Contents

Tia’s Sketti Soup: The Ultimate Easy & Comforting Spaghetti Soup Recipe

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this incredibly simple yet profoundly flavorful Spaghetti Soup, affectionately known in our home as Tia’s Sketti Soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a heartwarming journey back to simpler times, born out of the need to nourish and satisfy hungry bellies with minimal fuss and maximum taste. It’s a classic example of how the most basic ingredients, when combined with a touch of love and clever technique, can create a truly unforgettable dish. Despite its humble origins and straightforward preparation, this soup is bursting with deep, savory flavors and evokes a flood of cherished family memories with every spoonful. It’s a testament to the power of comfort food that stands the test of time, remaining a beloved favorite that I still prepare regularly today.

Often, the best recipes are those that emerge from necessity, and Tia’s Sketti Soup is no exception. It’s the kind of meal you turn to when you need something genuinely satisfying, budget-friendly, and quick to prepare, especially after a long day. This hearty spaghetti soup showcases how humble pantry staples can be transformed into a rich and deeply satisfying meal. It’s a versatile dish that easily scales up to feed a crowd or provides delicious leftovers for days, making it perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or whenever you crave a taste of home. Get ready to discover a new family favorite that proves that sometimes, less truly is more.

Why You Will Love This Easy Spaghetti Soup

This simple spaghetti soup is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why Tia’s Sketti Soup is bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

Incredibly Simple to Make: With just a handful of everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, this soup comes together effortlessly, even for novice cooks.
Budget-Friendly: Crafted primarily from affordable pantry staples, it’s a wonderfully cost-effective meal solution perfect for feeding families without breaking the bank.
Packed with Hearty Flavor: Despite its simplicity, the harmonious blend of smoky bacon, sweet onion, rich tomato, and tender pasta creates a surprisingly deep and satisfying taste profile that belies its humble origins.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Warm, savory, and wonderfully filling, it’s the quintessential comforting bowl that provides warmth on a chilly day and a sense of nostalgia with every spoonful.
Highly Versatile: This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing for various pasta types, different broth bases, and optional additions to perfectly suit your preferences and what you have on hand.
Feeds a Crowd (or Provides Great Leftovers): This recipe makes a generously sized pot of soup, ideal for large families, casual gatherings, or ensuring you have plenty of delicious leftovers for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.
A Taste of Nostalgia: It’s an old-fashioned spaghetti soup that brings back fond memories of home-cooked meals and is sure to create new cherished moments around your dining table.

Prepare to fall in love with its unassuming charm and delicious flavor!

Simple Ingredients for a Hearty Spaghetti Soup

One of the true beauties of Tia’s Sketti Soup lies in its incredibly straightforward ingredient list. You’ll likely find that you already have most, if not all, of these basic components tucked away in your pantry or refrigerator. This recipe is designed to be accessible and fuss-free, proving that you don’t need exotic items to create something truly delicious and deeply satisfying. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the soup’s comforting flavor profile, from the smoky foundation of bacon to the tender texture of the pasta.

Ingredients needed to make Spaghetti Soup

Let’s take a closer look at the stars of this budget-friendly and delicious soup:

Thick-Cut Bacon, Diced: This is arguably the “most expensive” component of the soup, but its impact on flavor is immense and well worth it. Diced thick-cut bacon not only renders delicious fat, which forms the savory base for sautéing the onions, but the crisp bacon bits also add a wonderful texture and smoky depth to the finished soup. You can reserve some for garnish or stir it all back in.
Large Yellow Onion, Diced: A fundamental aromatic in so many comfort foods, diced yellow onion is sautéed in the bacon drippings until translucent and tender. It provides a foundational sweetness and savory note that complements the other ingredients beautifully, softening and releasing its flavors into the broth.
Chicken Stock: While chicken stock adds a rich, complex flavor to the broth, its inclusion is incredibly flexible. In true humble fashion, if you don’t have stock, sometimes I just use a good quality chicken bouillon paste dissolved in water, or simply plain water if that’s all I have on hand. The key is to adjust your seasonings accordingly if opting for water, as stock brings its own saltiness and depth.
Water: Used in conjunction with stock, or as a primary liquid if stock isn’t available, water helps create the perfect broth consistency and volume for this large batch of soup.
Tomato Paste: This concentrated tomato goodness is vital for developing the soup’s characteristic richness, a lovely reddish hue, and a subtle tang. It’s not just for color; it’s for an umami depth that elevates the entire dish, giving it a wonderfully robust tomato flavor.
Pasta, Orecchiette or Elbows: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability regarding pasta. While it’s “Spaghetti Soup,” you can truly use any small-to-medium sized pasta shape you have in your pantry. Orecchiette, elbow macaroni, ditalini, small shells, or even broken spaghetti strands (see notes below) work wonderfully. The pasta cooks directly in the flavorful broth, absorbing all the fantastic tastes.
Kosher Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: These are your foundational seasonings. Start with the recommended amounts in the recipe card, but always taste and adjust at the end. Salt truly brings out all the other flavors.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A hint of crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth and subtle kick that brightens the soup without making it overtly spicy. Plus, it’s great to have extra on hand for those who like more heat!
Green Onions, for Serving (Optional): Freshly chopped green onions provide a lovely mild oniony crunch and a pop of color as a garnish, adding a touch of freshness to each bowl.
Crusty Bread, for Serving (Optional): A must-have accompaniment! Dipping warm, crusty bread into the savory broth is an absolute delight and complements the soup perfectly.

This recipe yields a truly GIANT pot of soup, making it an ideal choice for feeding a large family, entertaining guests, or ensuring you have plenty of delicious leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week. And trust me, it’s so incredibly good that you won’t mind savoring it for days!

For precise ingredient measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, please use the JUMP TO RECIPE button located at the top of this post, or simply scroll down to the bottom to find the complete recipe card.

Crafting Tia’s Sketti Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this comforting spaghetti soup is a straightforward process, but it’s the thoughtful steps and one particular family secret that truly elevate it from simple to sublime. The method is designed for efficiency and maximum flavor development, ensuring a delicious and heartwarming outcome every single time. Let’s walk through how to bring this humble yet magnificent soup to life in your own kitchen.

Crisp the Bacon: Begin by cooking the diced thick-cut bacon in the bottom of a large, heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven heated over medium heat. Cook it slowly and patiently until it’s perfectly crisp and has rendered most of its flavorful fat. This step is crucial, as the bacon fat will be the foundational flavor base for the rest of the soup. Once crisp, use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked bacon bits and set them aside on a paper-towel-lined plate. Carefully drain off all but about 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered fat from the pot.
Sauté the Onion: In the savory bacon drippings that remain in the pot, add your diced yellow onion. Sauté it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes wonderfully translucent and tender, usually taking about 5 minutes. This softens the onion’s flavor and brings out its natural sweetness, adding another essential layer of depth to the broth.
Build the Broth Base: Pour in the chicken stock (or water/bouillon mixture) along with the additional water into the pot. Increase the heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil. This ensures that when other ingredients are added, they cook evenly and the flavors can fully meld together efficiently.
Tia’s Secret to Tomato Paste Perfection: Now for the special, meticulous touch, straight from Tia herself! When the stock is vigorously boiling, add the tomato paste not all at once, but gradually, a spoonful at a time. As Tia would demonstrate with unwavering precision, you’d get a small amount of paste on your spoon, then gently wave or swirl the spoon around in the boiling liquid until the paste slowly and completely dissolves. This slow, deliberate incorporation is absolutely key. Why? Because if you simply dump the entire can of dense tomato paste directly into the pot, it can sink to the bottom, stick, and potentially burn, imparting an undesirable bitter or burnt taste to your entire soup. By gradually dispersing it, you ensure the tomato paste fully integrates into the broth, lending its rich color and robust flavor without any issues, creating a smooth, luscious base.
Season and Add Pasta: Once all the tomato paste has been perfectly worked into the broth, add your chosen pasta shape to the pot. Stir in the kosher salt, fresh cracked black pepper, and the crushed red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is submerged and the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Cook the Pasta to Perfection: Allow the soup to continue simmering gently for about 10 more minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente (tender but still with a slight bite). It’s important to stir the soup often during this stage to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot, which can happen as starches release.
Rest for Optimal Texture: After the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and let the soup rest, uncovered, for another 10 minutes. This resting period is not optional; it’s crucial! It allows the starches from the pasta to further release into the broth and naturally thicken the soup to that wonderfully hearty, comforting consistency that defines Tia’s Sketti Soup.
Final Flavor Adjustment: Before serving, always taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might find it benefits from a little more salt, a grind of black pepper, or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes to suit your preference.
Serve with Love: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon bits and freshly chopped green onions, if desired. Don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping!

Expert Notes & Tips for the Best Spaghetti Soup

To ensure your Tia’s Sketti Soup is always a resounding success and to get the most out of every batch, here are some invaluable tips and notes that will guide you to perfection, from smart serving suggestions to handling leftovers like a pro.

Understanding Pasta and Liquid Absorption: It’s a fundamental characteristic of pasta that it continues to absorb liquid even after cooking. Therefore, the longer your Spaghetti Soup rests or is stored, the thicker it will become. Don’t be alarmed if it transforms from a soupy consistency to something more stew-like overnight in the refrigerator. This is perfectly normal! To remedy this, simply add a splash of water, additional chicken stock, or even a bit of milk (for extra creaminess) when reheating to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir well and heat gently until warmed through.
Customizing the Spice Level: I always recommend serving this soup with a pepper mill for fresh cracked black pepper and a small bowl of extra crushed red pepper flakes on the side. This thoughtful gesture allows everyone at the table to customize their individual bowls, adding just the right amount of warmth, spice, and aroma to suit their personal palate. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano is also a fantastic and highly encouraged addition for those who enjoy a cheesy, salty kick.
The Pure Joy of Double Carbs: I know, I know, it might seem like “double the carbs” – pasta in soup and bread on the side! But trust me, serving this hearty soup with some warm, crusty bread is an absolute dream come true and a non-negotiable part of the experience. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, savory broth. Slather a thick slice with butter, dip it enthusiastically into the soup, and experience pure culinary bliss. Classic garlic bread, a rustic baguette, or even a simple artisan sourdough are excellent choices for dipping.
Tia’s Tomato Paste Technique: As highlighted in the method, carefully incorporating the tomato paste spoon by spoon into the boiling liquid truly makes a difference. This meticulous step prevents the dense paste from sinking, sticking, and potentially burning at the bottom of the pot, ensuring a smooth, rich, and perfectly flavored broth. This small detail, passed down through generations, is a secret to its consistent deliciousness.
Meal Prep Goldmine: Due to its generous yield and how incredibly well it reheats (with the aforementioned liquid adjustment), Tia’s Sketti Soup is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping. Divide it into individual airtight containers for quick, easy, and satisfying lunches throughout the week, saving you time and effort on busy days.
Fresh Herbs for Brightness: While not traditional for this humble soup, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil at the very end can add a lovely burst of color and herbaceous freshness, especially if you’re serving it for guests.

Embrace these tips, and you’ll consistently create a pot of Tia’s Sketti Soup that’s worthy of its legacy – simple, flavorful, and incredibly comforting.

Versatile Substitutions for Your Sketti Soup

The true beauty of a humble and adaptable recipe like Tia’s Sketti Soup lies in its inherent flexibility. Don’t have an exact ingredient on hand, or prefer to make a dietary adjustment? No problem at all! This soup can easily be tweaked and tailored to suit what you have in your pantry or to cater to different dietary preferences without ever sacrificing its comforting essence or delicious flavor profile.

Chicken Stock Alternatives: As mentioned earlier, chicken stock is my preferred choice for its natural depth of flavor. However, if you don’t have any on hand, plain water works perfectly well in a pinch. When using only water, simply compensate by adding a bit more salt, pepper, and perhaps a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dried herb blend to boost the savory notes. Remember, this recipe hails from lean times, so resourcefulness is deeply embedded in its charm! For a vegetarian version, an equal amount of good quality vegetable broth is an excellent substitute (and in this case, you would also omit the bacon).
Pasta, Any Pasta! While it’s affectionately called “Spaghetti Soup,” the wonderful truth is that any type of small-to-medium sized pasta you have in your pantry will work beautifully. Think orecchiette, ditalini, small shells, elbow macaroni, or even fusilli. They all absorb the broth and add wonderful texture. If you’re using traditional long spaghetti strands, simply break them into smaller, spoon-friendly pieces (about 1-2 inches long) before adding them to the pot. This makes the soup much easier and more enjoyable to eat with a spoon. Feel free to experiment with whole wheat pasta for added fiber or your favorite gluten-free pasta options; just be sure to follow the package directions for cooking times as they can vary.
Bacon Alternatives: If you don’t eat pork, turkey bacon can be used as a substitute, though it might render less fat and have a slightly different flavor profile. For a completely vegetarian or vegan version, you can omit the bacon entirely. In this case, start by sautéing the onion in 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter, and consider adding a touch of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a hint of smoky flavor that the bacon would typically provide.
Adding More Vegetables: While the core recipe emphasizes simplicity, feel free to toss in other finely diced vegetables during the onion sautéing stage. Small diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers would add extra nutrition, color, and flavor. Just be aware that adding more vegetables will slightly depart from the “humble, quick fix” concept but can enhance the soup.
Boost the Umami: For an extra layer of savory depth, especially if you’re using just water instead of stock, consider adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce (ensure it’s vegetarian if needed) or a teaspoon of soy sauce to the broth. A spoonful of miso paste dissolved in a little hot water can also add a wonderful umami richness.
Spice Level Adjustments: If you prefer a milder soup, you can reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. Conversely, for those who love heat, a pinch more red pepper or even a dash of hot sauce in individual bowls can be fantastic.

Tia’s Sketti Soup is truly more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, a comforting reminder of the power of simple ingredients, and a delicious tribute to the wisdom and resourcefulness passed down through generations. Whether you’re making it for a large family dinner, a cozy night in, or as a convenient meal prep option, this easy spaghetti soup is guaranteed to bring warmth, satisfaction, and joy to your table. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with these suggested substitutions, adapting it to your family’s tastes and what you have readily available.

This humble recipe proves that you don’t need a pantry full of gourmet ingredients to create something truly memorable and deeply loved. It’s the kind of food that nourishes the body and comforts the soul, bringing smiles and satisfying appetites with its rich, unpretentious flavors. Give Tia’s Sketti Soup a try, and let its simple magic transform your mealtime!

More Delightful Soup Recipes to Explore!

If you’ve enjoyed the comforting simplicity and heartwarming flavors of Tia’s Sketti Soup, you’ll surely love exploring these other fantastic soup creations from our kitchen. Each recipe offers its own unique charm and is perfect for cozy meals and satisfying cravings:

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup – Avgolemono
White Bean Chicken Chili
Creamy Potato Soup
Mom’s French Onion Soup
A Chef’s Zuppa Toscana
Spicy Texas Chili

Did you give this heartwarming Tia’s Sketti Soup a try? We’d absolutely love to hear from you! Please let me know by leaving a review or comment below. Your feedback helps others discover and enjoy this delicious recipe, fostering a community of home cooks. And don’t forget to stay connected and never miss out on our latest culinary inspirations! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter to receive exclusive recipes and cooking tips directly in your inbox, and follow along with all our latest creations and behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 16 servings or 8 hungry

Tia’s Sketti Soup (Spaghetti Soup)

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
40 minutes

This is a recipe that a family friend, affectionately referred to as my Tia taught me. She says she made it up, and that it is the humblest of humble recipes and stems from lean times. But, it’s delicious and brings back a flood of memories with each bite.

Ingredients

6 slices Thick Cut Bacon, diced
1 large Yellow Onion, diced
8 cups Chicken Stock
4 cup Water
1 6oz can Tomato Paste
4 cups Pasta, Orecchiette or Elbows
Kosher Salt
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes + more for serving
Green Onions, for serving
Crusty Bread, for serving

Instructions

In the bottom of a large stockpot heated over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp. Remove the crisp bacon and almost all of the leftover fat from the pan.
In the drippings that remain in the pot, sauté the onion until translucent and tender, about 5 minutes.
Add the stock and water to the pot and bring it to a boil.
When the stock comes to a boil, work the tomato paste in a spoonful at a time and shake the spoon around in the stock until it dissolves into the pot. Doing this slowly is key, otherwise, all the paste sinks to the bottom and will burn. Add 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and the crushed pepper flakes to the pot.
When the tomato paste is all worked in, add the pasta and simmer for 10 more minutes, stirring often so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
Turn the heat to low and let the soup rest for 10 minutes. This allows the starches to release from the pasta and thicken the soup.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, I typically add a bit more salt.
Serve with more crushed red pepper on top if desired and green onions if you like and crusty bread for dipping in the soup.

Notes

Notes & Tips

The pasta will soak up more and more of the liquid the longer the soup sits around. Add some water to the pot as needed to thin it out. Consider adding a splash of chicken stock or milk when reheating for extra flavor or creaminess.

I like to serve the soup with a pepper mill and some crushed red pepper in a bowl on the side. Everyone usually adds some more to their individual bowls to spice it up just the way they like it. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is also a wonderful addition.

I know it’s double carbs, but serving the soup with some warm, crusty bread is like living in your best dream. Slap some butter on it and enjoy dipping it into the rich broth!

Substitutions

Chicken stock is my adaptation, but if you don’t have it, use water or vegetable broth. Just spice it up a little more with some extra salt and pepper, and perhaps a touch of garlic powder. Remember this is the humblest of humble food!

The beauty of this recipe is you can use ANY type of small-to-medium pasta you like or have on hand. If you use real spaghetti, just break it up into little pieces so you can easily eat it with a spoon. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works well.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 142Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 285mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 8g

This is an estimated caloric value, actual numbers may differ based on the ingredients used.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram