Vegan Veggie-Packed Pizza Soup with Spinach
A vibrant vegetable soup that captures pizza night flavors in a bowl. Sauteed onion, garlic, peppers, and mushrooms build a savory base, enriched with diced tomatoes, pizza sauce, and vegetable broth, finished with fresh spinach wilting into the pot. Served with olive, Parmesan, and basil toppings, this is comfort food for casual weeknight dinners or lunch gatherings. The pizza sauce creates depth while keeping preparation straightforward.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, small dice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers, 1/4-inch dice
- 1 heaping cup mushrooms, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 16-ounce jar pizza sauce
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups spinach, roughly chopped
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat.
- 2
Saute onion and garlic for 3 minutes.
- 3
Add peppers and mushrooms, saute for 3 minutes, stirring in oregano during the last minute.
- 4
Pour in tomatoes, pizza sauce, and broth.
- 5
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- 6
Stir in spinach until it begins to wilt, then remove from heat.
- 7
Serve topped with olives, Parmesan, and fresh basil.
Tips
Use a mix of bell pepper colors for visual appeal and subtle flavor variations. Red peppers add sweetness while yellow brings mild citrus notes.
Don't skip the fresh basil finish; it brightens the soup and reinforces the pizza flavor profile without additional cooking.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
Prepare vegetables up to 1 day ahead. Soup can be made through the simmer step, then spinach added fresh before serving.
Ladle into bowls and pass toppings (olives, Parmesan shavings, fresh basil) at the table for customization.
Common Mistakes
Add spinach off-heat to avoid overcooking and preserve bright color and texture.
Taste before serving; pizza sauce brands vary in saltiness, so adjust broth ratio if needed.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Omit the Parmesan topping or substitute nutritional yeast. All other ingredients are plant-based. Use vegetable broth and pizza sauce without anchovies.
What if I don't have pizza sauce on hand?
Mix 1 cup marinara sauce with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and a pinch of garlic powder to approximate pizza flavor. Or use tomato sauce plus extra oregano and basil.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Refrigerate for up to 4 days in a sealed container. Freeze for up to 3 months; reheat gently on stovetop, adding a splash of broth if soup thickens.