Mealtime Minestrone
A hearty, comforting minestrone loaded with turkey, vegetables, and pasta, perfect for family dinners and packed with rich flavors and nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. turkey thighs ⓘ
- 3 large carrots ⓘ
- 3 celery stalks ⓘ
- 6 new potatoes ⓘ
- 2 onions ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. crushed basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. crushed oregano ⓘ
- 4 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 lb. dry kidney beans ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 1/2 qt. water ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. mushrooms
- 2 medium zucchini ⓘ
- 2 c. small pasta shells
- grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Combine turkey thighs, carrots, celery, potatoes, onions, basil, oregano, bouillon cubes, kidney beans, garlic, tomatoes, and water in a 10-quart pan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the turkey thighs before adding them to the pot. You can substitute navy beans or black beans for kidney beans if desired. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried — just triple the amount. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes. This minestrone can also be adapted to include seasonal vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty minestrone hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a touch of freshness, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. Explore more Italian recipes for delightful pairings that complement this robust soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 or broth if necessary to loosen the soup. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to let it cool completely before transfer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mealtime Minestrone contains roughly 4505 calories, with 106g protein, 795g carbohydrates, and 118g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (641% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (256% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2571mg per serving (112% 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 use canned beans instead of dry kidney beans?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned, add them in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to heat through. A 15-ounce can of beans is roughly equivalent to 1 1/2 cups of cooked beans, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this minestrone vegetarian, simply omit the turkey thighs and replace the chicken bouillon cubes with vegetable bouillon. You can also add more vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni work well, but small pasta shells are also a great choice. They hold the broth nicely and add a delightful texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
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).