Description
This winter minestrone soup is a cozy, hearty vegetarian soup made with seasonal vegetables, protein-rich beans, tender pasta, and Italian herbs simmered in a savory broth. Perfect for cold nights, meal prep, and comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add vegetables: Stir in carrots, celery, zucchini, and sweet potato. Cook 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add broth & beans: Add cannellini beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, water, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Cook pasta: Stir in pasta and cook 8–10 minutes until al dente.
- Finish: Add spinach and stir until wilted. Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and optional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Cook pasta separately if storing leftovers to avoid sogginess.
- Vegan option: Skip Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.
- Veggie swaps: Use butternut squash, parsnips, or turnips instead of sweet potato.
- Extra flavor: Add a drizzle of olive oil or spoon of pesto before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Winter Minestrone Soup, Vegetarian Winter Soup, Italian Vegetable Soup, Hearty Vegetable Soup, Minestrone Recipe