If you’re craving a cozy bowl of rich, vibrant flavor, this Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. It blends the tangy brightness of crushed tomatoes with tender baby spinach and comforting pasta, creating a warm, inviting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this soup’s simple ingredients come together to deliver a satisfying balance of freshness, heartiness, and just a touch of indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be humble, but each one plays a crucial part in making this soup truly special. From the earthiness of the onion to the brightness of fresh spinach, every component adds its own unique character to the dish.
- Olive oil: Provides a silky base with a hint of fruitiness and helps sauté the aromatics.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with warm, savory notes that enhance all other flavors.
- Dried basil: Brings a sweet, aromatic touch reminiscent of sun-drenched Mediterranean gardens.
- Dried oregano: Offers a peppery earthiness that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the delicate flavor balance.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the soup, providing vibrant color and tartness.
- Vegetable broth: Creates a savory, flavorful liquid foundation that ties everything together.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and enriches the texture.
- Sugar: Balances acidity from the tomatoes for a smoother taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate and round out the soup’s profile.
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds a fresh, tender green component that wilts perfectly into the soup.
- Small pasta (ditalini or orzo): Gives the soup a satisfying chew and makes it more filling.
- Heavy cream (optional): Offers a luscious creaminess that softens the acidity if you want a richer experience.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A salty, nutty garnish that crowns the soup with extra flavor.
How to Make Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté your aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and let it cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s tender and just starting to turn golden. This step builds the flavor base. Then stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for about 30 seconds, just enough to release those irresistible fragrances.
Step 2: Add the tomato goodness
Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the tomato paste and vegetable broth. The tomato paste packs a punch of concentrated flavor, enhancing the soup’s richness. Sprinkle in the sugar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to balance the natural acidity and give the soup its unique, delicious depth. Bring the entire mixture to a lively boil, then you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3: Cook the pasta
Once boiling, add your choice of small pasta such as ditalini or orzo. Turn the heat down to a simmer, letting the pasta cook gently for 8 to 10 minutes. This ensures the pasta softens perfectly while soaking up the delightful tomato-spinach broth. This slow simmer makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
Step 4: Wilt the spinach
When your pasta is just tender, stir in the roughly chopped fresh baby spinach. Cook the soup for another 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts beautifully, infusing the broth with its fresh green flavor and adding a lovely pop of color to the mix.
Step 5: Finish with cream (optional)
If you desire a velvety finish, stir in the heavy cream right before serving. This little addition transforms the soup into a luxuriously creamy treat, balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and making each spoonful rich and smooth.
How to Serve Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this tomato spinach soup quite like a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts slightly into the warm soup, adding a salty, umami layer that feels like the perfect crowning touch. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few torn fresh basil leaves also work beautifully to freshen up each bowl.
Side Dishes
Pair your Tomato Florentine Soup with something crunchy and buttery, like a crusty baguette or garlic bread, to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette complements the soup’s richness perfectly and makes the meal feel balanced and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe or in clear glass soup cups to showcase the beautiful layers of red and green. For fun, top with toasted pine nuts or swirl in a dollop of pesto for a unique flavor twist that will delight your guests and make your presentation memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Tomato Florentine Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors, and just give it a good stir before reheating to re-emulsify the creamy components.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to three months. For best results, avoid adding the cream before freezing; instead, stir it in fresh after thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers so you can enjoy this comforting soup on demand with no fuss.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly warm the pasta and spinach. If the soup feels too thick after chilling, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the heavy cream or swap it out with your favorite plant-based milk or cream alternative. This substitution keeps the soup just as creamy and delicious without any animal products.
What pasta works best in Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe?
Small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or even small elbow macaroni are ideal because they cook quickly and fit well on a spoon with the soup, creating that perfect bite every time.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh baby spinach is recommended for its tender texture and vibrant color. If using frozen, thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding to avoid watering down the soup.
How spicy is the soup with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth and slight kick without overwhelming the tomato and spinach flavors. You can totally leave them out if you prefer a milder soup.
Can I add protein to make this soup more filling?
Definitely! White beans like cannellini or cooked shredded chicken are excellent additions that blend smoothly and boost the heartiness, turning this delicious soup into a full, satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration of simple ingredients done right. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough to share with friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food that’s both nourishing and packed with fresh, vibrant flavors.
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Tomato Florentine Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tomato Florentine Soup is a comforting and flavorful Italian-American classic, featuring a rich tomato base, tender pasta, and fresh spinach. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, it offers a creamy texture with the optional addition of heavy cream and can be easily adapted for vegan diets. Garnished with Parmesan cheese, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables & Pasta
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ¾ cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add Spices and Garlic: Stir in minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Base Ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and sugar to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the small pasta to the boiling soup, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 8–10 minutes until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the roughly chopped baby spinach and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and incorporated.
- Optional Creamy Finish: For a creamier soup, stir in the heavy cream just before serving to warm through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Tomato Florentine Soup.
Notes
- To make it vegan, omit the heavy cream or substitute with a plant-based alternative like coconut or cashew cream.
- This soup can also be made with kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for a different leafy green flavor.
- For a heartier meal, add cooked white beans or shredded cooked chicken during the simmering stage.
