This Tomato Florentine Soup is everything a comforting bowl of soup should be. It has a rich tomato broth, tender pasta shells, and fresh spinach that wilts perfectly into the soup. Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that feels hearty without being heavy. It’s an ideal soup for chilly days, busy weeknights, or when you want something warm to serve alongside a grilled cheese or crusty bread.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter or oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion, finely diced | 2 cups |
| Celery, diced | ⅔ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | ¾ teaspoon |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Vegetable or chicken broth | 32 ounces |
| Diced tomatoes | 1 (14 oz) can |
| Tomato sauce | 1 (8 oz) can |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Tiny pasta shells | ¾ cup |
| Fresh spinach, chopped | 2 cups |
| Parmesan cheese | For topping |
Tomato Florentine Soup
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tomato Florentine Soup made with pasta, spinach, and a rich tomato broth. Cozy, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients
2 tbsp butter
2 cups diced onion
2/3 cup diced celery
1 tbsp minced garlic
3/4 tsp sugar
1 cup water
32 oz vegetable or chicken broth
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
Salt and pepper
3/4 cup small pasta
2 cups chopped spinach
Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
1. Cook onion and celery in butter.
2. Add garlic and cook briefly.
3. Add liquids and tomatoes and simmer.
4. Add pasta and cook until tender.
5. Stir in spinach and serve.
Notes
Serve with sandwiches or bread.
Great as leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1
Melt the butter in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Helpful tip: Cooking the onion and celery slowly builds a flavorful base.
Step 2
Stir in the sugar, water, broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and cook for about 20 minutes.
Helpful tip: The sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes without making the soup sweet.
Step 3
Add the pasta shells and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
Helpful tip: Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 4
Add the chopped spinach and cook for about 2 minutes, just until wilted.
Helpful tip: Add spinach at the end to keep its color and texture fresh.
Step 5
Serve the soup hot, topped with freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese.
Conclusion
This Tomato Florentine Soup is a simple, satisfying recipe that delivers classic comfort in every bowl. With its rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and fresh spinach, it’s a dependable soup you’ll want to make again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, both work well depending on your preference.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
What pasta works best?
Small pasta like shells, ditalini, or orzo are ideal.
Can I add protein?
Yes, cooked chicken or white beans are great additions.