4tomatoesmedium-sized, diced, or 1 can of 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes (not drained)
4cupsvegetable brothlow sodium
15ounceskidney beansone can, drained
2cupsbaby spinach leaves
2Tablespoonsparsleychopped
2TeaspoonsItalian seasoningdried
1teaspoonchili powderoptional
salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
Warm olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, and garlic, sauteing for two minutes.
Add the celery, tomatoes, carrots, tomato sauce, and zucchini into the pot as well as the salt, pepper, and paprika or red chili flakes. Saute until onions are translucent, around 5-7 minutes.
Add the kidney beans, pasta, and vegetable broth and mix well.
If you want to cook the pasta in the soup itself, add it now and cook over medium (with lid on) for approximately 20 minutes, until pasta is al dente. However, you can also add pasta that is already cooked during the last two minutes of time, when you add the spinach.
Open the lid and add the spinach. Stir for 2 minutes.
Add the parsley and serve!
Notes
Make in Instant Pot
Press the sauté mode and add the olive oil. After it gets hot add the garlic and onions and saute’ for 2-3 minutes as it softens.
Add the celery, tomatoes, carrots, tomato sauce, and zucchini into the pot as well as the salt, pepper, and paprika or red chili flakes.
Add the kidney beans, pasta, and vegetable broth and mix well.
Press the “cancel” button on the Instant Pot, close the lid and seal the release valve. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Use the “quick release" method after the timer beeps.
Open the lid and add the spinach. Stir for 2 minutes.
Add the parsley and serve!
Variations
To Make Gluten Free: Substitute your favorite sturdy gluten-free pasta. You can also substitute with rice!
Lower the carbs to make it Keto or Whole 30 friendly by simply eliminating the pasta.
Switch any of the vegetables for your family preferences or whatever you have on hand! Minestrone is the ultimate soup to use up "leftovers".
You can add potatoes or rice to minestrone too, either in addition to pasta or in place of!
Add protein with crumbled sausage, mini meatballs and more!
To Store
At Room Temperature - This soup can be left out for no more than two hours at room temp.
Refrigerate - refrigerate your minestrone soup in an airtight container for up to five days.
Freeze - minestrone freezes well! Store in an airtight container with an inch of space at the top, leaving room for expansion. Store in freezer for up to six months, de-thaw in the refrigerator overnight.