Save A festive, hearty Italian soup loaded with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta—perfect for a holiday gathering or cozy winter meal.
This recipe has become our go-to holiday comfort food and always brings everyone to the table with a smile.
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 This soup always brings our family together during the holidays creating warm memories.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 53 g, Protein: 13 g
Save This minestrone is a delicious way to enjoy a vegetable-packed meal all year round.
Common Questions
- → What vegetables are used in this minestrone?
It features onion, carrots, celery, red bell pepper, zucchini, green beans, and baby spinach for a colorful, nutrient-packed mix.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative to keep it plant-based without compromising flavor.
- → What pasta types work best here?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells blend well and cook evenly with the vegetables and beans.
- → How long does it take to prepare and cook?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and cooking time is roughly 35 minutes, totaling near 55 minutes for a full, flavorful pot.
- → Can I substitute other vegetables?
Absolutely, seasonal choices like butternut squash or peas can be swapped in to vary flavor and texture.