This Chickpea Noodle Soup offers a delicious blend of simplicity and nutrition, making it a standout in everyday cooking.
Packed with plant-based protein from chickpeas and fiber-rich vegetables like carrots and celery, it keeps you feeling full and energized without heaviness.
Hearty Chickpea Noodle Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large saucepan or stockpot
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- 1 Colander
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 large carrots chopped
- 3 celery ribs chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 8 ounces rotini pasta or other pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients on your countertop. Chop the large onion into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Peel and chop the carrots into bite-sized chunks, and similarly chop the celery ribs. Mince the garlic cloves finely to release their maximum flavor during cooking. Having everything prepped and measured before you start cooking will streamline the process and make it more enjoyable.
- Sauté the Aromatics for Flavor: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan or stockpot over medium-high heat.Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Stir frequently as the vegetables cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, until they become slightly tender and fragrant. This step softens the vegetables and builds a rich base flavor for your soup. Next, add the minced garlic and dried thyme to the pot. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything together well and continue to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the garlic to mellow and the thyme to infuse its earthy aroma.
- Add Broth and Bring to a Boil: Carefully pour in 8 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth into the saucepan with the sautéed vegetables and seasonings. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This boiling step helps meld the flavors while preparing the soup base for the addition of chickpeas and pasta. Keep an eye on the pot to avoid boiling over.
- Incorporate Chickpeas and Pasta: Once the broth is boiling, add the rinsed and drained can of chickpeas to the pot. Then, immediately add 8 ounces of rotini pasta or your preferred pasta shape. Stir gently to prevent the pasta from sticking together or settling at the bottom of the pot. The chickpeas add plant-based protein and creaminess, while the pasta contributes satisfying texture and heartiness to the soup.
- Simmer Until Perfectly Cooked: Reduce the heat to low, ensuring the soup simmers gently but steadily. Cover the pot with a lid to trap the heat and moisture. Let the soup cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from clumping or sticking. During this simmering time, the pasta will soften to a tender consistency, and the flavors from the vegetables, broth, and chickpeas will fully combine into a harmonious, comforting soup.
- Final Touches and Serving: After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary — you might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to suit your preference. If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each serving to add a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. Ladle the soup into bowls immediately while it’s hot and enjoy a nourishing, satisfying meal.
- Storage and Reheating Tips: If you have leftovers, allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if it has thickened. This soup also freezes well — portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Notes
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt levels, but feel free to adjust seasoning to taste.
- Rotini pasta works well, but you can substitute with any short pasta shape like penne, shells, or fusilli.
- Rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly to remove excess sodium and improve flavor.
- Sautéing vegetables before adding broth enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.
- This soup is highly adaptable — swap pasta for rice or veggies for a grain-free or low-carb option.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds brightness but can be replaced with fresh cilantro or basil for a different twist.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
The recipe’s use of olive oil adds heart-healthy fats, while the low-sodium vegetable broth keeps sodium levels in check, promoting a balanced diet.
With just a handful of accessible ingredients and minimal prep time, this soup is not only comforting and flavorful but also incredibly easy to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead.
Its versatility allows for easy substitutions, catering to grain-free or low-carb preferences, making it a wholesome, crowd-pleasing option for vegetarians and health-conscious eaters alike.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Chef’s Knife
Essential for chopping onions, carrots, and celery efficiently and precisely. A sharp, sturdy knife reduces prep time and ensures even cooking, a must-have in every kitchen for consistent results.
Cutting Board
Provides a stable and safe surface for prepping vegetables. A durable, easy-to-clean board helps maintain hygiene and protects your countertops during meal prep.
Large Saucepan or Stockpot
Ideal for sautéing vegetables and simmering the soup. Its size accommodates all ingredients comfortably, ensuring even heat distribution for thorough cooking.
Measuring Spoons and Cups
Accurate measurement of herbs, spices, and liquids ensures balanced flavors and recipe success every time.
Colander
Useful for rinsing and draining chickpeas and pasta, ensuring no excess water dilutes your soup’s rich flavors.
Chef’s Secrets: Tips For Flavorful Soup
One key to making this soup truly delicious is taking your time to sauté the aromatics — onions, carrots, celery, and garlic — until they’re tender and fragrant.
This step builds a rich flavor base that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal.
Using fresh herbs like thyme adds an earthy note, but you can experiment with rosemary or oregano for a new flavor profile.
Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end; the low-sodium broth allows you to customize salt levels perfectly.
For extra depth, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of smoked paprika before serving.
Serving Suggestions: Complement Your Soup Perfectly
This hearty chickpea noodle soup shines as a standalone meal thanks to its balance of protein, fiber, and carbs.
However, it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast.
Crusty whole-grain bread or garlic toast makes for excellent dipping and adds satisfying crunch.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light grain bowl.
Garnishing with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate the presentation and flavor profile for guests or family dinners.
Storage Tips: Keep Soup Fresh Longer
Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
To maintain the best texture, reheat gently over low heat and add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage.
This soup also freezes well — portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove or microwave.
Avoid freezing the soup with pasta already cooked inside, as it can become mushy; instead, cook and add fresh pasta when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the rotini pasta for gluten-free pasta, rice, or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles to keep it gluten-free and delicious.
2. Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Absolutely. If using dried chickpeas, soak them overnight and cook them fully before adding to the soup to ensure they are tender.
3. How can I make this soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while sautéing the garlic and herbs to introduce a gentle heat.
4. What if I want to make this soup vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly. Just double-check that your vegetable broth is vegan, and avoid adding dairy-based toppings like Parmesan.
5. Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup is great for meal prep. Cook it fully, then store in the fridge or freeze in portions. Add fresh pasta or grains when reheating for the best texture.
