Hearty Minestrone Soup
Hearty and flavorful minestrone soup loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta, perfect for comforting meals. Suitable for vegetarians if using vegetable broth and sausage sauce alternatives.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 c chopped carrots ⓘ
- 1 c chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 c shredded cabbage ⓘ
- 2 cans 14 1/2 oz beef broth ⓘ
- 2 containers 15 oz Contadina Italian sausage sauce ⓘ
- 2 c water ⓘ
- 1 3/4 c Great Northern beans undrained ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 package Contadina refrigerated rigatoni
- 1 c fresh or frozen peas ⓘ
- Grated or shredded Parmesan cheese (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil.
- Saute the chopped onion and minced garlic for 1 minute.
- Add chopped carrots and chopped celery; saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and saute for 2 minutes.
- Add beef broth, Italian sausage sauce, water, beans, and salt; cover and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the refrigerated rigatoni and simmer for 10 minutes.
- During the last 3 minutes, stir in the peas.
- Serve hot with grated or shredded Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding chopped zucchini or green beans. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the Italian sausage sauce. You can also use any type of pasta in place of rigatoni based on what you have on hand. For a flavor boost, add Italian herbs like oregano and basil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone soup hot, garnished with grated or shredded Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad, making it a fulfilling meal. For a complete Italian experience, consider serving with a side of Hearty Italian Spaghetti or a slice of Italian Surprise.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the minestrone soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency, and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hearty Minestrone Soup contains roughly 956 calories, with 21g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (332% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (105% of the Daily Value), and potassium (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1836mg per serving (80% 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 in advance?
Yes, this minestrone soup can be made in advance and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just be sure to add the rigatoni and peas close to serving time to keep them from becoming too soft.
What can I substitute for Great Northern beans?
If you don't have Great Northern beans, you can substitute them with cannellini beans or even chickpeas. Both options will provide a similar texture and protein content to the soup.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! This minestrone is versatile, so feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or even potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure all vegetables are tender but not overcooked.
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).