Easy Minestrone Soup
A hearty and comforting Italian-inspired minestrone soup packed with vegetables, herbs, and pasta. Its rich flavors come from tomatoes, parsley, basil, and Parmesan cheese, making it perfect for a cozy family meal or a quick, nutritious lunch. Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen peas, thawed ⓘ
- 1 cup diced carrots ⓘ
- 1 cup diced onions ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can Italian tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 (13 3/4 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 1/2 pound zucchini, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup spaghetti ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In hot butter or margarine, cook peas, diced carrots, diced onions, parsley, and basil for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the Italian tomatoes, chicken broth, shredded cabbage, and sliced zucchini.
- Cook for 20 minutes or until the spaghetti is tender.
- Add salt to taste.
- Serve with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can substitute the zucchini with yellow squash or add in some green beans for variety. If you're short on time, pre-chopped vegetables can save you some prep work. For a heartier soup, throw in some cooked Italian sausage or beans, which will enhance the flavor and protein content.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone soup hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. For a more filling option, consider serving it alongside a slice of Easy Baked Chicken Breast or a light Italian salad to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Minestrone Soup contains roughly 681 calories, with 26g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (155% of the Daily Value), iron (131% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2241mg per serving (97% 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 soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and the soup remains delicious and hearty. You can also add more vegetables or beans for additional protein and texture. This makes it a perfect option for those seeking vegetarian recipes without compromising on flavor.
How can I make this soup ahead of time?
If you freeze the soup, it's best to do so before adding the pasta. Cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating to avoid mushiness.
Can I add other vegetables to this minestrone?
Yes, feel free to customize the vegetable mix to your liking! Chopped spinach, kale, or bell peppers can be great additions. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for harder vegetables like carrots. This flexibility makes minestrone a favorite in many Italian recipes.
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).