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 been a holiday favorite in my family, bringing warmth and comfort every year.
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 my family together around the table, sharing stories and warmth.
Notes
Add a Parmesan rind to the pot while simmering for extra flavor removing before serving contains dairy. Pairs well with crusty bread and a glass of Chianti.
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.
Save This minestrone is perfect for bringing comforting flavors to your holiday celebrations.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What vegetables are used in this dish?
The dish features onion, carrots, celery, red bell pepper, zucchini, green beans, and baby spinach for a vibrant vegetable mix.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegan alternative for a dairy-free version.
- → How long does it take to prepare?
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and cooking requires approximately 35 minutes, totaling 55 minutes.
- → What type of pasta works best here?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells blend well with the soup’s texture and ingredients.
- → Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely, seasonal vegetables such as butternut squash or peas can be swapped in to add variety.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
The recipe includes pasta which contains gluten; using gluten-free pasta is recommended for gluten-sensitive diets.