Description
A hearty and comforting Minestrone Soup packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth. Perfect as a nutritious and filling meal that combines traditional Italian seasoning with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained
Seasonings & Pasta
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3/4 cup small pasta (elbow, shells, etc.)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped celery, and sliced carrots. Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Combine Soup Ingredients: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, red kidney beans, white beans, chopped green beans, chopped zucchini, Italian seasoning, and sugar. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook gently for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook Pasta and Season: Stir in the small pasta and continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit any chicken broth variations.
- You can substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or macaroni.
- Add leafy greens such as spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
- Adjust seasoning as needed; a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add some heat.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be frozen for longer storage.
