Genuine Vegetable Minestrone

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A humble Italian soup where seasonal vegetables and beans create a soul-satisfying bowl with no added cream. This italian-inspired soups ready in about 55 minutes pairs chopped carrots, chopped celery, chopped zucchini for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, and 1 cup chopped zucchini. Sauté for 8 minutes until vegetables are tender and edges are slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 15 oz drained cannellini beans and 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add 1 tsp dried oregano. Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 20 minutes until flavors meld and vegetables are very tender.
  3. Step 3: Remove from heat and blend 1/2 cup of the soup with an immersion blender until smooth. Return to the pot and stir to combine. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  4. Step 4: Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and crusty bread for dipping, ensuring the soup has a balanced texture where vegetables are tender but not mushy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Genuine Vegetable Minestrone take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Genuine Vegetable Minestrone?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chopped carrots from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Genuine Vegetable Minestrone?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Genuine Vegetable Minestrone for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Genuine Vegetable Minestrone?

Italian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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