There's nothing quite like a hot bowl of soup on a chilly evening—especially when it tastes like your favorite comfort food! This Pepperoni Pizza Soup brings all the flavors of a classic slice into a rich, savory broth. Whether you're looking for a fun twist on dinner or an easy meal for busy nights, this pizza soup recipe is a must-try.
Pepperoni Pizza Soup
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Large Pot or Dutch Oven
Cutting board and knife
Wooden spoon
Ladle
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups mini pepperoni slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked pasta such as rotini or elbow
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers optional
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives optional
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil for garnish
Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the Base Ingredients
Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add the Toppings
Stir in mini pepperoni, chopped bell peppers, and black olives, if using. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
Incorporate the Cheese & Pasta
Lower the heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted. Add cooked pasta and mix well.
Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot. Pair with crusty garlic bread for an authentic pizzeria experience!
Pairings
This pizza soup recipe pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic breadsticks – Perfect for dipping!
- A crisp Caesar salad – To balance out the richness of the soup.
- A glass of Chianti or an ice-cold root beer – For a complete pizzeria-style meal.
FAQs
1. Can I make this in a crockpot?
Yes! This is one of those perfect dump and go crockpot dinners. Simply add all the ingredients (except the cheese and pasta) to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in the cheese and cooked pasta 15 minutes before serving.
2. What type of pepperoni should I use?
Mini pepperoni works great because it evenly distributes throughout the soup, but you can also chop regular-sized pepperoni into bite-sized pieces. For a spicy kick, try using hot pepperoni.
3. Can I add meat or veggies?
Absolutely! If you love a loaded pizza, feel free to add cooked Italian sausage, mushrooms, or even spinach for extra depth of flavor.
4. Are there other cooking methods?
Besides stovetop and crockpot, you can also make this in an Instant Pot. Just sauté the onions and garlic using the sauté function, then pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Stir in cheese and pasta afterward.
