Winter Minestrone With Butternut Squash (Printable)

A cozy Italian vegetable soup with butternut squash, kale, beans, and pasta in rich tomato broth.

# What You’ll Use:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 small butternut squash (approximately 1.5 pounds), peeled and diced
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 cup fresh kale, chopped with stems removed
09 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices

→ Legumes and Grains

10 - 1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 0.5 cup small pasta such as ditalini or elbow macaroni

→ Liquids

12 - 6 cups vegetable broth
13 - 1 cup water

→ Spices and Seasonings

14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
16 - 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
17 - 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
18 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Finishing

19 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
20 - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional

# How-To:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add diced butternut squash and zucchini to the pot; cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, and water. Bring to a boil.
05 - Stir in dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
06 - Add drained cannellini beans and small pasta, simmering for 8 to 10 minutes until pasta and squash become tender.
07 - Stir in chopped kale and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
08 - Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped parsley.
09 - Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The butternut squash adds natural sweetness that balances perfectly with the earthy kale and tangy tomatoes
  • It makes a huge batch, so you're basically meal prepping for the week while feeling cozy
  • The pasta makes it hearty enough to be a full meal, not just a starter
02 -
  • The pasta will continue absorbing liquid as it sits, so if you're meal prepping, consider cooking it separately and adding it when you reheat
  • A Parmesan rind thrown in during the last 15 minutes of simmering adds incredible depth, just fish it out before serving
  • This soup actually tastes better the next day, so don't stress about making it ahead
03 -
  • Cut your vegetables roughly the same size so they cook evenly and look beautiful in the bowl
  • If the soup seems too thick, add more water or broth rather than letting it cook down further
  • A splash of good olive oil right before serving adds a luxurious finish
Go Back