Classic Italian Minestrone Soup
Experience the comforting warmth of a classic Italian Minestrone Soup, packed with vibrant vegetables, hearty pasta, and the rich flavor of homemade Italian tomatoes. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this soup bursts with savory aromas and is finished with a touch of bright basil pesto. Enjoy a wholesome meal that feels like it's been simmering for hours, but is ready in just under an hour. Ideal for a chilly evening or any time you crave a taste of Italy.
6-8
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
celery
3 stalks (sliced)
carrots
3 medium (peeled and sliced)
onion
1 large (chopped)
beef broth
64 ounces (canned)
tomato paste
6 ounces (canned)
marinara sauce
1 cup (use your favorite pasta sauce)
Italian herb seasoning
2 teaspoons (dried)
small shell pasta
3/4 cup (uncooked)
basil pesto
1 teaspoon per bowl (prepared)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, combine the celery, carrots, and onions.
2
Pour in the beef broth, tomato paste, marinara sauce, and sprinkle the Italian herb seasoning over the top.
3
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4
Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5
Stir in the small shell pasta and continue to cook, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
6
Ladle the soup into large bowls. Add a teaspoon of basil pesto to each bowl, swirling it into the soup for added flavor.
7
Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
30g
Carbs
8g
Protein
5g
Fiber
1083mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Italian Minestrone Soup?
It is a comforting, vegetable-packed soup with pasta, rich tomato flavor, and a touch of basil pesto.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 to 8 servings.
What vegetables are included in the soup?
The soup includes celery, carrots, and a large onion.
How much beef broth is used?
The recipe requires 64 ounces of canned beef broth.
What is the amount of tomato paste required?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of canned tomato paste.
How much marinara sauce is needed?
You will need 1 cup of your favorite marinara or pasta sauce.
What seasoning is used for the flavor?
Two teaspoons of dried Italian herb seasoning are used.
What kind of pasta is used?
This recipe uses small shell pasta.
How much pasta should be added?
Add 3/4 cup of uncooked small shell pasta.
What is the final topping for the soup?
Each bowl is finished with a teaspoon of prepared basil pesto.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be large and chopped.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be peeled and sliced.
How should the celery be prepared?
The celery should be sliced into pieces.
What is the first step in cooking?
In a large stockpot, combine the celery, carrots, and onions.
How long does the soup simmer before adding pasta?
The soup base should simmer for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Should the pot be covered during the initial simmer?
Yes, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low for the 30-minute simmer.
At what heat should the soup simmer?
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low heat to simmer.
How long does the pasta take to cook in the soup?
The pasta takes approximately 15 minutes to cook in the soup.
Should the pot be covered while the pasta cooks?
No, the recipe specifies cooking the pasta uncovered.
How is the basil pesto added?
Ladle the soup into bowls and swirl a teaspoon of pesto into each one.
How many calories are in each serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 6g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the soup?
The soup provides 8g of protein per serving.
What is the fiber content per serving?
There are 5g of fiber in each serving.
How much sodium is in a serving?
Each serving contains 1083mg of sodium.
Is this recipe good for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a cozy family dinner and a wholesome meal.
How long does the entire process take?
The soup is ready to serve in just under an hour.
Can I use any pasta sauce?
Yes, the recipe allows for 1 cup of your favorite pasta sauce.
What is the desired texture for the pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.