Minestrone with Hand-Chopped Vegetables
A hearty vegetable soup where each component shines, featuring garden-fresh produce chopped by hand for maximum texture. This italian-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 38 minutes pairs vegetable broth, ditalini pasta, halved cherry tomatoes 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.
Ingredients
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 oz ditalini pasta
- 1 medium, diced into 1/4-inch cubes zucchini
- 2 medium, diced into 1/4-inch cubes carrots
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups, stems removed and chopped kale
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 6 cups vegetable broth to a gentle simmer in a large pot over medium heat. Add 2 oz ditalini pasta and cook for 8 minutes until al dente.
- Step 2: Stir in 1/4-inch diced zucchini, 1/4-inch diced carrots, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 2 cups chopped kale, cooking for 5 minutes until vegetables are tender but still vibrant.
- Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Minestrone with Hand-Chopped Vegetables take to make?
Total time is about 38 minutes (15 min prep + 23 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 Minestrone with Hand-Chopped Vegetables?
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 vegetable broth from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Minestrone with Hand-Chopped Vegetables?
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 Minestrone with Hand-Chopped Vegetables 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.
Is Minestrone with Hand-Chopped Vegetables vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect soups recipe for a weeknight dinner.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 23-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
