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For me, Italian soups are the best kind of comfort food. They are usually simple, built from pantry staples, and taste as if they simmered for hours. I love how they are filling without being too heavy, and many of them are a meal all on their own.
From brothy pastas to thick bean stews, these recipes remind me of home cooking at its best.
Here are 20 classic Italian soup recipes I make again and again. They are reliable, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any night of the week.
1. Minestrone
A hearty vegetable soup with beans, pasta, and a tomato broth. I make it different every time based on what vegetables I have ready.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 10g
2. Pasta e Fagioli
Pasta and beans in a savory tomato broth. I use ditalini pasta and cannellini beans for the classic version.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 13g
- Carbs: 52g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 12g
3. Stracciatella (Roman Egg Drop Soup)
A simple chicken broth where I whisk in eggs, parmesan, and breadcrumbs to form little ribbons. It’s ready in minutes.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
4. Ribollita
A thick Tuscan stew with bread, white beans, kale, and vegetables. I like to make it one day and reheat it the next, as the name suggests.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 14g
5. Italian Wedding Soup
Small meatballs simmered in a chicken broth with leafy escarole and tiny pasta. It’s family friendly and so satisfying.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
6. Zuppa Toscana
A creamy potato soup with kale and slices of Italian sausage. A little cream makes it rich and comforting.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
7. Lentil Soup with Sausage
Brown lentils cooked in broth with crumbled Italian sausage and a bit of tomato. It’s a protein packed one pot meal.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 16g
8. Brodo with Tortellini
A clear chicken broth served with cheese filled tortellini and a sprinkle of parmesan. It’s elegant in its simplicity.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
9. Pasta e Ceci (Pasta and Chickpea Soup)
Chickpeas and small pasta like ditalini in a garlic and rosemary scented broth. I sometimes mash a few chickpeas to thicken it.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 52g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 11g
10. Seafood Brodetto
A tomato based fish stew from the Adriatic coast. I use a mix of white fish, shrimp, and mussels.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
11. Bean and Pasta Soup (Pasta e Fasuli)
A simpler, brothier version of Pasta e Fagioli, often made without tomato. It highlights the flavor of the beans.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 14g
12. Escarole and Bean Soup
Garlicky broth packed with nutritious escarole and creamy cannellini beans. I finish it with a drizzle of good olive oil.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 13g
13. Orzo and Vegetable Soup
A light, brothy soup with orzo pasta, carrots, celery, and spinach. It’s quick and good when you want something simple.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 5g
14. Tuscan Farro Soup
Farro, an ancient grain, cooked with tomatoes, beans, and vegetables. It has a wonderful chewy texture.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 10g
15. Sausage and Lentil Soup
A hearty soup where lentils are cooked with crumbled sausage, carrots, and celery in a tomato base.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 15g
16. Chicken and Pastina Soup
A gentle soup for busy days. Tiny pastina stars cook in a chicken broth with shredded rotisserie chicken.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 18g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
17. Cabbage and Bean Soup
A rustic soup from the north, with savoy cabbage, potatoes, and borlotti beans. It’s very humble and warming.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 16g
18. Tomato and Bread Soup (Pappa al Pomodoro)
A thick, spoonable soup made from stale bread, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and basil. It’s the best use for old bread.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 5g
19. Fish Soup from Livorno (Cacciucco)
A rich, spicy tomato and red wine broth filled with at least five different kinds of seafood.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
20. Pumpkin and Bean Soup
A smooth, velvety soup made from pumpkin or butternut squash, blended with white beans and sage. It feels special.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 8g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 4g
- Fiber: 11g
