worry, it’s super easy, even if you’re not a pro!

Sautéing the Vegetables for Alphabet Soup

First, grab your biggest pot and drizzle in that olive oil. Heat it over medium-high, then toss in the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring now and then, until they’re softened and the onions look translucent. Your kitchen should already smell amazing!

Simmering Alphabet Soup with Chicken

Now, the fun part! Add the chicken breasts, chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, water, green beans, corn, peas, basil, oregano, parsley, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and that Parmesan rind (if you’re using it) to the pot. Give it all a good stir, then cover the pot and crank up the heat to high. We’re bringing it to a boil! This usually takes about 10 minutes, so be patient.

Cooking the Alphabet Pasta

Once the soup’s boiling, gently stir in the alphabet pasta. Cook uncovered for *half* the time recommended on the pasta package. I can’t stress this enough – do NOT overcook it! Seriously, nobody likes mushy pasta. It’ll keep cooking as the soup cools, so trust me on this one.

Shredding the Chicken for Alphabet Soup

Alright, pasta’s cooked (but not *overcooked*, remember?), so take the pot off the heat. Fish out those bay leaves and the Parmesan rind – they’ve done their job! Now, grab the chicken breasts with tongs and put them on a plate or cutting board. Shred them with two forks (my go-to method) or even in your stand mixer with the paddle attachment – it’s super quick! You can also just chop them up if you prefer.

Serving the Homemade Alphabet Soup

Last step! Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, give it a good stir, and you’re ready to serve your homemade Alphabet Soup. I like to top each bowl with a little extra Parmesan cheese, but that’s totally optional. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Alphabet Soup

Want to take your Alphabet Soup from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that’ll make all the difference. These tips will help you nail that perfect bowl every single time!

Don’t Overcook the Alphabet Pasta

Seriously, this is HUGE. Mushy pasta ruins everything! Remember to cook it for only half the recommended time on the package. It’ll keep cooking in the hot soup, so it’ll be perfectly al dente by the time you serve it. Trust me on this one!

Adjust the Broth for Your Preferred Consistency of Alphabet Soup

Alphabet pasta soaks up *a lot* of liquid! If you like a thinner soup, add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. I usually add about a cup or two – just eyeball it!

Customize Your Alphabet Soup with Different Vegetables

Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Zucchini, spinach, kale, or even diced sweet potatoes would be delicious in this Alphabet Soup. Just toss them in with the other veggies and you’re good to go!

Alphabet Soup Variations

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Alphabet Soup recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little wild and try some fun variations. These are some of my favorite ways to change things up – get ready to get creative!

Vegetarian Alphabet Soup

Want a meat-free version? No problem! Just swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth and skip the chicken altogether. It’s just as yummy and totally vegetarian-friendly!

Spicy Alphabet Soup

Feeling a little fiery? Add a pinch (or a *big* pinch!) more red pepper flakes to the soup. Or, stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce right before serving. Just be careful – it’s easy to get carried away!

Hearty Alphabet Soup with Ground Beef

Craving something a little heartier? Brown some ground beef in the pot before adding the veggies, then follow the recipe as usual. It’s like a completely different soup, but still just as comforting!

Serving Suggestions for Alphabet Soup

Alphabet Soup is a meal on its own, but sometimes you want a little something extra, right? Here are a couple of my favorite things to serve alongside a warm bowl of Alphabet Soup:

Bread

A hunk of crusty bread for dipping is *always* a good idea! Or, whip up a quick grilled cheese sandwich – perfect for dunking!

Salad

Keep it simple with a fresh green salad. A little bit of lettuce, tomato, and cucumber with your favorite dressing is all you need!

Storing and Reheating Instructions for Alphabet Soup

Made a big batch of Alphabet Soup? Awesome! Here’s how to store and reheat it so it’s just as delicious the next day (or even the day after!):

Storage

Let the soup cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating

You can reheat your Alphabet Soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring now and then, until it’s nice and hot. Or, if you’re in a hurry, microwave it in a bowl for a few minutes, stirring halfway through. Just watch out – it can get *really* hot!

Frequently Asked Questions About Alphabet Soup

Got questions about making the *perfect* Alphabet Soup? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked – hopefully, this clears things up!

Can I freeze Alphabet Soup?

Yep, you sure can! Just keep in mind that the pasta might get a little softer after thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then pour it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual. Easy!

How do I prevent the alphabet pasta from getting mushy in the Alphabet Soup?

Ah, the million-dollar question! The key is to *under*cook the pasta to begin with. Remember to cook it for only half the recommended time on the package. And when you store leftovers, the pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so add a splash of broth when you reheat it. That should do the trick!

Can I use different types of pasta in this Alphabet Soup recipe?

Totally! While alphabet pasta is classic, any small pasta shape will work. Ditalini, small shells, or even orzo would be great substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t get mushy!

Can I make Alphabet Soup in a slow cooker?

You bet! Sauté the veggies as directed, then toss everything (except the pasta!) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or cook the pasta separately and add it when serving. So easy, right?

Nutritional Information for Alphabet Soup

Okay, a quick note: Nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use, so this is just an estimate. Don’t take it as gospel!

Enjoy Your Delicious Homemade Alphabet Soup!

Alright, dig in and enjoy! And hey, if you loved this Alphabet Soup recipe as much as I do, leave a comment, rate it, or share it with your friends. Happy cooking!

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