Craving a comforting bowl of delicious, healthy soup? Look no further! This Carrabba's-inspired Minestrone recipe is the perfect easy recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend lunch. It's packed with fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and a flavorful broth, making it a delicious and healthy meal the whole family will love. This homemade cooking masterpiece is surprisingly simple to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to experience the best recipes, effortlessly!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields about 6 servings of this amazing, healthy meal.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work well)
- 1 cup chopped green beans
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Get started: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the flavor: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the beans and pasta: Stir in the cannellini beans, great northern beans, and pasta. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
Finishing touches: Add the green beans and zucchini during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Stir in the fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. You can also add a bay leaf during simmering and remove before serving.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as diced potatoes, spinach, or corn.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or crème fraîche before serving.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This hearty and healthy soup is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are easy to prepare. It's a great source of protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes! This recipe is perfect for those seeking healthy meals and easy recipes that are both delicious and satisfying. It's a true testament to the joy of homemade cooking.