Description
Hearty “creamy macaroni and spinach soup” delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rustic Italian flavors with wholesome ingredients. Warm, nourishing spoonfuls invite you to savor each creamy bite of this soul-satisfying culinary creation.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups macaroni pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cooking Base:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- In a spacious cooking vessel, transform butter into a silky medium-heat medium, introducing diced onions and transforming them into translucent jewels within 3-4 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to bloom for an additional minute.
- Dust flour over the aromatic base, whisking continuously to craft a smooth, golden roux. Allow this mixture to dance for 1-2 minutes, eliminating any raw flour undertones.
- Gradually introduce broth, whisking methodically to create a velvety liquid foundation. Stream in heavy cream, blending seamlessly. Infuse with thyme, basil, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, bringing the mixture to a gentle, bubbling simmer.
- Cascade uncooked macaroni into the fragrant liquid. Reduce heat, allowing pasta to tenderly cook for 8-10 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent clinging.
- Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the soup, watching them wilt and surrender their vibrant green color. Sprinkle Parmesan, stirring until it melts into a luxurious embrace with the surrounding liquid.
- Evaluate the soup’s consistency, adding broth if needed to achieve desired texture. Fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Ladle into serving bowls, optionally crowning with fresh parsley, and present steaming hot.
Notes
- Blend aromatics thoroughly to develop a rich, deep flavor foundation that infuses the entire soup with deliciousness.
- Toast flour carefully during roux creation to eliminate raw starchiness and enhance the overall nutty undertone of the dish.
- Select fresh spinach for maximum nutritional impact and vibrant green color that elevates visual appeal.
- Experiment with alternative cheese options like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to customize flavor profile and accommodate different taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg