Quick Minestrone
A hearty and comforting Italian-inspired vegetable soup packed with bacon, fresh herbs, and tender vermicelli. Its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients make it perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal, ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 5-quart kettle, cook bacon over medium heat until it begins to brown.
- Add chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, minced garlic, and thinly sliced carrots. Cook, stirring, until the onion is soft.
- Pour in chicken broth, add canned tomatoes, salt, dried basil, thyme, and white pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover the kettle and reduce the heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier Minestrone, consider adding diced zucchini or spinach along with the vegetables. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also swap the vermicelli for another type of pasta if you have it on hand. For a punch of flavor, freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Minestrone piping hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For a delightful Italian twist, consider serving it alongside Chicken Scarpariello, which complements the flavors of this soup perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened. This Minestrone can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Minestrone contains roughly 1380 calories, with 39g protein, 184g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (224% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (149% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2511mg per serving (109% 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 add more vegetables to this Minestrone?
Absolutely! You can include vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or even kale to enhance the nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed to keep everything tender yet crisp.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can enhance the flavor by adding extra herbs or a splash of soy sauce for depth. This version will still be hearty and satisfying.
How can I thicken the Minestrone if it’s too watery?
If you find the soup too thin, you can thicken it by adding a small amount of mashed potato or pureed beans. Another option is to let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
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).