Meatless Minestrone
A hearty and flavorful meatless minestrone packed with vegetables, beans, and herbs. Its comforting broth and tender pasta make it perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner, appealing to vegetarians and soup lovers alike seeking a wholesome, satisfying meal filled with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans tomatoes, undrained and chopped
- 4 cups cabbage, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups carrots, chopped ⓘ
- 3/4 cup (4 oz.) small macaroni, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
- 1 (46 oz.) can tomato juice ⓘ
- 1 (19 oz.) can white kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 (15 1/2 oz.) can red kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 can garbanzo beans, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped ⓘ
- 4 tsp. dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 4 tsp. dried basil leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Place vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic; cook until tender.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, chopped carrots, and chopped cabbage.
- Cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in tomato juice, drained white kidney beans, drained red kidney beans, drained garbanzo beans, dried oregano leaves, and dried basil leaves.
- Simmer until heated through.
- Add cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
- Before serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier minestrone, consider adding diced zucchini or bell peppers. You can substitute the small macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as ditalini or even whole grain pasta for added nutrition. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor, so feel free to add some fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For an Italian twist, consider serving alongside a slice of Ricotta Pie or some Italian Cheese Balls. This dish is also perfect for meal prep, ensuring you have a nutritious option ready to go.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. The flavors may deepen after a day, making it even more delicious!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meatless Minestrone contains roughly 861 calories, with 57g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (213% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (155% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1371mg per serving (60% 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 minestrone recipe in advance?
Yes, this minestrone is perfect for making ahead of time. The flavors develop beautifully as it sits. Just be sure to store the pasta separately if you plan on making it in advance, as it can become mushy when stored with the soup.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
You can easily substitute kidney beans with any other beans you have on hand, such as pinto beans or black beans. Chickpeas can also be a great alternative. Just remember to drain and rinse them before adding to the soup.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a meat version, you can add cooked sausage or ground beef when sautéing the vegetables. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as the meat will add additional flavor.
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).