Tomato-Zucchini Minestrone with Spinach

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

A hearty yet light vegetable soup loaded with tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, and beans, perfect for a nourishing one-pot meal. This italian-inspired one pot (vegetarian, dairy-free) ready in about 50 minutes pairs medium tomatoes, medium zucchini, spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 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 diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 diced carrot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 chopped tomatoes, 1 diced zucchini, and 1/2 tsp each of oregano, basil, and salt. Cook for 10 minutes until tomatoes break down.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can great northern beans, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, and 1/2 tsp sugar. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Finish with 1/4 cup heavy cream and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Serve with crusty bread.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tomato-Zucchini Minestrone with Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Tomato-Zucchini Minestrone with Spinach?

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 medium tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Zucchini Minestrone with Spinach?

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 Tomato-Zucchini Minestrone with Spinach 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 Tomato-Zucchini Minestrone with Spinach vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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