Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
Liquids & Canned Goods
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Seasonings & Pasta
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, macaroni, or shells)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Place a large pot over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm before adding other ingredients.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds to release their aromas without burning the garlic.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, stirring everything together to combine.
- Add beans and vegetables: Mix in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, chopped green beans, and diced zucchini to the pot.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Cook the pasta: Add the small pasta directly to the pot and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8–10 minutes, until al dente.
- Wilt the greens: Stir in the fresh spinach or kale and cook until just wilted, adding a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Season to taste: Add salt and black pepper to your preference, ensuring the soup is well-seasoned.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta separately if planning leftovers to avoid sogginess.
- Add extra broth as needed since pasta absorbs liquid quickly.
- This soup freezes well without the pasta—add fresh pasta when reheating.
- Customize with your favorite seasonal vegetables for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian