Description
A hearty and comforting Minestrone Soup packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth, perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
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 until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth along with the crushed tomatoes, drained red kidney beans, drained white beans, chopped green beans, and chopped zucchini. Stir in the Italian seasoning and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook Pasta and Season: Stir in your choice of small pasta shapes and simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta reaches al dente texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of flavor and richness.
Notes
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version or chicken broth for added flavor.
- Small pasta shapes like elbows or shells work best to complement the texture of the soup.
- Simmer gently to prevent the pasta from overcooking and becoming mushy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta varieties.
