Simple Minestrone

Warm, hearty, and loaded with wholesome vegetables, this Simple Minestrone is the ultimate comfort food for any season. Packed with vibrant ingredients like zucchini, carrots, and baby spinach, and balanced with protein-rich cannellini beans and tender pasta, this classic Italian soup is as nutritious as it is satisfying. Infused with aromatic garlic, dried oregano, and basil, every spoonful bursts with bold, comforting flavors. Quick and easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and crusty bread for a complete, soul-warming dining experience. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this Simple Minestrone is sure to be a family favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 81/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 15-ounce can canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 15-ounce can canned cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup dried pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow)
• 2 cups baby spinach or kale
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0 grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
• 0 crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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

Step 3

Stir in the zucchini and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4

Pour in the vegetable broth and canned diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine.

Step 5

Add the cannellini beans, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let cook for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Add the dried pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender.

Step 8

Stir in the baby spinach (or kale) during the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing it to wilt.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, alongside crusty bread for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3161.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2017.5

Total Fat 49.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.9g
Cholesterol 4mg	0%
Sodium 7608.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 326.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 59.2g	0%
Total Sugars 58.6g
Protein 81.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 809.8mg	0%
Iron 24.0mg	0%
Potassium 6968.5mg	0%

*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: 21.3%

Protein: 15.8%

Carbs: 62.9%