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 has been a holiday staple in my family for years，我们 always enjoy its rich flavors and comforting warmth on cold days.
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 56 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 1215 minutes or until pasta and vegetables are tender.
- Step 6:
- Add baby spinach and cook for 23 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 always brings the family together with warmth and shared stories while enjoying each hearty bowl.
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 Enjoy this warm hearty recipe that is as nutritious as it is flavorful.
Common Questions
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative to keep it plant-based.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Small pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells hold well and absorb the broth flavors.
- → How can I add more seasonal vegetables?
Swap in butternut squash, peas, or other veggies to suit the season and your taste preferences.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well refrigerated and flavors deepen after a day. Reheat gently before serving.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Crusty bread or a glass of Chianti pairs beautifully with this hearty vegetable and bean pot.