Alphabet Soup Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Alphabet soup holds a nostalgic charm for many of us, evoking memories of cozy family dinners and playful mealtime moments. This vegetarian alphabet soup recipe is a delightful twist on the classic, packed with wholesome vegetables, flavorful herbs, and those fun little pasta letters that make eating soup all the more enjoyable.

Whether you’re cooking for kids or just craving a light, comforting meal, this recipe is easy to prepare and full of vibrant colors and textures. The best part?

It’s entirely meat-free but brimming with flavor, making it perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their rotation.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make this delicious vegetarian alphabet soup—from the ingredients and equipment to step-by-step instructions and handy tips. Plus, we’ll share some creative variations, nutrition facts, and serving ideas to make this soup a staple in your kitchen.

Ready to cook up a bowl of alphabet fun? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian alphabet soup is a perfect blend of simplicity and taste, ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy lunch. The soup is light yet nourishing, featuring fresh vegetables and herbs that create a vibrant, flavorful broth.

The alphabet pasta adds whimsy and makes it a fun meal for kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s highly customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Unlike many canned soups, this homemade version is free from preservatives and excess sodium, so you know exactly what’s going into your bowl. It also reheats beautifully, making for excellent leftovers or meal prep.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just exploring meatless options, this soup’s hearty texture and comforting warmth will quickly become a favorite.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup alphabet pasta
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle
  • Soup bowls for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and dice the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the vegetables: Toss in the carrots, celery, and zucchini. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
  4. Pour in broth and tomatoes: Add the vegetable broth and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juice) to the pot. Stir in the dried thyme and basil.
  5. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to tenderize.
  6. Cook the pasta: Add the alphabet pasta and peas to the pot. Continue to simmer for 8-10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference. If you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes works well.
  8. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

Tip: To save time, use pre-chopped frozen mixed vegetables or a frozen mirepoix blend. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Variation: For added protein, stir in a cup of cooked lentils or chickpeas during the simmering step. This turns the soup into a more filling meal.

Substitution: If you can’t find alphabet pasta, small shapes like orzo or tiny shells are excellent alternatives.

Make it vegan: Ensure your vegetable broth is vegan-friendly, and avoid any garnishes like cheese or cream.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 150
Protein 5 g
Carbohydrates 28 g
Fiber 5 g
Fat 3 g
Sodium 480 mg
Vitamin A 110% DV
Vitamin C 25% DV

*Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this alphabet soup warm with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or garlic toast for dipping. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the soup nicely, adding a crisp contrast to the warm broth.

For a heartier meal, pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich or a simple avocado toast. Kids especially love dipping breadsticks into the soup and hunting for their favorite letters in the pasta, making mealtime both fun and interactive.

Conclusion

This vegetarian alphabet soup recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting, homemade meal that’s both nutritious and playful. With fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and the whimsical touch of alphabet pasta, it’s a dish that brings joy to the table while nourishing your body.

It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and perfect for all ages.

Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a cozy dinner, or a dish to please picky eaters, this soup ticks all the boxes. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on our site, like the comforting Breakfast Wellington Recipe, the rich and hearty Braised Pork Ribs With Radish Recipe, or the elegant Bluebill Duck Recipes to mix up your meal planning.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

📖 Recipe Card: Alphabet Soup Recipe Vegetarian

Description: A warm and comforting vegetarian alphabet soup packed with vegetables and tender pasta letters. Perfect for a light meal or a cozy lunch.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup alphabet pasta
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in carrots, celery, and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Pour in vegetable broth and diced tomatoes.
  5. Add dried basil, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
  6. Add alphabet pasta and reduce heat to simmer.
  7. Cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
  8. Adjust seasoning if needed and garnish with parsley before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 30 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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