Low-Fat Minestrone Soup
A hearty, low-fat minestrone soup packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and pasta, perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can stewed tomatoes
- 5 cups hot water ⓘ
- 2 tsp. beef bouillon granules ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil leaves
- 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup sliced onions ⓘ
- 1 large potato, cubed ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. green beans, cut
- 1/2 cup broken spaghetti ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the spaghetti in a large soup kettle.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Add spaghetti during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Serve piping hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier soup, consider adding diced zucchini or kale along with the other vegetables. You can substitute vegetable broth for the beef bouillon for a vegetarian version. If you're watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium canned tomatoes and bouillon. Additionally, try using whole grain or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Mama Mcquaid's Lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the soup. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Minestrone Soup contains roughly 292 calories, with 7g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (78% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 461mg per serving (20% 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 soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove, adding the spaghetti at the end to maintain its texture.
What can I add to make the soup more filling?
To enhance the soup's heartiness, consider adding cooked beans such as kidney or cannellini beans. You can also incorporate cooked chicken or turkey for additional protein. These additions will complement the flavors and keep you full longer.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño while sautéing the garlic and vegetables. You can also stir in a splash of hot sauce just before serving for a kick. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
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).