Hearty One-Pot Tomato Florentine Soup: An Easy Weeknight Comfort Meal
Discover your new favorite weeknight dinner with this incredibly easy-to-make, one-pot Tomato Florentine Soup! This recipe delivers a thick, comforting soup built on a rich, robust tomato base, generously packed with fresh, wholesome vegetables and tender, perfectly cooked macaroni noodles. It’s a culinary hug in a bowl – quick to prepare, delightfully simple, and profoundly satisfying, making it the ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave warmth and flavor without the fuss.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This One-Pot Tomato Florentine Soup
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a game-changer for your meal rotation. Here’s what truly sets our Tomato Florentine Soup apart:
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A Hug in a Bowl: Rich Flavors and Hearty Goodness
Imagine a vibrant tomato base, slow-simmered to perfection, infusing every spoonful with deep, umami-rich flavors. This soup is a symphony of textures, featuring soft, sweet sautéed vegetables like carrots and celery, vibrant fresh spinach that adds a touch of earthiness, and tender macaroni noodles that provide a delightful chewiness. It’s a classic, hearty soup that appeals to all ages, even the most discerning palates. The combination creates a truly nostalgic and satisfying experience, reminiscent of childhood comfort food but with sophisticated, fresh flavors.
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Effortless One-Pot Cooking & Quick Prep
Forget the mountain of dishes! One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is that everything, from sautéing your aromatics to simmering the broth and cooking the pasta, happens in a single pot. This not only minimizes cleanup but also streamlines the cooking process, making it incredibly fast and convenient. It’s the perfect solution for those hectic weeknights when time is precious, or when you simply desire a delicious, wholesome meal without a lengthy preparation. From start to finish, you’re looking at under an hour, allowing you more time to relax and enjoy.
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Fantastic for Meal Prep & Freezing
This Tomato Florentine Soup is an excellent choice for meal planning. You can easily prepare a larger batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for several days, providing comforting lunches or dinners right up to the weekend. Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be quickly reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. For longer storage, portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers – either one large one or multiple individual servings – for convenient reheating whenever a craving strikes. This makes healthy, homemade meals readily accessible, even on your busiest days.
Essential Ingredients for Your Florentine Masterpiece
The beauty of this Tomato Florentine Soup lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s hearty texture and rich taste profile:
- Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing, it adds a subtle richness and helps bring out the flavors of the vegetables.
- Aromatics (Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic): This classic mirepoix forms the aromatic base of the soup, providing depth, sweetness, and a savory backbone.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary that instantly infuses the soup with traditional Mediterranean flavors, complementing the tomato perfectly.
- Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your personal preference.
- Tomato Paste: This concentrated tomato flavor booster adds intensity and body to the broth, giving it that hearty, deep red color and robust taste.
- Diced Tomatoes: The core of the soup’s base, providing a chunky texture and bright, tangy tomato flavor. Canned diced tomatoes are convenient and always on hand.
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: The liquid foundation that brings all the flavors together. Using vegetable broth makes this recipe entirely vegetarian.
- Dry Macaroni: Small, tender pasta that cooks directly in the soup, absorbing all the delicious flavors and adding substance.
- Fresh Chopped Spinach: The “Florentine” element, wilting beautifully into the hot soup and adding a boost of nutrients, color, and a slightly earthy note.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Don’t be afraid to get creative or adapt this recipe to what you have on hand:
- Noodles: While macaroni is classic, feel free to substitute with other small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, small shells, or even broken spaghetti. Ensure to adjust cooking times as needed. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free macaroni or pasta.
- Greens: If fresh spinach isn’t available, kale (destemmed and chopped) or even Swiss chard can be used. Just be aware that heartier greens like kale may need a few extra minutes to soften.
- Broth: Chicken broth offers a richer flavor, but vegetable broth is an excellent alternative for a completely vegetarian or vegan soup. Low-sodium varieties allow you to control the salt content precisely.
- Creaminess: For an extra layer of decadence, 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. This creates a wonderfully creamy tomato Florentine soup.
- Add Protein: To make it an even more substantial meal, consider adding cooked shredded chicken, white beans, or small meatballs during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the Italian seasoning can give the soup a subtle kick.
Expert Chef’s Tips for the Perfect Tomato Florentine Soup
Even though this soup is straightforward, a few expert tips can elevate your homemade Tomato Florentine Soup from good to absolutely outstanding:
- Be sure to add the spinach to the soup right at the very end! Fresh spinach wilts incredibly quickly. Adding it too soon will cause it to overcook, lose its vibrant color, and potentially become mushy. It will continue to cook perfectly from the residual heat of the soup even after you have removed the pot from the heat, ensuring it remains tender-crisp and bright green.
- This soup is hearty enough to be a satisfying full meal on its own, especially given its robust tomato base, generous vegetables, and filling macaroni. However, it also works beautifully as a comforting side dish or as part of a larger spread. If you’re looking for something to serve alongside, you can easily pair it with crispy air fryer garlic bread for dipping, which complements the tomato flavors perfectly. Alternatively, sneak in some more delicious vegetables with a slice of moist broccoli cornbread. And of course, you can never go wrong with a classic soup and sandwich combo – what’s more comforting than a warm bowl of tomato soup alongside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich?!
- Don’t overcook the macaroni: Since the macaroni cooks directly in the soup, it will continue to absorb liquid and soften even after the pot is removed from the heat. Cook it until it’s just al dente – slightly firm to the bite – to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Broths and canned tomatoes can vary in saltiness, so you may need to add a little more salt or pepper to achieve your desired flavor balance. A pinch of sugar can also help to cut through the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
- Use quality ingredients: While a simple recipe, the quality of your ingredients shines through. Using a good quality olive oil, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth will make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Florentine Soup
Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious one-pot soup:
- Is Tomato Florentine Soup vegetarian?
Yes, if you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this soup is entirely vegetarian. It’s packed with vegetables and pasta, making it a satisfying meat-free meal. - Can I make this soup creamy?
Absolutely! For a creamier texture, stir in about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of heavy cream, half-and-half, or even a dairy-free alternative like full-fat coconut milk (for a hint of sweetness and richness) at the very end of cooking, just before adding the spinach. Heat gently but do not boil after adding cream. - What does “Florentine” mean in a recipe?
“Florentine” in cooking typically refers to a dish prepared in the style of Florence, Italy, and often includes spinach as a key ingredient, frequently combined with a creamy sauce or cheese. In this soup, it refers to the inclusion of fresh spinach. - How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, this Tomato Florentine Soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb more liquid over time, so you might need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating. - Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, this soup is very adaptable! Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the carrots and celery. Just ensure they are chopped to a similar size for even cooking.
More Delicious Soups You’ll Love to Warm Your Soul
If you’re a fan of comforting, flavorful soups, then you’re in the right place! After enjoying this delightful Tomato Florentine Soup, explore some of our other cherished recipes designed to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- Mexican Chili
- Hazelnut Soup with Parsnips
- Kale and White Bean Soup
- Instant Pot Potato Leek Soup
- Shrimp and Corn Soup
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Soup
- Healthy Zuppa Toscana
- 15 Bean Soup
- Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup
The Recipe: One-Pot Tomato Florentine Soup
Ready to create this comforting masterpiece? Follow these simple steps to bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This recipe is designed for ease and deliciousness, perfect for any home cook.
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Tomato Florentine Soup
Sam Guarnieri
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Ingredients
For the Hearty Tomato Florentine Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped into fine pieces
- 2 large carrots peeled and finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic freshly minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to your preference
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper adjust to your preference
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 32 ounces chicken broth or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option
- 1 cup dry macaroni
- 2 cups fresh chopped spinach
Suggested Toppings (Optional, for an extra touch of flavor)
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- freshly chopped parsley or basil
Equipment
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Large pot with a tight-fitting lid
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Large wooden spoon or sturdy spatula for stirring
Instructions
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Begin by placing your large pot over medium heat on the stovetop. Once the pot is adequately warm, add the olive oil, swirling the pan gently to ensure an even distribution of oil across the entire cooking surface. Continue heating until the olive oil is hot and shimmering lightly, indicating it’s ready for the vegetables.
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When the oil is perfectly hot, carefully add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Stir the mixture well with a wooden spoon, ensuring all the vegetables are coated in the oil. Sauté these aromatics until they become tender and slightly softened, which should take approximately 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base for your soup.
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Once the vegetables have reached the desired tenderness, incorporate the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the tomato paste into the pot. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the tomato paste is fully mixed with the vegetables and seasonings. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 1 minute, which helps to deepen the flavors of the tomato paste by lightly toasting it.
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Next, pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained, for maximum flavor) and the chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option). Stir the contents of the pot exceptionally well, making sure to scrape up any flavorful bits of onion or garlic that might have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Increase the heat under the pot to medium-high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil.
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As soon as the broth begins to boil rapidly and steadily, add the dry macaroni to the pot. Stir the noodles in immediately to prevent them from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. Continue to boil the macaroni for approximately 8 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked just al dente, meaning they are tender but still have a slight bite. Remember, they will continue to soften slightly after cooking.
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Once the macaroni has reached its perfect al dente stage, add the fresh chopped spinach to the pot. Stir the spinach gently but thoroughly until it is just incorporated and begins to wilt. Immediately remove the pot from the heat. The residual heat of the soup will finish wilting the spinach perfectly, maintaining its vibrant color and tender texture without overcooking.
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Carefully ladle generous portions of the hot, comforting soup into individual serving bowls. For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve your delicious One-Pot Tomato Florentine Soup immediately and enjoy every warm, hearty spoonful!
Notes
- Make It Gluten-Free: To easily adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, simply use your preferred brand of gluten-free macaroni or other small pasta shape. Additionally, always double-check that your chicken or vegetable broth is explicitly labeled as gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten ingredients.
- Storage and Reheating: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, the pasta may have absorbed much of the broth. You might want to add a splash of extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency before warming it up on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave.
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.
Final Thoughts on Your Delicious One-Pot Creation
This One-Pot Tomato Florentine Soup truly exemplifies how a simple list of ingredients can come together to create something profoundly delicious and satisfying. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for those demanding days, while its rich, wholesome flavors make it a delightful experience for the entire family. Whether you’re seeking a quick dinner, a cozy lunch, or a reliable meal prep option, this recipe delivers on all fronts. We encourage you to try it out, customize it to your heart’s content, and share the warmth with your loved ones. Don’t forget to leave a review and let us know how this comforting classic brightened your day!