Save A festive, hearty Italian soup loaded with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta—perfect for a holiday gathering or cozy winter meal.
This minestrone has become our go-to comfort food during the holidays, bringing warmth and joy to every family dinner.
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 Our family loves gathering around the table to share this minestrone especially on cold winter nights making every meal memorable.
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 delicious way to enjoy a healthy hearty meal made with love.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use different vegetables in this dish?
Yes, you can swap in seasonal veggies like butternut squash or peas to personalize the flavors and textures.
- → What pasta shapes work best here?
Small pasta such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work well, cooking evenly with the vegetables.
- → How can I make this meal vegan-friendly?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of this soup?
Oregano, basil, thyme, and a touch of crushed red pepper add aromatic and savory notes to enrich the broth.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
Yes, the soup can be made ahead and reheated gently; flavors may deepen overnight for a richer taste.
- → What dishes pair well alongside this minestrone?
Crusty bread and a glass of Chianti complement the hearty, vegetable-rich flavors beautifully.