Italian Minestrone with Asian Tofu and Sesame

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-23 · Updated 2026-03-23

A hearty Italian minestrone soup with Asian tofu and sesame oil for a unique umami-rich, nutty flavor. This italian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs vegetables, tofu, sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vegetables
• 200g tofu
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp italian seasoning
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 100g whole wheat pasta

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, then add 1 tbsp sesame oil and swirl to coat the surface. Dice the 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, celery, zucchini, and bell peppers) into 1/4-inch cubes, then add them to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and develop a golden hue, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Step 2: Reduce the heat to medium, then pour in 4 cups vegetable broth, ensuring it fully covers the vegetables. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve any browned bits from the pot’s base. Add the 200g firm tofu, crumbled into 1/2-inch cubes, and gently stir to combine, ensuring the tofu is evenly distributed.
3. Step 3: Add the 100g whole wheat pasta to the pot, stirring thoroughly to prevent clumping. Continue to simmer, maintaining a low to medium heat, for 25 minutes, or until the pasta reaches an al dente texture and the broth has thickened slightly, leaving a faint sheen on the surface.
4. Step 4: While the soup simmers, prepare the seasoning by measuring out 1 tsp Italian seasoning and setting it aside. After 25 minutes, carefully taste the soup to check for salt balance, adjusting as needed with additional seasoning if required.
5. Step 5: Once the soup is nearly ready, drizzle the 1 tbsp sesame oil into the pot while it’s still simmering, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until the oil is fully incorporated and the soup emits a nutty, toasted aroma.
6. Step 6: Finally, sprinkle the 1 tsp Italian seasoning over the surface of the soup, then stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the fragrance of oregano, basil, and thyme becomes pronounced. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the final touches of seasoning.