Minestrone

Warm, hearty, and brimming with vibrant flavors, this classic Minestrone recipe is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Packed with a colorful medley of vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and green beans, along with tender cannellini beans and al dente pasta, this Italian-inspired soup is both nourishing and satisfying. Simmered in a fragrant broth infused with garlic, oregano, thyme, and a hint of savory bay leaf, every spoonful bursts with rich, comforting flavor. Finished with a handful of wilted baby spinach or kale, and optionally topped with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, this Minestrone is an ideal go-to for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep. Naturally vegetarian and easily customizable, it’s the perfect one-pot wonder to warm any table while highlighting healthy, seasonal ingredients.

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 15-ounce can canned diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 15-ounce can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow)
• 2 cups baby spinach or kale
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 0 to taste grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the zucchini and green beans. Sauté for 3-4 minutes to allow the vegetables to begin softening.

Step 5

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Add the cannellini beans, dried oregano, dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 7

Lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Stir in the small pasta and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf from the pot. Stir in the baby spinach or kale until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 10

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 11

Ladle the minestrone into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3448.4 grams (3448.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1973

Total Fat 60.50g	78%
Saturated Fat 12.10g	61%
Polyunsaturated Fat 10.60g
Cholesterol 13mg	4%
Sodium 6694mg	291%
Total Carbohydrate 294.30g	107%
Dietary Fiber 69.00g	246%
Total Sugars 63.60g
Protein 79.00g	158%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 952mg	73%
Iron 25mg	136%
Potassium 7291mg	155%

*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: 26.7%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 57.8%