Skip to main content

Minestrone Soup

This satisfying vegetable soup is full of veggies, beans and pasta.
Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a Crowd

Use these recipe sheets to prepare for larger groups:

Kid friendly
Bowl of vegetable and macaroni noodle soup.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Makes: 10 cups
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 medium onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, diced
1 large carrot, sliced
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large potato, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) chopped tomatoes with juice
2 cans (15 ounces each) low-sodium broth (see Notes)
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon basil
½ cup uncooked macaroni
2 small zucchini, sliced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. In a 5 quart saucepan over medium heat, cook onion, celery and carrot in oil, stirring constantly until onion is soft, but not browned.
  4. Add potato, tomatoes, broth, beans and basil.
  5. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. Add macaroni and zucchini. Simmer for another 15 minutes.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

  • Broth can be made at home, purchased in a can or box, or made using bouillon. For each cup of broth use 1 cup very hot water and 1 teaspoon or 1 cube bouillon.
  • Use any vegetables you have on hand.
  • Add cooked meat if desired.
  • Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 ½ to 1 ¾ cups drained beans.

Comments

This Minnestrone Soup is a favorite among kids! Whenever I make this yummy recipe, they always ask for more!

Husband and kid approved!  It's great with ground beef too :)

Very easy to make, and another one of those recipes where I usually have all the ingredients lying around.  I make this soup, with the Whole Wheat Quick Bread, and feel like Mom of the Year (within her budget, even!)!

So delicious and so simple! LOVE this recipe!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Peanut Soy Bulgur Pilaf
Large platter of bulgur pilaf.

Peanut Soy Bulgur Pilaf

This hearty and satisfying whole-grain recipe combines savory soy, crunchy nuts and fresh green onion.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 Cups
Glazed Carrots and Cranberries
Tender carrot slices with dried cranberries in a small bowl.

Glazed Carrots and Cranberries

This recipe combines savory and sweet ingredients for a delicious side dish.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
3 cups minutes
Reduced-Fat Chorizo
Bowl of chorizo shown served with a fresh salad.

Reduced-Fat Chorizo

Thanks to the OSU Extension Latin Heritage workgroup for this recipe. Using lower fat meats reduces saturated fat for heart health.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
12 servings
Chicken Chowder for Two
Bowls of creamy potato chicken soup on serving plates.

Chicken Chowder for Two

Creamy, hearty and comforting soup for two. Ready in under an hour!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 minutes
Makes:
2 servings
Cheesy Potato Soup
Photo of Cheesy Potato Soup

Cheesy Potato Soup

This one-pot soup is creamy, cheesy, comforting and perfect on a cold day.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 Cups
Cucumber Yogurt Dip
Yogurt dip served with a plate of sliced vegetables.

Cucumber Yogurt Dip

Quick and flavorful dip with Greek yogurt, mint and garlic. Perfect for snacks and party appetizers!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 ¼ cup