We say the more, the merrier when it comes to classic Italian minestrone soup. Sure, typically that’s in reference to lots and lots of vegetables, but we took it a different direction and added a touch of creaminess, plus cheese-filled tortellini. The simmered melody of vegetables in this soup tastes equally phenomenal when the vegetables are in season and in the cold winter months when the markets are sparse.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp.extra-virgin olive oil
- 1medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2medium carrots, thinly sliced
- 1large rib celery, thinly sliced
- 4cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp.tomato paste
- 4 c.low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1(15-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1(15-oz.) can fire-roasted or plain diced tomatoes
- 1(15-oz.) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 tsp.Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
- 4 oz.green beans, trimmed and cut into 1″ pieces (about 1 c. total)
- 1(10-oz.) bag cheese tortellini
- 2 c.baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 c.half-and-half
- Grated Parmesan, for serving
Directions
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- Step 1In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat oil. Cook onion, carrot, celery, and garlic, stirring occasionally, until onion is starting to soften, 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook, stirring, until lightly toasted, about 1 minute more.
- Step 2Add broth, chickpeas, tomatoes and any juices in can, kidney beans, Italian seasoning, and 1 cup water; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer 5 minutes. Add zucchini and green beans and simmer, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Step 3Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, usually 2 to 3 minutes less than package instructions. Drain pasta.
- Step 4Add pasta and spinach to vegetable mixture and cook, tossing, until spinach is wilted and tortellini is warmed through, about 1 minute. Remove pot from heat and stir in half-and-half; season with more salt and pepper, if desired.
- Step 5Divide soup among bowls. Top with Parmesan.
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