One-Pot Rustic Italian Minestrone with White Beans

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

A hearty, vegetable-packed minestrone soup simmered in a savory broth with white beans and tender pasta, perfect for a filling meal. This italian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, yellow onion, carrots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Finely dice 1 medium yellow onion, 2 medium carrots, and 2 celery stalks, then add to the pot and sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables are tender and onion is translucent.
  2. Step 2: Mince 3 garlic cloves and add to the pot, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Dice 1 medium zucchini and stir into the pot, cooking for another 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices and 6 cups vegetable broth. Add 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed cannellini beans and 3/4 cup small pasta shells. Simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
  6. Step 6: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Rustic Italian Minestrone with White Beans take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 One-Pot Rustic Italian Minestrone with White Beans?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Rustic Italian Minestrone with White Beans?

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 One-Pot Rustic Italian Minestrone with White Beans for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 One-Pot Rustic Italian Minestrone with White Beans 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.

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