Pin It A festive, hearty Italian soup loaded with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta—perfect for a holiday gathering or cozy winter meal.
This minestrone quickly became my go-to winter recipe, loved by family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- Fresh Vegetables: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large onion diced, 2 carrots peeled and diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 1 zucchini diced, 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces, 2 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
- Aromatics & Seasonings: 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Canned Goods & Liquids: 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes, 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 (15 oz/425 g) can cannellini beans drained and rinsed, 1 (15 oz/425 g) can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- Pasta: 1 cup small pasta shapes (e.g., ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
- Garnishes: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional omit for vegan), 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 6 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
- Step 2:
- Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add zucchini and green beans cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Step 5:
- Stir in cannellini beans, kidney beans, and pasta. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 12 15 minutes or until pasta and vegetables are tender.
- Step 6:
- Add baby spinach and cook for 2 3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7:
- Ladle the minestrone into bowls. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired.
Pin It This recipe brings our family together every winter around the dinner table.
Required Tools
Large soup pot, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon, ladle
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if using Parmesan cheese. Pasta may contain gluten use gluten-free pasta if needed. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 320, Total Fat 6 g, Carbohydrates 53 g, Protein 13 g per serving
Pin It This minestrone is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What vegetables are used in this dish?
Onion, carrots, celery, red bell pepper, zucchini, green beans, and baby spinach create a colorful and nutritious mix.
- → Can this be made vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- → What types of pasta work best here?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells suit the texture and broth absorption well.
- → How long does it take to cook?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes with a total cooking time of around 35 minutes, making it a quick hearty meal.
- → Any tips for enhancing flavor?
Adding a Parmesan rind during simmering enriches the broth; remove it before serving for a deeper taste.
- → Is it suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by substituting with gluten-free pasta, it can accommodate gluten intolerance.