Tomato Florentine Soup
A warm and comforting tomato florentine soup with tender spinach, rich cream, and savory herbs, perfect for cozy lunches or light dinners for spinach and tomato lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, sauté onions in butter over low heat for 5 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, bay leaves, paprika, sugar, salt, and pepper to the onions in the pan.
- Cover and simmer the mixture for 30 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves from the soup.
- Add blanched and chopped spinach to the soup.
- Stir in cooked shell noodles and heavy cream.
- Heat through and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you want to make this soup vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra vegetables like carrots or zucchini. You can also swap shell noodles for any pasta shape you prefer. For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the cream.
Serving Suggestions
This Tomato Florentine Soup pairs beautifully with a crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For added protein, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or a cheese sandwich. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavors further.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or cream to reach your desired consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Florentine Soup contains roughly 1313 calories, with 29g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (217% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 809mg per serving (35% 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 make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors meld beautifully when it sits overnight. Just reheat gently before serving, and add the cream just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Absolutely! You can use about 3-4 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and chop them before adding to the soup. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, as fresh tomatoes will need to break down and release their juices.
What can I do if my soup is too acidic?
If your soup turns out too acidic, you can balance the flavors by adding a little extra sugar or a splash of cream. Another option is to add a pinch of baking soda, which will neutralize the acidity but be careful not to add too much, as it can alter the flavor.
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).