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.
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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
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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.
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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.
