Italian soups offer a tasty way to warm up and enjoy classic flavors. These hearty dishes combine fresh ingredients with savory broths for satisfying meals. From vegetable-packed minestrone to rich and creamy options, Italian soups provide comfort in a bowl.

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You’ll find 20 authentic Italian soup recipes that are easy to make at home. These recipes use common ingredients to create traditional flavors. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a Sunday family meal, these soups will hit the spot. Get ready to discover new favorites and cozy up with a steaming bowl of Italian goodness.

1. Minestrone Soup

Minestrone is a hearty Italian vegetable soup. You’ll find it packed with a variety of veggies, beans, and sometimes pasta or rice. The ingredients often change based on what’s in season.

To make minestrone, start with a base of onions, carrots, and celery. Add tomatoes, zucchini, green beans, and potatoes. Toss in some beans and small pasta shapes.

Season your soup with garlic, basil, and oregano for classic Italian flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. Serve with crusty bread for a filling meal.

2. Zuppa Toscana

Zuppa Toscana is a hearty Italian soup that’s sure to warm you up. You’ll love its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients.

To make this soup, start by cooking Italian sausage in a large pot. Remove the sausage and set it aside.

Next, sauté onions and garlic in the same pot. Add chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Toss in sliced potatoes and let them simmer until tender.

Once the potatoes are cooked, add kale and heavy cream to the pot. Stir in the cooked sausage. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Your Zuppa Toscana is ready to serve! Enjoy this comforting soup with some crusty bread for a complete meal.

3. Pasta e Fagioli

Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian soup that combines pasta and beans. You’ll love this comforting dish on cold days.

To make it, start by cooking onions, celery, carrots, and garlic in olive oil. Add broth, tomatoes, and beans to create a flavorful base.

Some recipes include ground beef for extra protein. Others keep it vegetarian. You can choose based on your preferences.

Cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft.

Finish your Pasta e Fagioli with a drizzle of olive oil and some grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

4. Stracciatella

Stracciatella is a simple Italian egg drop soup. It’s quick to make and uses just a few ingredients. You’ll need chicken broth, eggs, and Parmesan cheese.

To prepare it, bring the broth to a simmer. Whisk eggs and cheese together. Pour this mixture into the hot broth while stirring. The eggs will form little strands or “rags” in the soup.

Some recipes add extras like spinach or breadcrumbs. Others suggest sprinkling nutmeg or lemon zest for extra flavor. Serve the soup hot, topped with more cheese if you like.

This comforting soup is perfect for cold days or when you need a quick meal. It’s both tasty and filling.

5. Ribollita

Ribollita is a hearty Tuscan soup that showcases the beauty of simple Italian cooking. This classic dish combines vegetables, white beans, and day-old bread for a filling meal.

You’ll find carrots, celery, onions, and kale in most versions of ribollita. The bread thickens the soup and gives it a unique texture.

Ribollita means “reboiled” in Italian. Traditionally, people made it by reheating leftover minestrone or vegetable soup with stale bread.

You can make ribollita on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. Both methods result in a comforting, flavorful soup perfect for cold days.

6. Acquacotta

Acquacotta is a hearty Tuscan soup that originated as a peasant dish. Its name means “cooked water” in Italian.

To make acquacotta, start by sautéing onions, celery, and carrots in olive oil. Add herbs, seasonings, and tomatoes diluted with hot water.

Let the soup simmer for about 35 minutes. For added protein, crack eggs directly into the broth and cook until the yolks are still soft.

Serve acquacotta over toasted bread rubbed with garlic. This simple yet flavorful soup is perfect for cold days when you want a comforting meal.

7. Cacciucco

Cacciucco is a hearty Tuscan seafood stew that originated in Livorno. This flavorful soup combines various types of fish and shellfish in a rich tomato-based broth.

To make cacciucco, you’ll need a mix of seafood like octopus, squid, and different fish fillets. Start by sautéing aromatic vegetables in olive oil. Then add the seafood and simmer with wine and tomatoes.

Sage, garlic, and chili peppers give cacciucco its distinctive taste. The stew is traditionally served over toasted bread rubbed with garlic. You can enjoy this comforting dish year-round, but it’s especially satisfying on cool evenings.

8. Cioppino

Cioppino is a hearty Italian-American seafood stew that originated in San Francisco. You’ll love this flavorful dish packed with various types of fish and shellfish.

To make cioppino, start by sautéing onions, fennel, and garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes, white wine, and fish stock to create a savory broth.

Next, you’ll add an assortment of seafood like shrimp, clams, mussels, and chunks of firm white fish. Let everything simmer until the seafood is cooked through.

Serve your cioppino hot with crusty bread for dipping. This warming soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving a taste of the sea.

9. Italian Wedding Soup

Italian wedding soup is a tasty mix of tiny meatballs, small pasta, and veggies in broth. It’s not actually served at weddings, despite its name.

The soup has chicken or beef meatballs, usually about the size of marbles. Pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe are common additions.

Spinach or escarole adds a pop of green. The broth is often chicken-based, making it light yet flavorful.

You can make this soup as a main dish or a starter. It’s filling enough for a full meal, especially on cold days.

10. Brodo di Pollo

Brodo di Pollo is a comforting Italian chicken soup. You’ll love its simple yet flavorful ingredients.

This soup combines tender chicken with a rich broth. It often includes small pasta shapes like pastina or acini di pepe.

You can add vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions for extra flavor and nutrition. Some recipes include a touch of tomato for depth.

To make it, you’ll simmer chicken and vegetables in broth until cooked through. Then add the pasta and let it cook until tender.

Serve this warm, soothing soup on chilly days or when you need a pick-me-up. It’s perfect for quick weeknight meals or lazy weekends.

11. Garlic Soup

Garlic soup is a comforting Italian dish that packs a flavorful punch. You can make it with roasted or raw garlic, depending on your preference.

To prepare this soup, start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Add potatoes for thickness and vegetable broth for a savory base.

Some recipes call for up to 40 cloves of garlic, creating a rich and aromatic soup. Don’t worry – the cooking process mellows the garlic’s intensity.

For extra healing properties, try making this soup when you’re feeling under the weather. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting effects.

Serve your garlic soup hot with crusty bread for dipping. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that will warm you up on cold evenings.

12. Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a hearty Italian favorite that’s easy to make. You’ll need lentils, vegetables, and broth as your main ingredients.

Start by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil. This mix forms the flavor base called “soffritto” in Italian cooking.

Add garlic, tomatoes, and your choice of green or brown lentils. Pour in vegetable broth and season with Italian herbs.

Simmer the soup until the lentils are tender but still have a bit of bite. This usually takes about 35-40 minutes.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving. You can add a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.

13. Tomato Basil Soup

Tomato basil soup is a classic Italian dish that’s easy to make at home. You start by roasting fresh tomatoes in the oven at 400°F for about 45 minutes. This brings out their natural sweetness.

While the tomatoes roast, sauté onions in a pot until lightly browned. Add garlic and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Once the tomatoes are done, add them to the pot with some chicken broth.

Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in fresh basil leaves. The result is a creamy, flavorful soup that tastes like summer. You can serve it hot or cold, making it perfect for any season.

For a heartier meal, pair your tomato basil soup with crusty bread or grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

14. Bean and Sausage Soup

Bean and sausage soup is a tasty Italian dish that combines hearty ingredients. You’ll find white beans and Italian sausage as the main components. This soup is perfect for cold days when you need something warming and filling.

The recipe usually includes tomatoes, vegetables, and beef stock for a rich flavor. Some versions add kale for extra nutrition and a pop of color. Herbs like rosemary or thyme are often used to enhance the taste.

You can make this soup quickly, usually in about 35 minutes. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The mix of protein from beans and sausage with vegetables makes it a balanced choice.

15. Chickpea Soup

Chickpea soup is a comforting Italian dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need canned chickpeas, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic as your base ingredients.

Start by sautéing the chopped vegetables in olive oil until soft. Add the chickpeas, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and your choice of broth.

For extra flavor, include diced tomatoes and potatoes. Simmer the soup until the vegetables are tender. Some recipes call for adding small pasta shapes near the end of cooking.

Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for depth. Serve your chickpea soup hot, topped with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs.

16. Roasted Red Pepper Soup

Roasted red pepper soup is a flavorful Italian dish that’s easy to make at home. You’ll love its rich taste and silky texture.

To make it, start by roasting red bell peppers until they’re charred and tender. This brings out their natural sweetness.

Blend the roasted peppers with garlic, onions, and tomatoes for depth of flavor. Add some herbs like basil or oregano for an Italian touch.

For a creamy version, stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk. You can also add Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad. It’s perfect for a cozy lunch or light dinner.

17. Pumpkin and Sage Soup

This Italian-inspired soup brings together the earthy flavors of pumpkin and sage. You’ll start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant.

Next, add diced pumpkin, potatoes, and fresh sage leaves to the pot. Pour in vegetable broth and let the mixture simmer until the vegetables are tender.

Once cooked, blend the soup until smooth. For extra richness, you can stir in a splash of cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve your pumpkin and sage soup hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a few crispy sage leaves. This comforting dish is perfect for cool autumn evenings.

18. Mushroom Barley Soup

This hearty soup combines earthy mushrooms with chewy barley for a satisfying meal. You’ll start by sautéing mushrooms to bring out their rich flavor.

Add barley, broth, and seasonings like thyme and bay leaves. Simmer until the barley is tender, about 40-60 minutes.

For extra depth, try adding dried shiitake mushrooms and their soaking liquid. A splash of sherry or tamari can enhance the umami flavors.

When the soup is done, you can stir in some miso paste for added complexity. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed before serving.

19. Spinach and Artichoke Soup

Spinach and artichoke soup is a creamy, comforting Italian dish. You can make it in about 30 minutes for a quick weeknight meal.

Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and celery in olive oil. Add artichoke hearts and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.

Stir in flour to thicken the soup, then pour in chicken broth. Let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to develop flavor.

Finish by adding heavy cream and cream cheese for richness. Blend the soup if you prefer a smoother texture.

Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping.

20. Bell Pepper Soup

Bell pepper soup is a tasty Italian-inspired dish that’s easy to make. You start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Then add chopped bell peppers and cook until soft.

Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth. Season with basil, oregano, and onion powder for extra flavor. Let the soup simmer until all the ingredients are tender.

For a heartier version, you can add ground beef or vegetarian crumbles. Stir in some rice near the end of cooking if you want more substance. Top your soup with cheese and fresh herbs before serving.

This colorful soup is perfect for using up extra peppers from your garden. It’s a great choice for chilly evenings when you want something warm and comforting.

The History of Italian Soups

Italian soups have a rich past that spans centuries. They reflect Italy’s diverse regions and culinary traditions.

Origins and Evolution

Italian soups trace back to ancient Rome. Early versions were simple mixtures of grains and vegetables. As trade expanded, new ingredients like tomatoes and potatoes found their way into Italian cooking.

Soups became a way to use leftover bread and vegetables. This led to hearty dishes like ribollita in Tuscany. Meat-based broths grew popular among wealthy families in the Middle Ages.

By the Renaissance, soups were a staple in Italian cuisine. Recipes became more complex. Cooks added herbs, spices, and dairy to create richer flavors.

Regional Variations

Italy’s varied geography shaped its soup recipes. Northern regions favored thick, creamy soups to ward off cold winters. The south preferred lighter broths with fresh vegetables and seafood.

Minestrone emerged as a popular soup across Italy. But each area put its own spin on it. Liguria added pesto, while Milan included rice.

Sicily created pasta-based soups like pasta e fagioli. Tuscany became known for its bread soups like pappa al pomodoro. The mountains of Abruzzo produced hearty meat-based soups.

These regional soups reflect local ingredients and traditions. They showcase Italy’s diverse culinary landscape.

Health Benefits of Italian Soups

Italian soups are tasty and good for you. They have lots of healthy ingredients that can help your body in many ways.

Nutritional Value

Italian soups are packed with nutrients. They often have veggies, beans, and whole grains. These give you fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Many Italian soups are low in calories but high in protein. This can help you feel full and maintain a healthy weight.

Soups with tomatoes have lycopene. This may lower your risk of some cancers. Garlic and onions in many recipes have compounds that support heart health. Herbs like basil and oregano add flavor without extra calories. They also have antioxidants that fight harmful molecules in your body.