Name: Classic Minestrone Soup: Easy 30-Minute Healthy Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 stalks celery, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 bay leaf; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (no-salt-added); 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth; 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into small pieces; 1/2 cup small pasta (ditalini or small shells); 2 cups fresh spinach; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: Parmesan rind for simmering

Description

A budget-friendly, healthy, and hearty minestrone soup ready in 30 minutes. Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, this flexible recipe is perfect for weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 stalks celery, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 bay leaf
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (no-salt-added)
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into small pieces
1/2 cup small pasta (ditalini or small shells)
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: Parmesan rind for simmering

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic, oregano, and bay leaf; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add diced tomatoes and vegetable broth; bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits.
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Add cannellini beans, green beans, and parmesan rind (if using); simmer for 5 minutes.
Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes according to package directions, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat, stir in spinach until wilted, and remove bay leaf and parmesan rind.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, do not rush the sautéing of aromatics. If freezing, store soup without pasta to prevent mushiness. The soup tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating if it thickens too much.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 280
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 600
Fat: 6
Saturated Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 12
Protein: 14

Keywords: minestrone soup, healthy soup, budget meals, vegetarian soup, meal prep, 30 minute meals, Italian soup, vegan soup