Introduction
Transform humble pantry staples into a hearty and flavorful bowl of minestrone soup in just 30 minutes! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, proving that delicious, homemade meals don’t have to take all day. We’re focusing on efficiency and maximum flavor with minimal fuss – ideal for even the most time-constrained cooks.
Why This Works
This minestrone recipe prioritizes speed and simplicity without sacrificing taste. We use readily available ingredients and clever shortcuts to achieve a rich, satisfying soup in a fraction of the time of traditional recipes. The result is a vibrant, flavorful bowl of comfort food that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Key Ingredients
🍅 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
🥕 1 cup chopped carrots
🧅 1 cup chopped onion
🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced
🌿 1 cup chopped fresh basil
🥦 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
🫙 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
🍝 1 cup ditalini pasta
💧 6 cups vegetable broth
🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
🌿 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
🧂Salt and pepper to taste
🧀 (Optional) Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
1️⃣ Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3️⃣ Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4️⃣ Add the broccoli and cannellini beans. Simmer for 10 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
5️⃣ Stir in the ditalini pasta and cook according to package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
6️⃣ Stir in the fresh basil just before serving.
7️⃣ Serve hot, with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Handy Tips
- Use pre-chopped vegetables to save even more time.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
- For a creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before serving.
Heat Control
Maintaining a gentle simmer throughout the cooking process is key. A rolling simmer ensures the vegetables cook evenly without burning, and the pasta cooks through perfectly without becoming mushy. Avoid high heat, which can scorch the tomatoes and lead to a less appealing flavor.
Crunch Factor
The slight crunch of the broccoli florets adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender pasta and creamy beans. Don’t overcook the broccoli; aiming for tender-crisp is the sweet spot.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf to the soup while it simmers. Remove before serving.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar adds depth and complexity.
- Leftover cooked chicken or sausage can be added for a heartier soup.
Storage Tips
Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day!
Gift Packaging Ideas
This soup makes a wonderful and thoughtful gift! Package individual servings in attractive jars or containers, with a festive ribbon and a handwritten tag. Include a recipe card for the recipient to recreate the deliciousness.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Minestrone: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
🌟 Vegetarian Minestrone with Greens: Add a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
🌟 Minestrone with White Beans: Substitute great northern beans or navy beans for the cannellini beans.
🌟 Hearty Minestrone: Add 1 cup of cooked Italian sausage or ground beef for extra protein.
Troubleshooting
- Too watery: If your soup is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Too thick: Add a little more vegetable broth to thin the soup to your desired consistency.
- Pasta overcooked: Reduce cooking time slightly to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Check for doneness a minute or two before the package directions indicate.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other types of pasta? A: Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes, such as elbow macaroni or small shells.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before freezing in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Speedy Weeknight Minestrone is a testament to the fact that delicious, homemade meals can be quick and easy. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying soup, and don’t forget to share your creations with the Ratemyrecipes community! We can’t wait to see your photos and hear your feedback!
30-Minute Minestrone: Weeknight Dinner Winner
A quick and hearty minestrone soup packed with vegetables and beans, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbows)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped carrots and celery, sautu00e9ing for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in zucchini and pasta. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente.
- Add kidney beans and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips
- Feel free to add any leftover vegetables you have on hand to make the soup even more hearty.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautu00e9ing the vegetables.