Description
This wholesome and flavorful Minestrone Soup is packed with seasonal vegetables, beans, pasta, and herbs, making it a versatile comfort food classic. Perfect as a protein soup recipe, a low calorie soup, or a cozy Italian-inspired dish, this minestrone is customizable, meal-prep friendly, and delicious all year round.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, zucchini, green beans, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Stir in small pasta and cook until al dente, 8–10 minutes depending on type.
- Add spinach or kale and cook 2–3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Slow Cooker Variation: Add all ingredients except pasta and greens. Cook on low for 6–7 hours. Stir in pasta and greens in the last 20 minutes.
Notes
- Add pasta last to prevent mushiness, especially if reheating.
- For added protein, include cooked chicken, turkey sausage, lentils, tofu, or quinoa.
- For freezer storage, omit pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
- Season in layers — add herbs during cooking and finish with fresh herbs or Parmesan.
- Customize vegetables based on season or what’s in your fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup, Italian Recipes, Comfort Food, Protein Soups
- Method: Stovetop, Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Minestrone Soup, Italian Soup, Protein Soup Recipe, Vegetable Soup, Low Calorie Soup, Healthy Soup