If you are searching for a comforting, vibrant, and deliciously wholesome meal, this Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe is going to become your new kitchen champion. Bursting with the tangy sweetness of tomatoes and the fresh, leafy goodness of spinach, this soup manages to feel both light and satisfying. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly, making it an ideal choice for any day you crave a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, the recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize with creamy swirls or keep it vegan, all while enjoying a straightforward cooking experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping this soup simple with a handful of pantry and fresh staples not only makes the preparation easy but each ingredient plays a starring role in delivering rich flavor, body, and color to the dish.
- Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the onion and garlic, which builds the base flavor of the soup.
- Small yellow onion (diced): Adds natural sweetness and depth as it cooks down.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Provides a fragrant, savory kick that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Dried basil: Brings a classic Italian herbaceous note that pairs perfectly with tomato.
- Dried oregano: Enhances the soup’s aromatic complexity with its earthy undertones.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat that warms every spoonful without overpowering.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness to the broth.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): The heart of the soup, providing vibrant color and tangy sweetness.
- Vegetable broth: Builds the liquid foundation and boosts savory depth, keeping the soup vegetarian-friendly.
- Sugar: Balances acidity from the tomatoes for a smoother taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds brilliant green color, a fresh taste, and nutritional goodness.
- Small pasta (like orzo or ditalini): Offers a delightful bite and makes the soup more filling.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half (optional): Creates a luscious, creamy texture for those who enjoy richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Provides a salty, savory garnish that elevates every spoonful.
How to Make Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe
Step 1: Building the Flavor Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your diced onion and cook gently until it turns soft and translucent, about 5 minutes — this slow sauté releases its natural sweetness and sets the stage for the rest of your soup.
Step 2: Adding Aromatics and Herbs
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and if you like, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Let this mixture cook for about one minute to develop the aromas without burning the garlic, giving the soup that warm, aromatic signature.
Step 3: Deepening the Tomato Flavor
Mix in the tomato paste and cook it for another minute. This step intensifies the tomato essence, creating a richer, more robust base that will shine through the final soup.
Step 4: Building the Soup Body
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, then stir in sugar to mellow out acidity. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally — this simmering allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Cooking the Pasta and Greens
Add your small pasta and cook until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once the pasta is just right, stir in the fresh baby spinach and let it wilt gently for a minute or two. This last-minute addition ensures the spinach keeps its vibrancy and nutrients.
Step 6: Creamy Finish (Optional)
If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in heavy cream or half-and-half at the end. This addition transforms the soup into a silky, indulgent dish without overwhelming the fresh tomato flavor.
How to Serve Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a salty richness that complements the tomato and spinach flavors flawlessly. If you want a bit more crunch, toasted bread crumbs or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil make fantastic garnishes too.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a stand-alone meal but pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or a crusty garlic bread for dipping. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a grilled cheese sandwich for pure comfort food magic.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and aroma. For a fun twist, swirl in a bright pesto or dollop of ricotta cheese for added texture and flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, any leftovers can be cooled and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe freezes beautifully without sacrificing flavor. Store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave out the cream before freezing; add it fresh after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove so the pasta doesn’t become mushy and the spinach stays tender. Add cream at this stage if you didn’t add it before freezing, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
FAQs
Can I make this Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese or substitute with vegan alternatives, and you’ll have a delicious, plant-based version full of flavor.
What pasta is best for this soup?
Small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini work best because they cook quickly and fit perfectly on your spoon, mingling nicely with the spinach and broth.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but reduce the quantity to about 1 cup since frozen spinach is more condensed and releases more water. Add it a little earlier to allow excess moisture to cook off.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free small pasta or omit pasta altogether and add extra vegetables or beans for heartiness.
How long does the soup last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, the soup will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a quick and convenient meal option for busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of homemade soup, and this Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe is a shining example of comfort and flavor in one pot. Whether you’re seeking a quick weekday meal or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe will not disappoint. Give it a try and watch how the simple ingredients come together to bring warmth and joy to your table.
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Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tomato Florentine Soup is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring a rich tomato base combined with fresh spinach and tender pasta. This easy stovetop recipe is enhanced with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a touch of cream for a velvety finish, making it a perfect vegetarian meal for any season.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup small pasta (like orzo or ditalini)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen its flavor.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir in the sugar, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Pasta: Add the small pasta to the soup and cook until tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Finish with Cream: If desired, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving to add richness.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh; reduce the quantity to 1 cup if using frozen.
- To make the soup heartier, add cooked white beans or lentils.
