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This quick, simple, and delicious Sopa de Fideo (noodle soup) is a family favorite. It’s cheesy and flavorful!
Sopa de Fideo is one of our favorite Mexican soups – along with Chicken Tortilla Soup, Enchilada Soup, and Taco Soup. You can’t go wrong with any of them!
What is Fideo?
Fideo is a thin Mexican noodle. It is similar to angel hair pasta or thin spaghetti.
(In fact, if a recipe calls for fideo and you can’t find it, you can use thin spaghetti or vermicelli noodles. Just break the pasta into 1-inch pieces and cook as directed.)
The best part of fideo? You can usually find a bag for only two quarters at most grocery stores. Score!
Ever since we were little, my mom has made for us the best sopa (aka soup) using fideo. This Sopa de Fideo has become a classic dinner in our home that the whole family loves.
It’s not only delicious but requires just a few ingredients too. And with the noodles being so inexpensive, it’s also a great meal when you’re trying to pinch pennies or use some pantry staples.

How to Make Sopa de Fideo
Fideo Soup is so simple!
PASTA. Add oil to a medium pot and heat on LOW-MEDIUM heat. Add fideo and cook until noodles are coated in oil and have started to brown.
SAUCE. Add tomato sauce and broth and bring to a boil. Then reduce to LOW and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until noodles are soft.
SERVE. Add cheese, salt, and pepper and stir until combined. Serve warm.
Like we said – so simple. So inexpensive. We promise this sopa will become a family favorite. And be sure to look at our notes below on how you can change this up according to your liking. 😉
Variations
Traditionally this is a very simple Mexican Sopa. It’s easy to make and uses a few common ingredients, and like most soups, it is quite easy to adjust. Here are a few ideas:
- Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable stock for a vegetarian soup.
- Add shredded chicken for a heartier fideo soup.
- Make it a richer flavor by pureeing roasted tomatoes in lieu of tomato sauce.
- Add veggies like peas, zucchini, and carrots.
- Infuse extra flavor by sauteeing onion or garlic in the oil before adding the fideo.
- Add a bit of heat with jalapeno or chili powder.
- Top with chopped avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, and fresh cilantro.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Serving suggestions. This Mexican Sopa de Fideo, along with most soup recipes, is often served at lunch or dinner. It can be served as a side dish or as a main dish alongside warm corn tortillas.
Some other yummy foods to serve with this soup include:
STORE. Keep leftover Mexican Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
FREEZE. Store leftovers in the freezer for 3-4 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the noodles will change, but the soup will still be delicious.
Recipe FAQ
They’re really similar! Fideo is most similar to angel hair or vermicelli noodles. In fact, you can use either of those (or spaghetti) as a substitute if you can’t find fideo.
I love to eat it plain, but it’s not uncommon to add chopped avocado, a squeeze of lime juice, a sprinkle of queso fresco, or fresh cilantro.
For More Mexican Soups:
Sopa de Fideo Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 (7-ounce) bag fideo pasta
- 2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 24 ounces chicken broth low sodium
- ½-1 cup Mexican cheese shredded
- garlic salt with parsley flakes
- pepper
Instructions
- Add oil to a medium pot and cook on LOW-MEDIUM heat. Add fideo and cook until noodles are coated in oil and have started to brown.
- Add tomato sauce and broth and bring to a boil. Then reduce to LOW and simmer for 8-10 minutes or until noodles are soft.
- Add cheese, garlic salt and pepper and stir until combined. Serve warm.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What is fMexican cheese?