Light Italian minestrone with spring vegetables, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs - ready in under an hour.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
08 - 2 cups baby spinach leaves
09 - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
→ Broth
10 - 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
11 - 1 bay leaf
→ Pasta & Seasoning
12 - 3/4 cup small pasta shapes (ditalini, orzo or small shells)
13 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
14 - 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
15 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish (optional)
16 - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
17 - Fresh basil leaves, for serving (optional)
18 - Extra olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent.
02 - Add the minced garlic, diced carrots and diced celery to the pot. Sauté for about 4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the garlic is fragrant.
03 - Stir in the diced zucchini, trimmed green beans and peas. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to combine and slightly soften the zucchini and green beans.
04 - Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
05 - Stir in 3/4 cup small pasta shapes and cook 8 to 10 minutes, or according to package instructions, until the pasta is al dente.
06 - Two minutes before the pasta is done, add 2 cups baby spinach and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Stir until the spinach wilts and the herbs are distributed.
07 - Season the soup with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, adjusting to taste. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
08 - Ladle into bowls and finish each serving with grated Parmesan, fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
