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Classic Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup: The Ultimate Weeknight Meal

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with rich, tomato-based minestrone soup featuring elbow macaroni and wilted spinach.
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Make this classic Italian Minestrone Soup easily. It is packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory tomato broth, perfect for a satisfying, healthy weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chopped zucchini or other seasonal vegetables
  • 1/2 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the vegetable broth and the diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Add the rinsed beans and the chopped zucchini. Continue to simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Stir in the small pasta. Cook according to package directions, usually 7 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
  6. Stir in the spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking until wilted.
  7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your preference.
  8. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired. This soup is great for meal prep.

Notes

  • For a Vegan Minestrone Soup, skip the Parmesan cheese topping. This recipe is naturally vegetarian.
  • To make this Gluten Free Soup Idea, substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free small pasta shapes or add 1 cup of cooked rice instead.
  • For a richer flavor similar to Olive Garden Minestrone Soup, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth, or add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend.
  • This is a one pot soup meal that tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/classic-hearty-italian-minestrone-soup/