Filled with savory tomatoes and hearty vegetables as its base, this alphabet soup is a fun and kid-friendly recipe that’ll nourish your little ones on those chilly autumn days. (Pssst…you can even puree the veggies for any picky eaters in your family!)
Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
Alphabet Soup
Looking for a quick dinner the whole family will love? I Got You!
If you’ve ever enjoyed a can of Campbell’s classic alphabet soup when you were a kid, you’re going to swoon over this recipe. I know, I realize I said swoon and we’re talking about soup, but believe me, this soup is tasty, fun, and might I even add, CUTE?
Not only is this homemade version of alphabet soup lower in sodium than its traditional counterpart but it’s also filled with a generous amount of healthy veggies. It’s quick comfort food at its finest, coming together in just one bowl and under 25 minutes.
I also love that this soup works beautifully with many different types of veggies, so you can mix and match your ingredients, based on what you have available or your family’s own preferences. It’s the perfect no-pressure way to introduce your kids to the cozy world of soup, if you’ve had some hesitant eaters in this area.
With dozens of dinner recipes for kids to choose from, like my crazy good Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, The Best Kid-Friendly Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese, or this reader fave , there are zero reasons to be in a dinner food slump. Be sure to also check out my best-selling cookbook, Little Foodie: Baby Food Recipes for Babies and Toddlers with Taste, for even more inspiration!
Reasons to Love Alphabet Soup
- One pot meal
- Made in 20 minutes
- Great for the entire family
- Budget-friendly
- Easily adaptable depending on what ingredients you have
- Loaded with healthy veggies
- Easy finger food for babies and toddlers
- Perfect for leftovers
Ingredients
Be sure to check out the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and instructions.
- Alphabet Pasta: we’re using alphabet pasta in this recipe. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try Banza Chickpea Alphabet pasta.
- Onion: white onion, diced
- Garlic: minced
- Carrot: fresh diced carrots, can also sub in frozen
- Celery: fresh diced celery
- Diced Tomato: can of diced tomatoes
- Peas: optional
- Broth: either chicken or vegetable broth will work
- Olive Oil
- Italian Seasoning: you can also substitute in dried oregano
- Salt and Pepper
Tip: You can either puree the vegetables after cooking for a less chunky soup, which may be more approachable for picky eaters, or leave the vegetables whole for a heartier soup.
Benefits of Alphabet Soup
The ABC’s of why this alphabet soup gets an A+ for health benefits:
- A: alphabet pasta is full of carbohydrates needed for fuel for energy.
- B: broth (low-sodium) is a liquid that can keep you hydrated and may even help soothe cold symptoms.
- C: carrots and other vegetables you choose for this soup are full of essential vitamins and minerals needed to support the immune system and fiber for healthy digestion.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-low. Add in the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and cook until tender.
- Add in the broth and diced tomatoes, and bring to a boil over high heat.
- While the soup is coming to a boil, use an immersion blender and puree until smooth. You can also transfer the ingredients to a blender and puree. For a chunky soup – omit this step.
- Once the soup is at a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and add in the pasta. Simmer for 8 minutes.
- Add in the frozen peas (if using) and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Simmer until ready to serve. If the soup gets too thick, add in a little additional broth.
- Let cool slightly if serving to kids. Serve and enjoy!
Variations
This easy Alphabet Soup is also incredibly versatile! Here are some of our favorite add-ins. If you are pureeing the base, these are great to add in afterwards.
- Peas
- Cauliflower
- Celery
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Bacon
- Green Beans
- Shelled Edamame
- Cooked chicken or beans
- Mozzarella or parmesan cheese
- Stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese
- Top with green onions or crispy panko breadcrumbs
How to Store
Store any alphabet soup leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This soup stores well in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Recipe Tips
- Dicing your veggies small will ensure that they cook quickly and evenly.
- You can substitute another small pasta shape if you can’t find alphabet soup or if you’re looking for a gluten-free option that isn’t chickpea-based.
- Top with a little parmesan cheese or panko breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- You may need to add a little more broth if you’re reheating leftovers to help thin out the soup to your liking.
- If your child is hesitant to try soup, consider serving it with bread or crackers to dip into it. Serving soup in a much smaller bowl than your child is used to (think cooking prep bowl size) can also make it seem less intimidating.
- For babies, it may be beneficial to drain the liquid to help them with self-serving.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 white onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 sticks celery, diced
- 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning or dried Oregano
- 1 14oz can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or veggie broth
- 1 cup alphabet pasta
- 1 cup frozen peas, optional
- salt and pepper, to taste
-
Sauté: In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-low. Add in the onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add in the garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add in the carrots, celery, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes, or until tender.
-
Add Ingredients: Add the broth and diced tomatoes, and it bring to a boil over high heat.
-
Puree: Meanwhile, while the soup is coming to a boil, use an immersion blender and puree until smooth. You can also transfer the ingredients to a blender and puree. For a chunky soup – omit this step.
-
Pasta: Once the soup is at a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and add in the pasta. Simmer for 8 minutes.
-
Add-Ins: Add in the frozen peas (if using) and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Simmer until ready to serve. If the soup gets too thick, add in a little additional broth.
-
Serve: let cool slightly if serving to kids. Enjoy!