Are you tired of boring, cold lunches that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to revolutionize your midday meal with this mouthwatering Tomato Pasta Soup that's perfectly designed for your thermos! Imagine opening your lunch container to a steaming, aromatic Italian-inspired soup that's packed with flavor and keeps you warm and full throughout the day. This simple yet delicious recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a gourmet lunch experience that will make your coworkers and classmates jealous!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup small pasta
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the onion finely, mincing the garlic cloves, and measuring out the dry and wet ingredients.
- Heat a medium-sized pot over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle in dried basil, salt, and pepper, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Add the small pasta and reduce heat to a simmer, cooking until pasta is al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the soup cool slightly for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a preheated thermos.
- Ensure thermos is tightly sealed to maintain temperature and prevent leaking during transport.
- For best results, serve within 4-5 hours of preparation to maintain optimal flavor and temperature.
Tips
- Preheating your thermos is crucial: Fill it with hot water for 5 minutes before adding the soup to ensure maximum temperature retention.
- Choose small pasta shapes like orzo or tiny shells that cook quickly and fit easily in a thermos.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly in the thermos.
- Use fresh garlic and high-quality vegetable broth for the most robust flavor profile.
- For extra nutrition, consider adding a handful of baby spinach or diced carrots when sautéing the onions.
- Let the soup cool slightly before transferring to the thermos to prevent potential steam pressure build-up.
- Pack the thermos with a small side of grated Parmesan cheese for an optional flavor boost at lunchtime.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 96kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
