Easy Italian Stew

Warm up with a comforting bowl of Easy Italian Stew, a wholesome and hearty one-pot meal that bursts with Mediterranean flavors. This recipe combines nutrient-packed vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and spinach with protein-rich cannellini beans, all simmered in a savory blend of crushed tomatoes, aromatic Italian seasoning, and fresh basil. Ready in under an hour, this stew is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and slices of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the rich, flavorful broth. Whether you’re seeking a healthy vegetarian option (using vegetable broth) or a classic Italian comfort dish, this easy-to-make stew delivers a satisfying and delicious experience that the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (canned)
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 15 ounces cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 3 cups baby spinach, fresh
• 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded (optional, for serving)
• 1 loaf crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the chopped carrots and celery, cooking for 5-6 minutes until slightly tender.

Step 5

Stir in the zucchini and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine.

Step 7

Add the cannellini beans, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 8

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or pepper.

Step 11

Remove the stew from heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.

Step 12

Serve hot in bowls, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3429.3 grams (3429.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2628

Total Fat 82.30g	106%
Saturated Fat 30.40g	152%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 95mg	32%
Sodium 10974mg	477%
Total Carbohydrate 359.70g	131%
Dietary Fiber 53.70g	192%
Total Sugars 58.20g
Protein 129.50g	259%

Vitamin D 48IU	238%
Calcium 2155mg	166%
Iron 31mg	173%
Potassium 5577mg	119%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.5%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 53.3%