Save A festive, hearty Italian soup loaded with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta perfect for a holiday gathering or cozy winter meal.
This dish always brings warmth and comfort to our holiday table. It's a family favorite for its rich flavor and hearty ingredients.
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.
Save Sharing this minestrone with my family always creates cherished moments filled with laughter and warmth during chilly nights.
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
Save This minestrone is a wholesome and versatile dish perfect for any season or gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → What vegetables are included?
Onion, carrots, celery, red bell pepper, zucchini, green beans, and baby spinach create a colorful vegetable base.
- → How long does cooking take?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes with a cooking time of approximately 35 minutes, totaling around 55 minutes.
- → Can it be made vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative.
- → Which pasta types work best?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal to complement the soup's texture.
- → How should the seasoning be adjusted?
Use oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes for a balanced and fragrant flavor profile. Salt and pepper can be adjusted to taste.
- → Does it contain common allergens?
Contains dairy if Parmesan is used and gluten in traditional pasta; gluten-free pasta alternatives can be employed as needed.