Creamy Macaroni and Tomato Soup

This macaroni and tomato soup is a nostalgic blend of flavors reminiscent of classic canned tomato soup, with a creamy, slightly sweet broth and tender pasta. Perfectly cozy and satisfying, it’s easy to make and ideal for family meals.

Did You Know?
Adding a touch of sugar and cream brings out the rich, comforting flavor associated with canned tomato soup, balancing the acidity and adding a bit of sweetness. Butter adds richness, making each bite smooth and creamy.

Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk (add more for extra creaminess)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil or oregano (optional)
Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Onion:
   In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Add Tomatoes and Baking Soda:
   Stir in the crushed tomatoes. Add the baking soda, which will help reduce the acidity, giving it a smoother flavor. The mixture may bubble briefly as the baking soda reacts.

3. Add Broth and Seasonings:
   Pour in the broth, add the sugar, salt, pepper, and dried herbs if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

4. Cook the Macaroni:
   Add the elbow macaroni to the pot, stirring well. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender.

5. Add Cream and Adjust Seasoning:
   To avoid curdling, pour the cream or milk into a measuring cup. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of hot soup to the cold milk, stirring continuously to gently warm it up. Once warmed, pour the milk mixture back into the soup pot, stirring well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding a bit more salt, pepper, or sugar if desired for balanced flavor and creaminess.

6. Serve:
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this cozy, creamy version of classic tomato soup.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 240, Protein: 6g, Carbohydrates: 36g, Fiber: 3g, Net Carbohydrates: 33g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 750mg, Sugars: 10g, Glycemic Index: Medium

Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money

1. Add a Dash More Sugar if Needed: Start with 1 teaspoon and add more for extra sweetness, if desired.

2. Experiment with Cream: Adjust the cream amount to your taste for more or less richness.

3. Use Half-and-Half for a Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.

4. Try Fresh Basil if Available: For added flavor, garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving.

5. Pair with a Grilled Cheese: For a classic pairing, serve with a buttery grilled cheese.

6. Freeze for Later: Freeze leftovers for quick reheating, although pasta may soften more upon reheating.

7. Add a Carrot for Natural Sweetness: Dice a small carrot and cook with the onions for a natural touch of sweetness.

8. Serve with Toasted Bread Crumbs: Top each bowl with toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.

9. Stir in Cooked Chicken: For a heartier meal, add shredded rotisserie chicken at the end.

10. Control Salt with Low-Sodium Broth: If you prefer to limit salt, use low-sodium broth and adjust to taste.

Let’s Learn About the Flavor Boosting Ingredients

Adding cream, a touch of sugar, and butter helps balance and round out the acidic tang of tomatoes, giving this soup a mellow, comforting flavor similar to canned varieties. The result is a perfectly creamy, smooth tomato base that pairs wonderfully with pasta.