Description
Introducing a delightful twist on a classic favorite, this Better than Olive Garden Minestrone Soup is your go-to comfort food for any occasion. Bursting with vibrant vegetables and hearty beans, this flavorful soup features a rich tomato broth that warms the soul with every spoonful. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, it’s made with easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps that even novice cooks can master. Customize it to your liking by swapping in seasonal veggies or pasta varieties for a personalized touch. Enjoy this nourishing dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion (Finely Chopped)
- 3–4 Garlic Cloves (Minced)
- 2 Carrots (Diced)
- 2 Celery Stalks (Diced)
- 1/2 Cup French Beans (Cut)
- 1/2 Cup Corn
- 1/2 Cup Zucchini (Diced)
- 1.5 Teaspoons Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Oregano
- 1 Teaspoon Thyme
- 1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional)
- 4 Cups Vegetable Broth
- 1.5 Cups Red Kidney Beans (Boiled or 13.5oz canned beans)
- 28 oz San Marzano Tomatoes (Fire Roasted Diced preferred)
- 1 Cup Mini Shells (or Ditallini, Mini Elbow shaped Pasta, Orzo or Bulgar)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot and add bay leaves.
- Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until golden.
- Stir in diced carrots and celery; mix well.
- Add zucchini, corn, and French beans; cook briefly.
- Season with salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Incorporate mini pasta and fire-roasted tomatoes into the pot.
- Pour in vegetable broth; bring to a simmer until pasta is cooked.
- Optionally stir in grated cheese before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg