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Hearty Minestrone Soup with Tender Pasta

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A quick and easy hearty minestrone soup packed with tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for cozy dinners and comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced small
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3/4 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini or small shells)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for 6 to 8 minutes until vegetables soften and onion is translucent.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to deepen flavor.
  5. Pour in broth, add Italian seasoning and bay leaf. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
  6. While broth simmers, chop green beans and zucchini.
  7. Add beans, green beans, and zucchini to the pot. Simmer for another 10 minutes until veggies are tender.
  8. Cook pasta separately in salted boiling water until just al dente (about 7 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  9. Stir cooked pasta and chopped spinach or kale into the soup. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until greens wilt.
  10. Remove bay leaf. Season soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
  11. Stir in fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta separately to keep it tender and prevent mushiness. Adjust seasoning gradually as broth and canned tomatoes vary in saltiness. Add fresh herbs at the end for brightness. For a richer flavor, add a drizzle of olive oil or Parmesan cheese before serving. Soup can be stored without pasta and pasta added fresh when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: minestrone soup, hearty soup, pasta soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, Italian soup, vegetable soup, healthy soup

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