30 Minute Minestrone
A hearty, comforting vegetable and bean minestrone packed with fresh flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a wholesome lunch for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can Italian zucchini ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can Great Northern beans ⓘ
- 8 oz mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/2 lb Italian dry salami, cut into narrow strips ⓘ
- 1 (46 oz) can tomato juice ⓘ
- 8 oz uncooked shell noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the shell noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent.
- Reduce heat and add chopped garlic, chopped spinach, and water; cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Drain the mixed vegetables and Great Northern beans.
- Add the drained mixed vegetables, Great Northern beans, stewed tomatoes, Italian zucchini, kidney beans, and tomato juice to the pot.
- Stir in the Italian dry salami strips and uncooked shell noodles.
- Simmer until heated through and flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, use pre-chopped vegetables or even frozen mixed vegetables. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute turkey salami for the Italian dry salami. Don't hesitate to add more greens; kale or Swiss chard can be great additions. For extra flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this minestrone hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Italian Sausage Nibbles for a delightful appetizer before the main event.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick. This minestrone can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to leave out the noodles if you're planning to freeze it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 30 Minute Minestrone contains roughly 935 calories, with 25g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (149% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (99% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1282mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this minestrone vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make it vegetarian, simply omit the Italian dry salami and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can also add more beans or extra vegetables to enhance the flavor and texture without meat.
What can I substitute for the shell noodles?
If you don’t have shell noodles on hand, any small pasta shape works well, such as ditalini or elbow macaroni. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary-friendly option.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the minestrone?
To control the spice level, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking or serve with hot sauce on the side. If you prefer milder flavors, simply omit any spicy ingredients and stick to the basic vegetables and beans.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).