Description
Classic Minestrone Soup with Gluten-Free Noodles is a hearty and healthy Italian vegetable soup packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and gluten-free pasta. This comforting soup is rich in flavors from sautéed garlic and onions, simmered with aromatic herbs, creating a fulfilling meal perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 cups vegetable broth
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta & Garnish
- 1 cup gluten-free elbow or small shell pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the diced carrots and celery to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes until they are slightly softened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Remaining Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in diced zucchini, chopped green beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and vegetable broth. Add dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Simmer Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
- Cook Pasta: Add the gluten-free pasta directly to the pot and cook according to the package directions, typically 7–9 minutes, until al dente.
- Add Spinach: In the last 2 minutes of pasta cooking, stir in the chopped baby spinach until wilted and incorporated into the soup.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper if needed to suit your preferences.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- To prevent gluten-free noodles from becoming mushy, cook them separately and add just before serving.
- You can freeze the soup without noodles and add fresh pasta when reheating to maintain texture.
- If preferred, substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for non-vegetarian variation.
- For added protein, consider adding chopped cooked chicken or turkey.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
