Easy Minestrone Soup Recipe

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable stock

💰Cheaper: water + bouillon cubes

Using homemade stock enhances flavor and reduces sodium.

alphabet pasta

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: any small pasta

Whole wheat adds fiber, while any small pasta maintains texture.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is a cost-effective alternative for sautéing.

canned tomatoes

🥗Healthier: fresh tomatoes

💰Cheaper: frozen tomatoes

Frozen tomatoes can be less expensive and still flavorful.

Prepare all ingredients in advance, diced and measured.

Add pancetta and butter to a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat; stir until pancetta begins to brown (a few minutes).

Add diced onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes; stir for about 1 minute.

Lower heat to medium-low and add garlic, salt, black pepper, thyme, and a bay leaf; stir for 5 to 10 minutes until veggies soften and become translucent.

Add crushed tomatoes and chicken stock; turn heat to medium-high and bring to a light boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered for about 25 minutes.

Remove bay leaf and add drained and rinsed beans; cook for 3 to 5 minutes.

To serve, add soup and pasta to a bowl, then a handful of spinach; stir to wilt the spinach.

Top with pesto and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese; serve with rolls or baguette.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens