Ina Garten Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe

This Ina Garten Winter Minestrone Soup Recipe is a hearty and nourishing dish, which includes butternut squash and cannellini beans. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

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Ina Garten Winter Minestrone Soup Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 large zucchini, diced
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 6 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian option)
• 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups kale, chopped (stems removed)
• 1 cup ditalini pasta (or other small pasta)
• Parmesan rind (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Drizzle of olive oil

How To Make Ina Garten Winter Minestrone Soup

1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 8–10 minutes until softened.
2. Add squash and zucchini: Stir in butternut squash and zucchini. Cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and stock: Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken stock. Stir and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low. Add Parmesan rind (if using) and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until squash is tender.
5. Add beans, kale, and pasta: Stir in cannellini beans, chopped kale, and pasta. Simmer another 10 minutes until pasta is al dente. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve and garnish: Remove Parmesan rind. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use spinach instead of kale?
  Yes, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking as it wilts faster.
• What can I use instead of ditalini?
  Small pasta like orzo, elbow macaroni, or small shells work well.
• How to make it vegetarian:
  Use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan rind.
• Can I freeze this soup?
  Yes, freeze before adding the pasta. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
• What adds extra flavor?
  The Parmesan rind gives a deep umami taste—don’t skip it if you have one!

What To Serve With Winter Minestrone

Pair this cozy soup with:

• Crusty artisan bread
• Garlic breadsticks
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Grilled cheese sandwiches

How To Store Winter Minestrone Soup

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze without pasta for up to 3 months. Thaw and add cooked pasta when reheating.

Winter Minestrone Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~280
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 540mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

Can I add meat to this soup?
Yes, cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken would be great additions.

Why is my pasta too soft?
Avoid overcooking—add pasta during the last 10 minutes and check for doneness.

Is it okay to skip the Parmesan rind?
Yes, but it adds great depth of flavor. Try adding a sprinkle of umami-rich seasoning instead.

What kind of beans can I substitute?
Great Northern or navy beans work well in place of cannellini.

Try More Recipes:

• Barefoot Contessa Cream of Fresh Tomato Soup Recipe
• Ina Garten Fish Chowder Recipe
• Ina Garten Roasted Potato Leek Soup Recipe