Description
This ‘swamp soup’ with a vivid green spinach swirl is a family-friendly and visually delightful hearty soup, perfect for busy weeknights and sneaking in extra greens.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or great northern beans, rinsed
- 1 large bag (5–6 oz) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (170g) small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant (about 5-7 minutes).
- Build Soup Base: Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes, 6 cups broth, oregano, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld for 10 minutes.
- Add Heartiness: Stir in the rinsed white beans and 1 cup small pasta. Cook according to pasta package directions (typically 8-10 minutes) until al dente, stirring occasionally. (If the soup looks too thick during cooking, splash in 0.5 to 1 cup more broth or water).
- Create Spinach Swirl: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Add the fresh spinach in batches, stirring it into the hot soup until it dramatically wilts completely (this only takes 1-2 minutes).
- Season and Serve: Season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
Notes
If too thick, add more broth or water, a quarter cup at a time, until desired consistency. If too bland, a dash of soy sauce or a splash of white wine vinegar can add umami depth. For meal prep, cook the soup up to the ‘Add Heartiness’ step; store the base in the fridge for up to 3 days, then add spinach and pasta just before reheating to prevent sogginess. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens flavors, red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, and grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) is great for serving. Crusty bread for dipping is essential!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 300 calories
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: easy dinner, family-friendly, wholesome, spinach, soup, pasta, beans, healthy, meal prep, stovetop