Minestrone Soup(No Meat)
Hearty meatless minestrone packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, flavored with herbs and Parmesan, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal any time of year.
Ingredients
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 3 large cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 can white beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 1 large can whole tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen mixed vegetables ⓘ
- 1/2 cup uncooked macaroni ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 can chicken broth ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in 4 tablespoons olive oil.
- Add can of chicken broth and 3 1/2 cans of water.
- Add all ingredients except macaroni, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add macaroni and cook until tender.
- Add parsley and Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Season with seasoned salt and a few drops of Tabasco sauce to taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier minestrone, feel free to add diced potatoes or zucchini. If you don't have white beans, chickpeas can be a fantastic substitute. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can enhance the flavor profile. To save time, use pre-chopped vegetables or a frozen vegetable mix. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and remember that this soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your minestrone hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside a warm slice of Italian Garden Soup(Yields 2 Quarts) or a light pasta dish like Linguine With Fresh Tomato Sauce And Porcini Mushrooms.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover minestrone in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. If the soup thickens too much, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; just ensure to leave out the pasta before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Minestrone Soup(No Meat) contains roughly 1116 calories, with 47g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (114% of the Daily Value), iron (107% of the Daily Value), and protein (94% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1656mg per serving (72% 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 soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This minestrone soup can be made a day in advance. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to develop further. Just be sure to add the macaroni shortly before serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.
What other vegetables can I add to the soup?
You can customize your minestrone with various vegetables. Try adding spinach, kale, or even diced bell peppers for additional flavor and nutrition. Seasonal vegetables like squash or green beans also work wonderfully in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this soup vegan?
Yes, this minestrone soup is easily made vegan by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a vegan alternative. This way, you maintain all the delicious flavors while keeping it plant-based.
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).