Busy Day Soup: A Quick & Easy Recipe for Weeknight Wonders
Life gets hectic. Between work, family, and everything in between, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal can feel impossible. That's where our Busy Day Soup recipe comes in! This simple, yet satisfying soup is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it's ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those crazy weeknights when you need a comforting meal without the fuss.
Ingredients You'll Need (Mostly Pantry Staples!)
This recipe is designed to minimize prep time and maximize flavor, utilizing ingredients you likely already have on hand. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat!)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions: A Speedy Soup Journey
This recipe is so easy, even on your busiest day, you'll have time to whip it up! Follow these simple steps:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the Liquids & Beans: Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes. Add the cannellini beans. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Pasta Perfection: Stir in the ditalini pasta. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
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Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations for Your Busy Day Soup
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Make it a Meal Prep Marvel: This soup is perfect for meal prepping! Double the recipe and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
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Add Protein Power: Boost the protein content by adding cooked chicken, sausage, or lentils.
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Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness. A dash of hot sauce adds a nice kick too!
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Veggie Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
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Creamy Dreamy: For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
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Frozen Vegetables are Your Friend: If you're short on time, use frozen chopped vegetables instead of fresh.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Days
This Busy Day Soup recipe is a lifesaver for those nights when you're short on time but still crave a healthy and delicious meal. It's:
- Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Easy: Minimal chopping and simple steps.
- Healthy: Packed with vegetables and protein.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to your taste and dietary needs.
- Delicious: A comforting and flavorful soup the whole family will enjoy.
So next time you're facing a busy day, remember this recipe. It's your ticket to a quick, easy, and satisfying dinner that won't leave you feeling stressed or short on time. Enjoy!
