Welcome to your new favorite weeknight hero: the one-pot Tomato Florentine Soup! This delightful and deeply comforting dish is designed for ease without compromising on flavor. Imagine a rich, hearty tomato base, brimming with fresh vegetables, vibrant spinach, and tender macaroni noodles, all cooked in a single pot. It’s the perfect blend of quick preparation and satisfying nourishment, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave a wholesome, homemade meal. Simple, delicious, and incredibly warming, this soup promises to become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire.
Why This Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe Is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another soup; it’s a culinary experience that brings warmth and joy to your table with minimal effort. Here’s a closer look at what makes our Tomato Florentine Soup truly exceptional:
A Bowl Full of Comfort and Flavor
There’s a reason why this Tomato Florentine soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl! It starts with a robust tomato base, meticulously seasoned to create a depth of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds. We then layer in soft, sautéed vegetables, vibrant fresh spinach, and perfectly tender macaroni, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. This classic, hearty soup is so universally appealing that even the most discerning eaters in your family are sure to ask for seconds. Its rich, savory profile, combined with the wholesome ingredients, makes it an ultimate comfort food that satisfies both body and soul.
Effortless One-Pot Preparation for Busy Lives
Who doesn’t love a meal that simplifies cleanup? This Tomato Florentine Soup comes together entirely in one pot, drastically cutting down on dishwashing time. The cooking process is straightforward: begin by sautéing your aromatic vegetables until tender, then add the macaroni directly to the pot to cook in the flavorful broth. Finish by stirring in fresh spinach, and just like that, your delicious meal is ready to serve. This streamlined approach makes it an absolute lifesaver for frantic weeknights or any time you desire a delicious, no-fuss meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
An Excellent Option for Meal Prep and Freezing
Planning ahead has never been easier or more delicious. Our Tomato Florentine Soup is an ideal make-ahead meal, perfect for preparing a larger batch at the start of the week to enjoy through the weekend. Leftovers can be stored effortlessly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ready for a quick reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Simply portion the cooled soup into a large airtight freezer-safe container or multiple smaller containers for convenient individual servings. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently until warmed through. This versatility makes it a fantastic addition to any meal prep routine, ensuring a healthy and satisfying meal is always within reach.
Essential Chef’s Tips for Perfect Tomato Florentine Soup
Achieving the perfect bowl of Tomato Florentine Soup is simple with these expert tips:
Timing is Key for Fresh Spinach
One of the most crucial tips for making this soup is to add the spinach right at the very end of the cooking process! Spinach wilts incredibly quickly, and adding it too soon can result in overcooked, mushy spinach that loses its vibrant color and nutritional value. By stirring it in just before you remove the pot from the heat, the residual warmth of the soup will be enough to perfectly wilt the spinach, ensuring it retains its fresh taste, appealing texture, and bright green hue. It will continue to cook slightly even after the heat is off, so don’t be afraid to pull the pot early once the spinach has just barely softened.
Serving Suggestions: From Full Meal to Flavorful Side
This Tomato Florentine Soup is wonderfully hearty and satisfying enough to stand alone as a complete meal. However, its versatility also makes it an excellent side dish. If you’re looking for accompaniments, consider pairing it with some crispy air fryer garlic bread for dipping into the rich broth. For a more wholesome side, try our delicious broccoli cornbread, which subtly adds more vegetables to your meal. And of course, nothing beats the classic soup and sandwich combo – a warm bowl of tomato soup alongside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich is the epitome of comfort! You could also serve it with a crisp green salad or some homemade croutons for added crunch. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite dippers or side dishes to complement its rich flavors.
Enhancing the Flavor Profile
To deepen the umami of your tomato base, consider caramelizing the tomato paste slightly after sautéing the vegetables but before adding the liquids. This step toasts the sugars in the paste, intensifying its richness. A splash of red wine or a dash of balsamic vinegar can also add complexity and brightness to the broth. For a touch of creaminess without heavy cream, a swirl of cashew cream or a tablespoon of nutritional yeast can work wonders, especially for dairy-free alternatives. Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end, as broth and canned tomatoes can vary in sodium content.
Ingredient Spotlight: The Heart of Your Soup
Every ingredient in this Tomato Florentine Soup plays a crucial role in building its irresistible flavor and comforting texture. Understanding them helps in making informed substitutions and adjustments.
The Robust Tomato Base
The foundation of this soup is its hearty tomato base. We use a combination of tomato paste and diced tomatoes. The tomato paste, when sautéed briefly, develops a deeper, more concentrated flavor, adding a rich umami note. The diced tomatoes provide fresh, bright tomato flavor and a pleasant texture throughout the soup. For an even smoother texture, you could opt for crushed tomatoes or blend a portion of the diced tomatoes before adding them. Quality canned tomatoes make a significant difference here, so choose a brand you trust for the best results.
Aromatic Vegetables: The Flavor Builders
The classic mirepoix of onion, carrots, and celery forms the aromatic backbone of this soup. Sautéing these vegetables until tender releases their natural sweetness and savory notes, building a complex flavor foundation. Minced garlic adds a pungent, warm depth that is indispensable in Italian-inspired dishes. These vegetables not only contribute to the flavor but also add essential nutrients and fiber, making the soup more wholesome and satisfying.
The Freshness of Spinach
The “Florentine” in Tomato Florentine Soup traditionally refers to the inclusion of spinach, and for good reason. Fresh chopped spinach adds a beautiful green color, a slight earthy sweetness, and a wealth of vitamins and minerals. As noted in our tips, adding it at the very end ensures it remains bright and tender, rather than turning dark and mushy. Feel free to use baby spinach or mature spinach; just ensure it’s thoroughly washed and roughly chopped.
Tender Macaroni Noodles
The addition of dry macaroni transforms this soup into a truly hearty and filling meal. Macaroni absorbs the flavorful broth, becoming tender and delightful with every spoonful. Its small, curved shape is perfect for catching bits of vegetables and broth. If you prefer, other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or orzo can be substituted. For a gluten-free option, ensure you use a good quality gluten-free macaroni that holds its shape well when cooked.
Seasoning for Perfection
Italian seasoning is the secret to a perfectly balanced herb profile, often a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. It effortlessly brings all the Mediterranean flavors together. Along with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, these seasonings enhance the natural goodness of the vegetables and tomatoes. Always taste and adjust these seasonings as you go, remembering that you can always add more but can’t take it away!
Customization and Variations for Your Palate
This Tomato Florentine Soup is incredibly forgiving and adaptable, making it easy to tweak to your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
Boost the Protein
For an even more substantial meal, consider adding protein. Cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!), browned ground turkey, or Italian sausage can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. For a vegetarian protein boost, add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas along with the broth for extra fiber and texture.
Add More Vegetables
Feel free to load up on extra veggies! Sliced zucchini, diced bell peppers, chopped kale, or sliced mushrooms can be sautéed with the initial aromatics. Green beans or peas can be added towards the end with the spinach. This is a fantastic way to sneak in more nutrients and enjoy a wider range of flavors and textures.
Make it Creamier or Spicier
For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or full-fat coconut milk (for a dairy-free option) at the very end, just before serving. If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the Italian seasoning will give it a subtle kick. For a bolder spice, add a diced jalapeño with the onions and carrots.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Adaptations
Making this soup suitable for various dietary needs is straightforward. As mentioned in the notes, use gluten-free macaroni and ensure your chicken or vegetable broth is certified gluten-free. For a fully vegan version, simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based! For a creamy vegan option, stir in a swirl of unsweetened plant-based milk (like almond or cashew milk) or a dollop of vegan sour cream.
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Tomato Florentine Soup
15 minutes
25 minutes
40 minutes
Sam Guarnieri
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4 servings
Ingredients
For the Tomato Florentine Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 large carrots peeled, chopped
- 1 stalk celery chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt more or less to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper more or less to taste
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 32 ounces chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup dry macaroni
- 2 cups chopped spinach
Suggested Toppings (Optional)
- freshly grated parmesan
- freshly chopped parsley
Equipment
- Large pot with lid
- large wooden spoon
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. When the pot is warm, add olive oil and swirl the pan to distribute the oil across the surface. Continue heating until the oil is hot and shimmering.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Stir to incorporate, then sauté until the vegetables are tender, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- When the veggies are tender, add the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients, then let it simmer for 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
- Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth to the pot. Stir thoroughly, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits of onion or garlic that might be stuck to the bottom of the pan. Increase the heat under the pot to medium-high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
- Once the broth begins to boil rapidly, add the dry macaroni to the pot and stir well to prevent sticking. Continue to boil the noodles for approximately 8 minutes, or until they are just al dente.
- When the macaroni is cooked to your desired al dente tenderness, add the chopped spinach to the pot. Stir gently until the spinach is just incorporated and begins to wilt. Immediately remove the pot from the heat to prevent overcooking the spinach.
- Ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls. If desired, garnish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of freshly chopped parsley for extra flavor and visual appeal. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting homemade Tomato Florentine Soup!
Notes
- Make It Gluten-Free: To ensure this soup is gluten-free, substitute regular macaroni with a gluten-free variety. Also, double-check that your chosen chicken or vegetable broth is certified gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten ingredients.
- Spice Level: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Creamy Texture: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative like unsweetened cashew cream during the last step, just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
More Delicious Soups to Warm Your Soul
If you’re a soup enthusiast, you’re in for a treat! Our collection features a variety of comforting and healthy soup recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From hearty chilis to creamy vegetable purees, there’s a bowl for every craving. Explore these other fantastic recipes from our kitchen:
- Mexican Chili: A bold and flavorful chili that’s perfect for a crowd or a cozy night in.
- Hazelnut Soup with Parsnips: An unexpectedly delightful and rich soup offering unique flavors.
- Kale and White Bean Soup: A nutritious and satisfying soup, packed with greens and protein.
- Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup: Creamy and comforting, made easy with your Instant Pot.
- Shrimp and Corn Soup: A light yet flavorful option with a touch of sweetness from corn.
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup: A spicy and creamy delight for pasta and chicken lovers.
- Healthy Zuppa Toscana: A lighter take on a classic, perfect for a guilt-free indulgence.
- 15 Bean Soup: A hearty and economical soup, brimming with diverse textures and flavors.
- Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup: The ultimate cold-weather remedy and timeless family favorite.
Final Thoughts on Your One-Pot Tomato Florentine Soup
We hope this expanded guide helps you create the most delicious and comforting One-Pot Tomato Florentine Soup. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and nourishing. Perfect for hectic schedules, customizable to your preference, and incredibly satisfying, this soup is more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to savor wholesome flavors with ease. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by experimenting with different vegetables or proteins. Enjoy every heartwarming spoonful!