– Country: Italy
– Region/Province: General
– Prep Time: 20 minutes
– Cook Time: 40 minutes
– Total Time: 60 minutes
– Servings: 6
– Difficulty: Easy
Health Benefits
– Immune Support: Packed with vegetables, this soup is a great source of vitamins and
minerals.
– Weight Management: A light and filling soup that is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
– Digestive Health: A good source of fiber from the beans and vegetables.
Dietary Categories
– ✅ Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if you use gluten-free pasta or omit it), Dairy-free (if
you omit the parmesan cheese)
– ❌ None
Nutritional Highlights (per serving)
– Calories: 250
– Protein: 10g
– Fiber: 12g
– Key Nutrients: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium
Ingredients (with quantities)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, chopped
– 2 celery stalks, chopped
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
– 6 cups vegetable broth
– 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
– 1 zucchini, chopped
– 2 cups chopped spinach
– 1/2 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or small shells)
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots,
and celery and cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil, then
reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Add the cannellini beans, zucchini, and pasta. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the
pasta is cooked and the zucchini is tender.
5. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese (if desired).
Chef's Healthy Modifications
– Original ingredient → Healthier substitute: Using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
makes this soup healthier.
– Cooking method change for health: This is a simple and healthy one-pot meal.
– Portion/serving suggestions: Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Cultural Context
Minestrone is a hearty Italian vegetable soup that is a staple of Italian cuisine. The ingredients
can vary depending on the season and the region, but it always includes a variety of vegetables
and often beans and pasta. This healthy minestrone soup is a delicious and nutritious way to
enjoy this classic Italian dish.