Warm your soul with a delightful bowl of Italian Pasta and Bean Soup! This hearty dish, brimming with vibrant vegetables and protein-packed kidney beans, is not only a feast for the senses but also a quick and easy way to bring the taste of Italy to your kitchen. In just 35 minutes, you can whip up a comforting meal that serves four, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Ready to discover the secrets behind this delicious recipe? Let’s dive in and transform your dinner routine!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup small pasta (e.g., elbow or shells)
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Dice zucchini, carrots, and onion into uniform small pieces. Mince garlic cloves finely.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pot.
- Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in the pot until the onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced carrots and zucchini to the pot. Stir and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to begin softening the vegetables.
- Pour vegetable broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Add drained and rinsed kidney beans to the broth. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add small pasta to the soup. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes or until pasta is tender but still al dente.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly to distribute seasonings.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can quickly throw everything together when you're ready to cook.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the zucchini and carrots for your favorite vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, or even kale can add a nice twist to the soup.
- Perfect Pasta: To ensure your pasta is perfectly cooked, check the package instructions for al dente timing. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the heat.
- Flavor Boost: Enhance the flavor by adding herbs like thyme or basil during the simmering process. A splash of balsamic vinegar just before serving can also add a lovely depth to the soup.
- Garnish for Greatness: Don’t skip the garnish! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese can elevate your soup from good to gourmet.
- Make it a Meal: Serve the soup with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
