Hearty Minestrone Soup to Feed the Whole Family

By Dan G
Photo by Naimbic on Pexels

When it comes to comfort food that’s both nourishing and delicious, minestrone soup is a family favorite that never disappoints. Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, this hearty Italian soup is perfect for feeding a crowd. Here’s how to make a pot of this hearty goodness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 yellow squash, chopped
  • 1 potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup small pasta 
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. 
  2. Sauté the onion until soft, about 5 minutes. 
  3. Add garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened. 
  4. Toss in zucchini, squash, and potato, cooking for 5 more minutes. 
  5. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, cannellini beans, green beans, and broth. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes. 
  6. Cook pasta separately, then stir it into the soup with spinach. 
  7. Simmer for 5 minutes, and serve with Parmesan cheese.