Few things are happier than alphabet shaped noodles. I rank them right up there with kittens, miniature tea sets and bubbles. But, while you may still love the shape, you might have outgrown the flavor of the canned variety. My recipe for alphabet soup is crazy easy, kid-friendly and ready in under 30 minutes. (I won’t tell if you won’t.)

Carrots are sauteed until they are sweet and soft. Then, a little garlic is stirred in. Tomato sauce and broth form the base for the noodles (I think tiny stars would be cute too). Frozen vegetables round out the dinner. If you’d like to add a little protein, stir in cannellini beans or a little cooked chicken. Both would be lovely, but are unnecessary in making the perfect alphabet soup.

Serve to anyone wearing a princess dress. My dinner companion was dressed like Sofia the First.

Alphabet Soup

Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 carrot, chopped
1 c. tomato sauce
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp. tomato paste
4 c. chicken or vegetable broth
3/4 c. alphabet noodles
1/4 c. frozen corn
1/4 c. frozen green beans, roughly chopped
1/4 c. peas
Salt and pepper
1-2 tbsp. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano per bowl (optional)

Directions:
Place a large soup pot over medium heat. Add in the evoo. When it is warm, add in the carrots and season with salt and pepper. Saute until soft. Then, add the garlic. Stir for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir to incorporate. Then, pour in the tomato sauce and broth. Bring to a boil. Stir in the noodles. Cook until nearly soft (about five minutes). Add the corn, green beans and peas. Cook until the beans are tender.

Taste. Season with salt and pepper. Then, ladle into bowls. Top with grated parm, if you like. (We did.)