• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Food Meanderings
  • Start HERE
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
    • Courses
      • Breakfast and Brunch
        • Pancakes, Waffles & French Toast
        • Breakfast Potluck Ideas
      • Lunch
        • Sandwiches and Burgers
        • Salads
        • Soups, Stew & Chili Recipes
      • Dinner
        • Main dish
        • Pork Recipes
        • Pasta & Pizza Recipes
        • Casseroles
        • Chicken Recipes
        • Beef
        • Beef Recipes
        • Fish & Seafood
      • Desserts
        • Baked Goods
        • Bars and Squares
        • Cake
        • Cookies
        • Cupcakes
        • Frosting and Icing Recipes
        • Frozen Dessert Recipes
        • Healthy Dessert Recipes
        • No Bake Desserts
        • Pie and Pastry Recipes
        • Sweets
    • Cuisine
      • Asian Recipes
      • Italian Recipes
      • Mediterranean Recipes
      • Mexican Recipes
      • Southern Recipes
    • Dish Type
      • Appetizers
        • Dip Recipes
      • Breads
        • Bread Machine Recipes
        • Muffins
      • Side Dishes
        • Vegetables
      • Snacks
      • Sauces, Spreads and Condiments
      • Drinks
        • Smoothies
        • Mocktails
      • One-Pot and One-Pan meals
    • Cooking Style
      • Dinner Party Recipes
      • BBQ & Grilling
      • Healthy Recipes
      • Seasonal Cooking
      • Slow Cooker Recipes
      • Vegetarian
    • Special Diet
      • Gluten-free Recipes
      • Vegan Recipes
      • Vegetarian
      • Weight Watchers Friendly Recipes
    • Holidays
      • Canada Day
      • Christmas Recipes
      • Easter Recipes
      • Earth Day Recipes
      • Father's Day Recipes
      • Cinco de Mayo Recipes
      • 4th of July Recipes
      • Halloween Recipes
      • Mother's Day Recipes
      • New Year's Eve Recipes
      • St. Patrick's Day Recipes
      • Stampede Recipes
      • Thanksgiving Recipes
      • Birthday Recipes
      • Valentine's Day Recipes
      • Game Day Recipes
    • Ingredient
      • Meat
        • Pork
        • Poultry
      • Pasta
      • Beans
      • Potatoes
      • Fruit
      • Rice
      • Egg Recipes
      • Chocolate
  • Meanderings
    • Articles
      • My Weight Watchers (WW) Journey
      • Weight Watchers Tips & Tricks
      • Comfort & Baked Expectations
      • Gingerbread: The Art of Food
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Start HERE
  • Recipes
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
×

Home » Recipes » Dish Type » Soups, Stew & Chili Recipes

Panzanella Pasta Soup

Published: Jan 19, 2020 by Terri Gilson · Modified: Jun 2, 2021 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 12 Comments

Sharing is caring!

78 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Reddit
  • Yummly
  • Mix
Jump to Recipe
3 bread bowls filled with Panzanella Pasta Soup (back 2 on black tray)

There isn't much that's cozier than a bowl of soup in the winter, but soup in a bread bowl has got to be the coziest! And this healthy Panzanella Pasta Soup is my version of the famous Tuscan bread salad, but in soup form! Did you know there is actually science behind why soup is so comforting?

3 bread bowls filled with Panzanella Pasta Soup (back 2 on black tray)

This vegetarian soup is loaded with fresh, healthy veggies, then simmered with red wine, balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, lots of fresh basil and penne pasta. It's all served up in a cozy sourdough bread bowl and topped with homemade croutons,  capers, reduced balsamic vinaigrette and even more fresh basil! Pure comfort in a bowl....

Jump to:
  • 🥣How to Make Bread Bowls for Soup
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 📋 Panzanella Pasta Soup Recipe
  • 🥣Related Recipes

Chilly winter days are perfect for cozying up with a steaming bowl of hot soup. It's really no surprise that soup is among "stew" and "comfort food" as the most searched up food terms on google in January. There is just something so comforting about soup in the winter - it really warms you to the core. Actually, I was actually a little shocked that these terms even beat out "healthy recipes" as the most popular search terms in January. Although the great thing about this Panzanella Soup is that you get the best of both worlds - cozy, comforting soup that's also super healthy! 

Panzanella Pasta Soup in a bread bowl

Soup is comfort in a Bowl!

According to Psychology Today, the strong association between soup and comfort hasn’t been lost on researchers. Studies show the link between soup and a sense of well-being. Our brains seemed to be primed to make a connection between physical and social warmth. Apparently even eating hot soup may increase feeling of positivity towards your fellow man, even extending towards others you may view as culturally different from yourself. And since soup is often associated with being cared for, the food alone may conjure up those feelings of comfort.

My son was recently looking at my blog in his cooking class at school and told me that he was disappointed I didn't yet have this Panzanella soup in a bread bowl posted. He thought it was really cool and so delicious that he wanted to show his cooking group. So I thought that it was about time I shared this recipe!

3 bread bowls filled with Panzanella Pasta Soup (back 2 on black tray)

However, I need to forewarn you that there is some time investment in making this soup. Like my husband's amazing Healthy Pumpkin Soup and my Loaded Pierogi Soup,  it has to be cooked, then pureed to get the thick and rich texture without having to add cream or additional calories. Trust me though, it's totally worth it! And cooking soup is just so cathartic on a cold, winter day!

🥣How to Make Bread Bowls for Soup

You can make this soup with or without the bread bowl but the bread bowl is so much more fun! The way you prevent the bread bowl from leaking is by brushing olive oil on the inside of the bread bowl, making sure you use enough to cover the inside of all the bread bowls and then baking them. This creates a seal, ensuring whatever you put in the bread bowl will not leak out! *(See recipe card for full instructions on making the bread bowl)

🥘 Ingredients

I'm a self-professed meat girl and although I love my meat, I don't necessarily want or need meat with every meal. My kids are also becoming very environmentally conscious and are deliberately trying to eat less meat. But this vegetarian soup is so hearty, thick and filling that I promise, you won't even miss the meat! It's very similar to Italian Peasant Bread Soup.

For this recipe, you will need:

  • penne pasta
  • olive oil
  • red onion 
  • garlic
  • red pepper  
  • orange pepper 
  • yellow pepper 
  • cucumber 
  • Dijon mustard
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • fresh basil
  • tomatoes
  • vegetable stock
  • crushed red pepper
  • parmesan cheese
  • red wine * I use Cabernet Sauvignon
  • sourdough loaves 
  • reduced balsamic vinegar
Panzanella Pasta Soup in a bread bowl with spoonful of soup being held up

 So, if you're in the mood for some comfort in a bowl, snuggle up and give this Panzanella soup a try!

And if you're looking for another cozy vegetarian soup, then check out my Lentil Spinach Soup!

Red Lentil spinach soup | Weight Watchers Friendly - food meanderings
3 bread bowls filled with Panzanella Pasta Soup (back 2 on black tray)
Food Meandering Logo

📋 Panzanella Pasta Soup Recipe

This Panzanella Pasta Soup is my version of the famous Tuscan bread salad but in soup form! This vegetarian soup is loaded with fresh, healthy veggies, then simmered with red wine, balsamic vinegar, tomatoes, lots of fresh basil and penne pasta. It's all served up in a cozy sourdough bread bowl and topped with homemade croutons ( made from the sourdough loaf) capers, reduced balsamic vinaigrette and even more fresh basil!
5 from 5 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: lunch, main, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: panzanella, soup, vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 549kcal
Author: Terri Gilson
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

food processor or blender

Ingredients

  • 227 g box penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ large red onion, chopped finely chopped
  • 3 garlic  cloves crushed
  • 1 red pepper   chopped
  • ½ orange pepper chopped
  • ½ yellow pepper chopped
  • ½ long English cucumber chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 4 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped
  • 28 oz -can of  chopped tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup red wine * I use Cabernet Sauvignon

Bread bowls

  • 4 small sourdough loaves * I bought these in Sobey's bakery section
  • 4 tablespoon olive oil

Croutons

  • bread from inside loaves cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Garnish

  • capers * about 2 tsps
  • croutons (see croutons) *a couple tbsps
  • reduced balsamic vinegar * a couple squirts
  • fresh basil leaves 3-4 leaves
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Cook pasta as per directions then set aside.
  • In a 6 quart soup pot on medium heat add olive oil, garlic, red onion, red pepper, yellow, orange peppers, ½ the basil and cucumber. Sautee until softened (about 10 minutes).
  • Add tomatoes and vegetable stock, remaining basil, Dijon mustard, wine, balsamic vinegar, crushed red pepper and parmesan cheese.
  • Boil on medium for about 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
  • Puree soup in small batches using a blender or food processor. * Be sure to only fill up the food processor or blender ½ way or you will be splashed with hot soup!
  • Return to pot and stir in cooked pasta. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes on medium -low.

Bread Bowls

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Cut about a ½ inch off the top off the sourdough loaf of bread with serrated knife.
    Bread bowl top being cut off
  • Scoop out bread, making it hollow BUT be sure to leave it at least a 1- 1.5 inches thick on the inside.
    Inside of bread bowl being scooped out
  • Using a basting brush, brush olive oil on the inside of the bread bowl, dividing oil between all 4 bread bowls. Make sure you use enough to cover the inside of all the bread bowls (not the lids)- you may need to use a little more *This creates a seal, ensuring whatever you put in the bread bowl will not leak out .
  • Bake bread bowl on prepared baking sheet for 15 minutes, until golden on the inside. Remove from oven, fill with soup and garnish!
  • Cube as much bread as possible from the insides of the loaf (see croutons below).
    bread bowl - inside of bread bowl being cut into croutons
  • *Save the remaining bread crumbs in a freezer bag for future use.
    Bread crumbs saved in ziplock for future use

Croutons

  • Heat oil in a separate large frying pan over low-medium heat. Add bread cubes and sprinkle on salt. Cook, tossing occasionally, until golden. Set aside

Garnish

  • Top with capers, croutons, fresh basil leaves and reduced balsamic vinaigrette, if desired.
    Panzanella Pasta Soup in a bread bowl

Notes

*NOTE: Nutrition calculation does NOT include the bread bowl or garnish
My Amazon Recommendations (affiliate links)

Nutrition Facts
📋 Panzanella Pasta Soup Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 549 Calories from Fat 216
% Daily Value*
Fat 24g37%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Cholesterol 6mg2%
Sodium 2091mg91%
Potassium 956mg27%
Carbohydrates 71g24%
Fiber 7g29%
Sugar 18g20%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 2935IU59%
Vitamin C 106mg128%
Calcium 165mg17%
Iron 4mg22%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 549kcal (27%) | Carbohydrates: 71g (24%) | Protein: 13g (26%) | Fat: 24g (37%) | Saturated Fat: 4g (25%) | Cholesterol: 6mg (2%) | Sodium: 2091mg (91%) | Potassium: 956mg (27%) | Fiber: 7g (29%) | Sugar: 18g (20%) | Vitamin A: 2935IU (59%) | Vitamin C: 106mg (128%) | Calcium: 165mg (17%) | Iron: 4mg (22%)
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
Rate this Recipe

🥣Related Recipes

  • Loaded Pierogi Soup
  • Easy One-Pot Hamburger Soup
  • Corn Chowder Soup
  • Ukrainian Shortcut Borscht Soup with Beef
  • Healthy Pumpkin Soup (no cream)
  • Easy Italian Wedding Soup- in under 30 minutes!
  • Red Lentil Spinach Soup - Weight Watchers Friendly
  • Award-Winning Creamy Carrot Soup

More Soups, Stew & Chili Recipes

  • Chicken Gumbo Soup Recipe
  • Easy Healthy Minestrone Soup
  • 31 Healthy Fall Soup Recipes
  • Beer Cheese Soup Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisalia

    January 26, 2020 at 9:16 pm

    This is delicious! What a yummy way to have ALL the bread and pasta! My kids ate every last drop.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 26, 2020 at 10:00 pm

      That's great Lisalia!Thanks for taking the time to comment!

      Reply
  2. Beth

    January 26, 2020 at 10:20 pm

    So tasty! Loved the flavor of the sourdough with the hearty soup inside!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 27, 2020 at 7:16 am

      Great to hear, Beth!

      Reply
  3. Tisha

    January 26, 2020 at 10:54 pm

    A delicious comfort dish! Love that you used bread bowls! So clever!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 27, 2020 at 7:15 am

      Glad you enjoy it, Tisha 🙂

      Reply
  4. Adriana

    January 27, 2020 at 1:58 am

    Indeed this pasta is pure comfort has been a favorite at home so thanks so much for showing us how to make it. Total pleaser for my picky eaters.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 27, 2020 at 7:16 am

      Thanks, Adriana!

      Reply
  5. Heidy L. McCallum

    January 27, 2020 at 4:59 am

    I have had Panzanella Salad and loved it but never the soup. I am really excited to try something new and unique for dinner! Great idea.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 27, 2020 at 7:14 am

      Thanks, Heidy! I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  6. peggy

    March 29, 2020 at 7:35 pm

    very excited to try this .One thing I am allergic to sulphites (in all wines)what would you suggest I substitute for the wine.thanks

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      March 30, 2020 at 6:50 am

      Hi Peggy - I would substitute grape (white grape, preferably) or cranberry juice. Then add 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar.
      I hope you enjoy it!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

I'm Terri, a passionate home cook and baker, an award-winning recipe developer and a busy working mom that is trying to eat healthy and fit everything into not enough hours in a day! My mission is to share not only my recipes, cooking hacks and tips with you, but also my secrets to successful weight maintenance.

More about me →

Comfort Food Recipes

  • Easy Turkey Pot Pie (with cream of chicken soup)
  • Reuben Soup
  • Lentil and Sausage Stew (with spinach)
  • 11 Award-Winning Chili Recipes

More Comfort Food Recipes->

Footer

Featured On:

Taste Of Home Logo Parade Logo MSN Logo Master Chef Canada Logo Huffpost Logo Good Housekeeping Logo

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy & Terms of Use
  • Accessibility Policy

Subscribe

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact
  • Work with me

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2023 Foodmeanderings.com

78 shares