Description
A nourishing and effortless one-pot minestrone soup blending fresh vegetables, tender beans, and pasta in a savory broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want comforting food with minimal cleanup, this hearty soup delivers layers of flavor and balanced nutrition in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Oils and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
Liquids and Beans
- 6 cups vegetable broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
Pasta
- 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni
Herbs and Seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the aromas are irresistible.
- Add Vegetables and Tomatoes: Add diced zucchini and green beans to the pot, stirring to combine. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Let everything cook together for a few minutes to build a hearty base.
- Pour in Broth and Beans: Add vegetable broth and rinsed cannellini beans to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, keeping an eye on the heat to prevent boiling over.
- Cook the Pasta: Once simmering, add your small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season and Finish with Herbs: Season the soup generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir in freshly chopped basil and parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels and keep flavors balanced.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; check it a minute before the recommended cooking time to avoid mushiness.
- Prepare ingredients ahead by chopping vegetables the night before to save time when cooking.
- Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or grated Parmesan just before serving to enhance flavor depth.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their brightness and fragrance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg