Save A festive, hearty Italian soup loaded with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta—perfect for a holiday gathering or cozy winter meal.
This minestrone reminds me of cozy family dinners during the holidays where everyone gathers around the table for warmth and comfort.
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, one half teaspoon dried thyme, one half 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: one quarter 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 This recipe always brings the family together around the table for laughter and stories, especially during chilly winter 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 perfect blend of nutrition and comfort that suits every holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What vegetables are used in this dish?
The dish includes onion, carrots, celery, red bell pepper, zucchini, green beans, and baby spinach.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan alternative.
- → What types of pasta work best here?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells complement the vegetables well.
- → How do I add extra flavor while cooking?
Adding a Parmesan rind during simmering enhances depth; remember to remove it before serving.
- → Are there options for ingredient substitutions?
Seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or peas can be swapped in for variety and freshness.
- → What allergen considerations should I keep in mind?
Contains dairy if Parmesan is used and gluten may be present in pasta; gluten-free pasta can be substituted as needed.