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When Spaghetti-O’s Meet Italian Soup Magic 🍲
You know how sometimes two of your favorite things come together and create something even better than either one alone? That’s exactly what happened here. I took my love for those nostalgic little ring-shaped pastas and combined it with a rich, brothy, parmesan-loaded soup that’s somewhere between Italian pastina and the comfort of a good chicken noodle. The result is this — a warm, cozy bowl that tastes like childhood and sophistication all at once.
This recipe was born on one of those cold Chicago winter nights when I wanted something warm and soupy but Gabriella and Anthony wanted Spaghetti-O’s (again). So I met them in the middle. I made a real parmesan broth from scratch — simmering parmesan rinds with aromatics until it was liquid gold — and then cooked those tiny ring pastas right in it. The cheese melts into the broth, creating this silky, savory base that’s just incredible.
It’s the kind of soup that makes you close your eyes with the first sip. My kids slurp it down, my husband asks for seconds, and I get to feel like I gave my family something nourishing and homemade without spending all day in the kitchen. It takes about 30 minutes and it’s become one of our most requested dinners, especially when the weather turns cold.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb anelletti pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 white onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 carrot stalk diced
- 1 celery rib diced
- 6 cherry tomatoes halved
- 3 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 5 cups chicken broth plus more if needed
- 1 parmesan rind
- Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- In a large, deep pan on medium heat, add olive oil and butter to melt. Add onions, carrots, celery and cherry tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt. Cook down for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Add tomato paste and cook 3-4 minutes. Then add chicken bouillon, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Add broth and parmesan cheese rind, then uncooked pasta.
- Cook on simmer at medium-low until pasta is al dente. You may need to add more broth, 1 cup at a time, if you want it more brothy.
- Top with more cheese and enjoy!
Nutrition
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @thecookingmawma and let me know what you think. And don’t forget — save those parmesan rinds!
Tips for Making This Recipe
Save your parmesan rinds! If you take one thing away from this recipe, let it be this. Every time you finish a block of parmesan, save the rind in a bag in your freezer. When you have 2-3 of them, you can make this brothy parmesan soup and the flavor is absolutely unreal. The rinds melt slowly into the broth and add this deep, umami richness you can’t get any other way.
Don’t overcook the pasta. Since the rings are so small, they cook fast — usually just 7-8 minutes. Pull them when they still have a tiny bit of bite because they’ll continue softening in the hot broth. If you’re making this ahead, store the pasta and broth separately. The rings will absorb the broth as they sit, so add a little extra when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have parmesan rinds?
You can still make this! Use a generous amount of freshly grated parmesan stirred into the broth at the end. It won’t have the exact same depth as the rind-simmered version, but it’ll still be delicious and cheesy. You can also buy parmesan rinds at many delis and cheese counters.
Can I add protein to this?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken, small meatballs, or even a poached egg on top would all be amazing additions. I sometimes add leftover chicken to make it a more substantial meal, especially for my husband who likes something heartier.
Is this good for when you’re sick?
Yes! This is basically Italian Penicillin’s fun cousin. The warm broth, the parmesan, and the comforting pasta make it perfect for cold and flu season. It’s lighter than a cream-based soup but still incredibly soothing. I make it any time someone in the family is feeling under the weather.
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