When the wind starts howling outside , a bowl of hot souр can feel like a hug for your belly . The moment you step into the kitchen and smell it bubbling on the stove , you just know something good is coming . Creamy Mаcaroni and Spinach Soup mixes soft noodles with bright green leaves in a thick , warm broth that makes you smile . It’s not fancy but it hits the spot when you need something simple and cozy .
What’s cool about this soup is you can whip it up any night — whether you’re in a rush after school or have time to chill on the weekend . Every spoonful balances mild mаcaroni with slightly bitter spinach , making it both familiar and a bit different . Even if you’re picky , this dish can sneak in some veggies without you noticing too much .
Plus , it’s not just tasty , it’s kind of good for you too . Spinach packs in vitamins like A , С , and K , plus iron and potassium . The pasta gives you energy from carbs , and the creamy base feels rich but also keeps you full . When you stir in olive oil and chеese , you get a meal that’s warm , filling , and honest .
Introduction
Nothing warms you up faster than a bowl of soup loaded with tender noodles and green stuff . This Creamy Mаcaroni & Spinach Soup brings comfort in every spoon , and it’s super easy to make . The pasta stays soft , the spinach gives a pop of color , and the creamy broth just wraps it all up . It’s the kind of food that feels like a high-five to your insides .
You can have it on a busy school night or take your time making it on Saturday . With each bite , you get the soft mаcaroni goodness and a hint of earthiness from the spinach . It shows how a few simple ingredients can team up to create something way better than the sum of their parts .
And hey , it’s not just filler — this soup is packed with nutrients . Spinach is loaded with vitamins A , С , K and important minerals like iron and potassium . Mаcaroni brings carbs for energy , and the cream adds a rich taste that still keeps you satisfied . Throw in some olive oil and Parmesan , and you’ve got a balanced meal that might just become your new go-to .
Ingredients
- Elbow mаcaroni
- Fresh spinach
- One onion
- Two cloves garlic
- Vegetable broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan chеese
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Optional spices like nutmeg or thyme
Equipment Needed
You’ll need just a few items to make this soup :
- Big cooking pot
- Immersion blender or regular blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Serving bowls
Directions
Prepare Veggies
Wash the spinach good and chop it into small pieces . Peel and dice the onion , then mince the garlic . Keep everything ready before you start cooking .
Cook Pasta
Fill your pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil . Add a pinch of salt , then drop in the mаcaroni . Cook until it’s al dente , then drain it and set aside .
Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot , heat some olive oil over medium heat . Add the onion and cook until it looks see-through , about 3–4 minutes . Then toss in the garlic and cook for about another minute .
Add Broth and Spinach
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil . Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt , which takes just a couple of minutes .
Blend the Soup
Turn off the heat . Use your immersion blender to purée the mixture right in the pot , or transfer half to a regular blender . If you want chunks , only blend part of it .
Finish Soup
Return the pot to low heat . Stir in the heavy cream , cooked mаcaroni , and grated Parmesan . Mix until everything melts together . Taste , then add more salt, pepper or spices if you think it needs it .
Variations and Tips
Variations
- Vegan: swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use vegan cheese
- Add cooked chicken , beans , or sausage for extra protein
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeño
Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcook spinach or it lose its bright color
- For extra creaminess , stir in a bit of cream cheese or some mashed potato
- Season as you go so the flavor builds
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread or crusty loaf for dunking
- A simple green salad for a fresh contrast
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough idea per serving :
- Calories: about 300 (depends on your portions)
- Protein: good amount from cheese or added meat
- Carbs: comes mainly from the mаcaroni
- Fats: healthy fats from olive oil and cream
- Vitamins/minerals: spinach gives you A, С, K, iron, potassium
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking , good for up to 3 days
- To freeze: leave out the cream and add it when you reheat
- Reheat on the stove over low heat , stirring often ; or microwave in short bursts
FAQs
- Can I use frozen spinach? Yes , just thaw and squeeze out the water first
- Is this soup vegetarian? Yes if you use vegetable broth and no meat
- How do I thicken it more? Add a cornstarch slurry or some mashed potato
- Can I make it ahead? Sure , making it a day before can even boost the flavor
- What if it’s too thick? Simply add more broth or water until it’s just right
Conclusion
At the end , this mаcaroni and spinach soup is simple but warm and filling . With just a few ingredients you get a meal that’s creamy , green , and totally customizable . Give it a try , share how you made it yours , and stay cozy .
Creamy Macaroni and Spinach Soup
Equipment
- 1 large soup pot
- 1 stirring spoon
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 ladle
- 1 bowl for serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or milk.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg Optional.
- Grated Parmesan cheese For serving, optional.
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
