Save A festive, hearty Italian soup loaded with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta—perfect for a holiday gathering or cozy winter meal.
This minestrone first warmed my family's hearts during the holiday season, becoming a cherished tradition.
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 Sharing this dish brought our family around the table, filling our home with warmth and laughter.
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 pasta pot remains a hearty and vibrant meal ideal for any festive occasion or simple family dinner.
Recipe FAQs
- → What vegetables are included in this dish?
The dish features onions, carrots, celery, red bell pepper, zucchini, green beans, and baby spinach.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.
- → What pasta shapes work best here?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells are ideal, as they cook evenly and complement the vegetables.
- → How long should I simmer the pasta and vegetables?
Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes until the pasta and vegetables are tender but still retain some texture.
- → Are there any tips to enhance the flavor?
Adding a Parmesan rind while simmering enriches the broth’s depth; remove it before serving. Also, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- → Can I substitute other vegetables?
Yes, seasonal vegetables such as butternut squash or peas work well as alternatives or additions to vary the flavor.