fideo soup is my answer whenever the day feels a little too loud and the fridge looks a little too empty. It is budget friendly, deeply comforting, and it comes together faster than you would expect. When I want something cozy but still light, I reach for this recipe and let the toasty noodles and tomato rich broth do their magic. If you are building your weekly menu, pair it with a quick protein like this bang bang salmon for a balanced, satisfying meal. Ready to warm up your kitchen and your mood with a pot of goodness? Let’s simmer.
What is Sopa de Fideo?
Sopa de Fideo is a beloved Mexican noodle soup made with thin pasta that gets toasted in oil, then simmered in a simple tomato broth. The noodles are usually called fideo, which look like short, thin spaghetti. Toasting gives the pasta a nutty aroma, a little color, and a deeper flavor than just dropping it into liquid. The broth is silky and savory, usually built from tomato, onion, garlic, and a good broth or water with bouillon. Some people add a pinch of cumin, oregano, or a splash of lime at the end. It is humble, fast, and downright comforting.
There are plenty of ways to make it your own. Some days I keep it classic and simple. Other days I bulk it up with veggies or beans, or serve it alongside a crisp salad or cheesy quesadilla. If you love cozy bowls like this, you might also enjoy an easy tomato based favorite like this cream of tomato soup for another weeknight hug in a bowl.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This fideo soup hits a sweet spot that is hard to beat. It is fast enough for a busy weeknight but feels like something your grandma might have simmered on the stove. The ingredient list is short and friendly. You can dress it up or keep it plain, and it plays nicely with everything from grilled cheese to crispy taquitos.
Here is why it wins in my house:
- Budget friendly: pantry pasta, canned tomatoes, and basic aromatics do the heavy lifting.
- Kid approved: mild flavor with slurpable noodles is always a hit.
- Quick: you can be eating in about 25 minutes.
- Flexible: add veggies, swap the broth, or choose toppings based on what you have.
- Make ahead: the broth can be blended in advance and refrigerated for a day or two.
If slow and cozy soups are your jam for the weekend, take a peek at this hearty slow cooker lasagna soup for a set it and forget it option.
A Few Sopa de Fideo Tips
Toast the pasta just right
Use a wide pot or deep skillet so the fideo sits mostly in a single layer. Add a tablespoon or two of neutral oil, then stir constantly over medium heat until the noodles turn golden. You want color, not burn. That toasty flavor is the backbone of a great fideo soup.
Blend a smooth tomato base
For the broth, blend canned tomatoes or fresh tomatoes with onion, garlic, and a bit of broth until smooth. A pinch of salt at this stage helps develop flavor from the start. If you prefer a brighter tomato flavor, try a method similar to this fresh forward approach in the tomato soup recipe with fresh tomatoes.
Control the broth to pasta ratio
Fideo drinks up liquid. For a more brothy bowl, use about 6 cups of broth per 7 to 8 ounces of fideo. For a thicker spoonable style, use 4 to 5 cups. If the soup thickens as it sits, splash in more broth to loosen.
Season in layers
Salt a little at each step. Taste at the end and add a squeeze of lime for brightness or a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes need balance. A tiny pinch of cumin or Mexican oregano adds warmth, but keep it gentle so the tomato shines.
Serve immediately
Fideo continues to soften as it sits in hot broth. For the best texture, ladle it into bowls as soon as the noodles are tender. If you plan to store it, you can cook and store the broth separately, then boil the pasta fresh when you are ready to eat.
Notable Ingredients
The essentials
- Fideo pasta: short, thin noodles. You can also break up thin spaghetti or vermicelli into small pieces if fideo is hard to find.
- Tomatoes: canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes are reliable, but ripe fresh tomatoes are lovely when in season.
- Onion and garlic: simple aromatics that add depth and sweetness.
- Broth: chicken or vegetable. Use what you have. Low sodium gives you better control over seasoning.
- Oil: neutral oil for toasting the noodles without adding competing flavors.
Flavor boosters
Mexican oregano, a tiny pinch of ground cumin, and a bay leaf round out the broth without overpowering it. A finishing squeeze of lime juice lifts everything. If you are into creamy, earthy comfort, the vibe is different but delightful in this cozy creamy mushroom chicken wild rice soup.
Optional toppings
- Diced avocado for creaminess
- Cotija or queso fresco for a salty pop
- Chopped cilantro for freshness
- Thinly sliced radishes for crunch
- Lime wedges for brightness
- Crema or sour cream for a gentle tang
- Pickled jalapeños if you like heat
If you want another easy soup for your rotation, this easy cream of tomato soup keeps things simple and satisfying.
Common Questions
Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Use vegetable broth and skip any dairy toppings. The flavor is still rich and cozy.
What if I can’t find fideo noodles?
Break thin spaghetti or vermicelli into small pieces. Aim for 1 to 1.5 inch pieces so they cook evenly and still feel like fideo soup.
How do I keep noodles from getting mushy?
Toast well, simmer gently, and serve as soon as the noodles are just tender. If storing leftovers, keep the noodles and broth separate when possible.
Can I add protein?
Yes. Shredded rotisserie chicken, browned ground turkey, or cooked beans work great. Add near the end so they do not overcook.
How spicy is it?
Classic fideo soup is mild. Add heat with a chopped jalapeño during the sauté step or a spoon of chipotle in adobo blended into the tomatoes.
Cozy bowls are calling
This is the kind of recipe that reminds you how far a few humble ingredients can go. A toasted noodle, a bright tomato blend, and a good pinch of salt bring the kind of comfort you can feel. When you are craving simplicity with soul, fideo soup delivers without fuss.
If you want to dive deeper into technique and variations, you might like these helpful guides from other home cooks and pros. Check out How to Make Sopa de Fideo on Dora’s Table for a clear, plant forward approach, or explore different seasonings and textures in Sopa de Fideo by Stellanspice. For a family friendly walkthrough with beautiful step by step notes, try Sopa de Fideo on Tara’s Multicultural Table. Whichever path you take, you will end up with a pot of soup that feels like a warm hug. Now grab your pot, toast those noodles, and make tonight extra cozy.
Sopa de Fideo
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting Mexican noodle soup made with toasted fideo pasta, simmered in a rich tomato broth.
Ingredients
- 7 to 8 ounces fideo pasta
- 4 to 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes or 3–4 fresh tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- Salt to taste
- Optional toppings: diced avocado, cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
- In a wide pot or deep skillet, heat oil over medium heat and add fideo pasta, stirring constantly until golden.
- In a blender, combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, and 1 cup of broth, blending until smooth.
- Add blended mixture to the pot with additional broth and bring to a simmer.
- Season with salt and any desired spices like cumin or oregano.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes until fideo is tender, adjusting broth for desired consistency.
- Serve immediately with optional toppings.
Notes
Toast the noodles well for a nutty flavor. Add lime juice or sugar to balance flavors if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
