My Kids Like It Spinach Soup
A creamy, cheesy spinach soup that's kid-friendly and packed with vegetables, perfect for a comforting family meal or a nutritious lunch.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 5 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 cup thin noodles or macaroni ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 3 cups skim milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat Swiss cheese
- dash of pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook onion and garlic in microwave or steamer until soft.
- Add water and bouillon cubes.
- Bring to a boil; stir and add noodles and salt.
- Cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Add the thawed and drained spinach.
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in milk, shredded Cheddar, shredded Swiss cheese, and pepper.
- Stir until the cheeses are melted but do not boil.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, blend the soup before adding cheese. You can substitute the noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked chicken for added protein. Adjust the cheese types based on preference; mozzarella can work well too. For added flavor, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or basil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with the Lentil Chicken Salad for added protein. Top with extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream for richness. This dish is great for lunch or dinner, and kids will love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It can also be frozen for up to two months. To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling to preserve creaminess. You may need to add a splash of milk if it thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Kids Like It Spinach Soup contains roughly 2260 calories, with 91g protein, 223g carbohydrates, and 113g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (181% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (116% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1994mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. Just be sure to cook it down until wilted before adding it to the soup. You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach to equal the 10 oz. of frozen spinach. This will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the soup.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Yes, this spinach soup can be frozen. However, the texture may change slightly after thawing, especially with the dairy. To maintain the best texture, consider adding the cheese fresh after reheating rather than freezing it in the soup.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken bouillon cubes with vegetable bouillon and use water or vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, ensuring a delicious vegetarian version that retains all the flavor and creaminess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).