Hearty Minestrone Soup

Minestrone is the ultimate 'clean out the fridge' soup—it's flexible, forgiving, and always delicious. This version is loaded with vegetables, beans, and small pasta in a rich tomato broth. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.

2. 2

   Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add zucchini and green beans. Cook for 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, both types of beans, oregano, and dried basil. Stir well.

5. 5

   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

6. 6

   Add the pasta and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender.

7. 7

   Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.

8. 8

   Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. 9

   Ladle into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves.

10. 10

    Serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Chef's Tips

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use a microwave at 50% power or warm in a covered pan over medium-low heat until heated through. For best texture, avoid reheating more than once.

Nutrition Information