My Best Minestrone Soup Ever
A hearty, flavorful minestrone soup packed with vegetables, beans, bacon, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 6 slices bacon, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 bag spinach, pulled apart ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 1/2 qt. chicken broth ⓘ
- 5 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 1 small cabbage, chopped ⓘ
- 2 potatoes, peeled and diced ⓘ
- 3 celery stalks, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large can kidney beans ⓘ
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. basil
Instructions
- Fry bacon just until done; do not burn.
- Heat oil in large pot and sauté green onions, bacon, onion, garlic, cabbage, potatoes, and celery for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the rest of the ingredients, except cheese; let simmer for 30 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
- Serve, sprinkled with Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using pancetta instead of bacon. If you're looking for a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. You can also add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers based on your preference. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the dish further, and consider using homemade chicken broth for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your minestrone soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful touch. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Chicken Tortellini Alfredo or can be enjoyed on its own for a filling lunch or dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer to a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Best Minestrone Soup Ever contains roughly 682 calories, with 28g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (124% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and protein (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2574mg 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
Is there a way to make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! To make this minestrone soup vegan, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more beans or lentils for protein, and feel free to include any seasonal vegetables you have on hand for added nutrition.
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).