Save A hearty, comforting Italian vegetable soup brimming with beans, pasta, and garden-fresh vegetables&mdashall simmered in one pot for easy cleanup.
I first served this
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion, diced, 2 celery stalks, diced, 2 medium carrots, diced, 1 medium zucchini, diced, 1 cup green beans, cut into 1 inch pieces, 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Canned Goods: 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 oz/425 g) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed, 6 cups (1.5 L) vegetable broth
- Pasta: 3/4 cup (80 g) small pasta (e.g. ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional Garnishes: 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan), 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Step 2:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), cannellini beans, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- Step 4:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Add pasta and cook for 10 12 minutes, or until pasta and vegetables are tender.
- Step 6:
- Remove and discard bay leaf. Season soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7:
- Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Save Pairs well with crusty bread and a light Italian red wine.
Required Tools
Large soup pot, Sharp knife and cutting board, Wooden spoon or spatula, Ladle
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (pasta) contains dairy if garnished with Parmesan. For gluten free, use gluten free pasta. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 230, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 8 g
Save
This minestrone soup is perfect for cozy evenings and meal prep.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this minestrone vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative to keep the flavors rich and dairy-free.
- → What pasta works best in this dish?
Small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni hold up well and complement the vegetable textures perfectly.
- → How can I add more greens to the soup?
Add chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- → Can I use other beans instead of cannellini?
Kidney or navy beans are good substitutes and will maintain the soup’s hearty texture and taste.
- → Is this soup suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by replacing regular pasta with gluten-free options, the soup can be enjoyed gluten-free without losing flavor.
- → What are good side pairings for this minestrone?
Crusty bread and a light Italian red wine complement the soup’s robust flavors beautifully.