Microwave Minestrone
A hearty and flavorful microwave minestrone soup featuring fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, perfect for a quick and comforting main dish for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 chicken flavored bouillon envelopes ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 to 19 oz.) can kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 2 medium carrots, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 (10 oz.) package fresh spinach, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 2 1/2 cups water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 3-quart casserole, cook chopped onion and minced garlic on High for 3 to 4 minutes, until tender.
- Add bouillon envelopes, canned tomatoes, drained kidney beans, sliced carrots, elbow macaroni, oregano, and water.
- Cover and cook on High until vegetables are tender, about 15 to 18 minutes.
- Stir once, then add the cut spinach and let stand, covered, until macaroni is tender, about 5 minutes.
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider adding diced zucchini or bell peppers. If you're out of chicken bouillon, vegetable bouillon works well too. You can swap elbow macaroni for any small pasta, like ditalini or shells. Fresh herbs like basil can enhance the flavor, and adding a splash of lemon juice before serving can brighten the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the minestrone hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting weeknight dinner, consider serving it alongside Easy Chicken Lasagne or a light Italian salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Adding a splash of water may help maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Microwave Minestrone contains roughly 361 calories, with 18g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (178% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 462mg 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 prepare this soup in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when you're ready to enjoy it. This soup also freezes well, so consider making a double batch for quick meals later.
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).