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Quick Minestrone Soup

This quick minestrone soup is a vibrant, nourishing dish that brings the classic flavours of an Italian kitchen to your table in under thirty minutes. Developed as a high-protein option, it relies on fibre-rich cannellini beans and nutrient-dense kale to create a filling lunch or dinner. The addition of petite diced tomatoes and a mix of garden vegetables ensures every spoonful is packed with texture and savoury depth, while the ditalini pasta adds a traditional, comforting touch.

Perfect for busy weeknights, this versatile soup utilizes frozen vegetables and shop-bought stock to minimise preparation time without compromising on quality. Mashing a portion of the beans is a simple professional tip that creates a thick, luxurious consistency naturally. Serve it in deep bowls with a scattering of freshly grated parmesan and some crusty bread for a wholesome, homemade meal the whole family will enjoy.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Quick Minestrone Soup

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 1 small onion, coarsely chopped

  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed in a garlic press

  • 1.8kg prewashed and cut kale (6 cups)

  • 1 (1-lb) bag frozen mixed Italian vegetables such as courgette, green beans, cauliflower, and broccoli

  • 1(400g) can "petite" diced tomatoes in juice

  • 240ml ditalini pasta or small elbow macaroni

  • 1250ml reduced-sodium chicken broth (1250ml )

  • 475ml water

  • 3/4 teaspoons salt

  • 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

  • 1 (550g) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

  • Accompaniment: grated parmesan

How to make Quick Minestrone Soup

Heat oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then cook onion and garlic, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 3 minutes. Add kale and sauté, stirring, 1 minute. Add frozen vegetables, tomatoes with juice, pasta, broth, water, salt, and pepper and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender and pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, transfer half of beans to a wide shallow bowl and coarsely mash with a fork or a potato masher, then stir mashed and whole beans into soup and simmer, stirring occasionally, until soup is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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