How to Make the Perfect Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup
Italian · Easy · 45 min · 6 servings
This colorful chunky Italian vegetable soup is a kid friendly way to sneak in a rainbow of healthy vegetables in every bowl. Packed with pasta and beans it is filling enough for a complete family dinner that warms everyone from the inside out.
Why this recipe works
This Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 260 calories with 11g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
- 2 medium zucchini diced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Saute the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add carrots and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften. Add zucchini and stir for another 2 minutes. This builds a great flavor base for the soup.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes. The kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point.
Step 3: Simmer with Beans and Pasta
Add the cannellini beans and pasta to the boiling soup. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the soup has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with a drizzle of olive oil and grated Parmesan if desired. Serve with crusty bread for dipping which kids absolutely love.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- cannellini beans → kidney beans or chickpeas which are equally nutritious
- zucchini → green beans or spinach depending on what vegetables your kids prefer
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Adding pasta too early which causes it to become mushy and fall apart
- Not seasoning the soup properly which makes it taste bland and watery
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 260 calories, 11g protein, 42g carbs, 6g fat, 8g fiber.
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