Veggie Minestrone Christmas Pasta (Printable Version)

A colorful Italian dish with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta that's perfect for holiday meals.

# Components:

→ Fresh Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 2 carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 zucchini, diced
07 - 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
08 - 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

→ Aromatics & Seasonings

09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
12 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
13 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Canned Goods & Liquids

15 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
16 - 6 cups vegetable broth
17 - 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
18 - 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

→ Pasta

19 - 1 cup small pasta shapes (e.g., ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells)

→ Garnishes

20 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, omit for vegan)
21 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Preparation steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Incorporate minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced zucchini and trimmed green beans to the pot. Sauté for 3 minutes to slightly tenderize.
04 - Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with vegetable broth. Bring mixture to a boil.
05 - Stir in cannellini beans, kidney beans, and small pasta shapes. Lower heat and simmer uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes, until pasta and vegetables are tender.
06 - Add the chopped baby spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Loaded with fresh vegetables and beans
  • Perfect for a cozy winter gathering
02 -
  • For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or use a vegan alternative
  • Swap in seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or peas for variation
03 -
  • Add a Parmesan rind to the pot while simmering for extra flavor removing before serving (contains dairy)
  • Pairs well with crusty bread and a glass of Chianti
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