Hearty Homestyle Minestrone Soup
This Hearty Homestyle Minestrone Soup is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, savory beans, and tender pasta, all simmered in a flavorful chicken broth. Inspired by a spontaneous moment in my mother's kitchen, this recipe captures the essence of comfort food. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal, this minestrone is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to your liking. Serve it with warm crusty bread for a satisfying family dinner that’s sure to become a favorite staple in your home.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
3 (14-ounce cans)
kidney beans
1 (15-ounce can, rinsed and drained)
garbanzo beans
1 (15-ounce can, rinsed and drained)
carrots
2 (chopped)
celery ribs
2 (chopped)
onion
1 small (chopped)
spaghetti sauce
1 (cup (your favorite brand or homemade, we use Ragu))
pasta shells
1 (cup)
Italian seasoning
1 (teaspoon)
salt
to taste (seasoning)
pepper
to taste (seasoning)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and reduce the heat to medium.
3
After about 5 minutes, or when the vegetables start to soften, add the kidney beans and garbanzo beans to the pot.
4
Pour in the spaghetti sauce and stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together for another 5 minutes.
5
Add the pasta shells to the mixture and stir. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and the soup is heated through.
6
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Homestyle Minestrone Soup?
This soup is a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, savory beans, and tender pasta, all simmered in a flavorful chicken broth.
How many servings does this minestrone recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What vegetables are needed for this soup?
You will need 2 chopped carrots, 2 chopped celery ribs, and 1 small chopped onion.
What types of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of kidney beans and one 15-ounce can of garbanzo beans.
Should the beans be drained before adding them to the pot?
Yes, both the kidney beans and garbanzo beans should be rinsed and drained before use.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this minestrone?
The recipe calls for one cup of pasta shells.
How long does it take to cook the pasta in the soup?
The pasta shells should be cooked for an additional 10-15 minutes until they are al dente.
What is the base liquid for this soup?
The base liquid is three 14-ounce cans of chicken broth.
What gives this soup its Italian flavor?
The flavor comes from Italian seasoning, spaghetti sauce, and a mix of fresh aromatic vegetables.
Can I use any brand of spaghetti sauce?
Yes, you can use one cup of your favorite store-bought brand (like Ragu) or a homemade version.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is classified as an easy, quick meal that is perfect for a family dinner.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a spontaneous moment in the creator's mother's kitchen.
What should I serve with Hearty Homestyle Minestrone Soup?
It is best served with warm crusty bread for a satisfying and complete meal.
Is this soup customizable?
Yes, the recipe is highly customizable to your personal liking.
When do I add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper?
Add the seasoning once the chicken broth has reached a rolling boil, along with the carrots, celery, and onion.
How much Italian seasoning should I use?
You should use one teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
At what heat should I boil the broth?
Bring the broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
When should the heat be reduced?
Reduce the heat to medium after adding the vegetables and seasonings.
Can I use different vegetables in this soup?
While the recipe calls for carrots, celery, and onion, minestrone is traditionally very flexible for adding other seasonal vegetables.
How do I know when the soup is finished?
The soup is ready when the pasta is cooked al dente and the broth is heated through with melded flavors.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe because it features many vegetables and fiber-rich beans.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Salt and pepper should be added 'to taste' both during initial cooking and at the final adjustment step.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with an equal amount of vegetable broth.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including seasonings.
What is the role of the spaghetti sauce in this recipe?
The spaghetti sauce helps to thicken the broth and provides a rich, complex tomato flavor.
When are the beans added to the pot?
The beans are added about 5 minutes after the vegetables have started to soften.
Do I need to stir the soup while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir occasionally, especially after adding the pasta to prevent sticking.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for chilly days and capturing the essence of comfort food.
Can I use homemade broth?
Absolutely, while the recipe lists cans for convenience, homemade chicken broth would work beautifully.
How should I serve this soup?
Serve it hot in bowls, potentially with a side of bread or a sprinkle of cheese if desired.