Save A festive, hearty Italian soup loaded with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta—perfect for a holiday gathering or cozy winter meal.
This minestrone pot has been a staple at our holiday table for years and brings warmth and joy every time we serve it.
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 (eg 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 recipe brings our family together and is always a conversation starter around the dinner table during the holidays.
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 pot is a festive meal that warms the soul and delights the senses.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan alternative to keep the dish plant-based and flavorful.
- → What types of pasta work best here?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal as they hold well among the vegetables and beans.
- → Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Frozen vegetables can be used, but fresh produce offers the best texture and flavor for this hearty dish.
- → How can I add more depth to the flavor?
Including a Parmesan rind during simmering (removed before serving) or adding extra herbs like thyme enhances the richness of the broth.
- → Is it possible to make it gluten-free?
Yes, swap regular pasta for gluten-free varieties to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
Serve with crusty bread and a glass of red wine like Chianti to complement the hearty flavors.