Chunky Minestrone
A hearty and flavorful vegetable and bean minestrone packed with fresh spinach, tender zucchini, and savory tomatoes, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 medium carrot, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans low-sodium tomatoes, cut up
- 3 c. reduced-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 3/4 water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. long-grain rice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning, crushed
- 4 c. shredded fresh spinach ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can reduced-sodium navy beans or white kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
- Cook and stir the onion, carrot, and garlic in hot oil about 3 minutes or until the onion is tender.
- Stir in the undrained tomatoes, broth, water, uncooked rice, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the spinach, beans, zucchini, and pepper.
- Cook, covered, for 5 minutes more.
- If desired, sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the onions and carrots. If you're short on time, you can substitute pre-cooked rice for long-grain rice, adding it in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the taste, and you can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chunky minestrone with a side of crusty bread or a mixed green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Pasta Primavera for a delightful Italian-themed dinner. For a heartier option, consider adding protein like grilled chicken or turkey scaloppine on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the minestrone on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. It can also be reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Minestrone contains roughly 481 calories, with 30g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (152% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value), and iron (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 736mg per serving (32% 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 freeze the minestrone?
Yes, this minestrone freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stove or microwave until heated through.
What can I use instead of navy beans?
If navy beans aren't available, white kidney beans or cannellini beans make excellent substitutes. You can also use chickpeas for a different texture and flavor. Just be sure to rinse and drain any canned beans before adding them to the soup.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this minestrone vegetarian, simply substitute the reduced-sodium chicken broth with vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based, making it a wholesome and hearty option for vegetarians and vegans alike.
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).