- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes and broth: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the vegetable or chicken broth. Stir to combine, then add the dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If you prefer a slightly sweeter soup, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent the tomatoes from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook the pasta: While the soup is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni (or your choice of small pasta) in a separate pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and set it aside.
- Combine pasta with the soup: Add the cooked pasta to the simmering tomato mixture. Stir well to combine, and continue to cook for another 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the soup’s flavors.
- Optional creaminess: For a creamier soup, add the heavy cream or milk and stir until the soup reaches your desired consistency. This step is optional, but it adds a rich, velvety texture to the soup.
- Adjust seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to puree it to your desired consistency, or blend in batches in a regular blender.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving and Storage
Macaroni and tomato soup is a great dish to serve on its own or paired with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combination. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer for a larger meal. The soup’s creamy texture and hearty pasta make it filling enough to be a standalone meal, but it also works wonderfully as a side dish to accompany a variety of dishes.
Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to the container. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little more broth or water when reheating to achieve the desired consistency.
Freezing: This soup can also be frozen for later use. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding additional broth or water to loosen it up if needed.
Tips
- Use fresh tomatoes: If you prefer a fresher, more vibrant flavor, you can substitute the canned tomatoes with fresh tomatoes. Simply chop 4-5 ripe tomatoes and cook them down in the pot with the onions and garlic for a homemade base.
- Make it creamy: If you want to take the creaminess to the next level, consider adding a small amount of cream cheese or sour cream instead of heavy cream. These alternatives add richness while giving the soup a tangy flavor.
- Adjust the thickness: If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water to reach your preferred consistency. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid or add a little more pasta to absorb the excess liquid.
- For extra flavor: Experiment with adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky twist. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the soup while cooking to enrich the flavor.
- Make it vegetarian or vegan: To make this soup vegetarian or vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the cheese and cream. You can add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy texture without dairy.
Variations
Macaroni and tomato soup is incredibly versatile, so feel free to customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to try:
- Cheesy Macaroni and Tomato Soup: Add more cheese! Stir in some shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy version of this soup. You can also top it with more cheese when serving for extra indulgence.
- Spicy Macaroni and Tomato Soup: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a small diced jalapeño or some red pepper flakes. A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper will also kick up the spice level.
- Herbed Macaroni and Tomato Soup: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano can add extra depth of flavor to the soup. Add them while simmering to infuse the soup with their aromatic qualities.
- Beef Macaroni and Tomato Soup: To make it heartier, add browned ground beef or sausage to the soup. This version is perfect for those who want a more substantial meal. Just make sure to cook the meat separately and then stir it into the soup.
- Vegetable Macaroni and Tomato Soup: For a
