A colorful pot featuring fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, perfect for a hearty winter gathering.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fresh Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
08 - 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
→ Aromatics & Seasonings
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
12 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
13 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Canned Goods & Liquids
15 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
16 - 6 cups vegetable broth
17 - 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
18 - 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
→ Pasta
19 - 1 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
→ Garnishes
20 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
21 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
# Step-by-Step:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced zucchini and cut green beans to the pot. Cook for 3 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and vegetable broth. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
05 - Add cannellini beans, kidney beans, and small pasta shapes. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, until pasta and vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
07 - Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
