Hearty Noodle and Spinach Soup

Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, being careful not to burn.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot and stir briefly to bloom the spice in the oil. This will infuse the base with a subtle, warming heat.

Pour in the water and bring the broth base to a rolling boil over high heat. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.

Add the noodles to the boiling broth and cook according to package directions until just tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the fresh spinach to the pot in large handfuls. Stir gently until the spinach is fully wilted and incorporated into the soup.

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, black pepper, or red pepper as needed. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top to enrich the broth.

Remove the pot from heat and allow the soup to rest for a minute before serving. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.