The Best Vegetable & Noodle Soup

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits of using whole-wheat pasta?

  Whole-wheat pasta is a whole-grain food, and like all whole-grain foods, is loaded with nutrients, including fiber. Eating more whole grains has been linked with a lower risk of heart disease, possibly due to their anti-inflammatory effects. 

• Is celery healthy?

  While celery is not super high in nutrients, it does provide a nice boost of vitamin K. And since it’s 95% water, it’s also a hydrating vegetable. Like all vegetables, celery is full of antioxidants and has been shown to reduce inflammation—which, in turn, reduces the risk of chronic disease.

• Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

  This recipe can be vegetarian-friendly, depending on which type of Parmesan cheese you use. Traditionally made Parmesan cheese uses animal rennet, an enzyme that helps the milk coagulate as it ages and becomes cheese—and animal rennet is not vegetarian. However, some companies are making their Parmesan cheese with vegetable-based rennet, so you want to look for “vegetarian enzyme” or “vegetarian-friendly” on the label if you want this dish to truly be vegetarian. 

• I don’t have salt-free Italian seasoning, what can I use instead?

  You can make your own Italian seasoning blend with dried herbs from your pantry, like oregano, basil, thyme, sage and rosemary. Store in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.

• Is there a substitute for whole-wheat orzo?

  If you can’t find whole-wheat orzo, you can use whole-wheat pearl couscous or any other small pasta shapes, like ditalini, orecchiette or small shells.

• Can I use curly kale instead of Lacinato kale?

  Yes, you can substitute with curly kale. Lacinato kale, also called Tuscan kale or dinosaur kale, is a variety of kale with flat, dark blue-green leaves that have an embossed texture. The flavor is slightly more delicate than curly kale, but lacinato and curly kale can be used interchangeably in most recipes.

• Can I make vegetable noodle soup ahead?

  Yes, you can make this soup ahead, but keep in mind that the orzo will soak up the liquid, leaving you with softer orzo and less broth. If you’re planning on making this recipe ahead of time, we suggest cooking the orzo in a pot of boiling water and refrigerating it separately for the best results. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave on High until warmed through.