This Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and al dente pasta, it’s a meal that fills you up while warming your soul. The combination of Italian seasoning and fresh spinach adds layers of flavor, making this dish not just a soup but a wholesome meal in itself. Perfect for meal prepping, this soup freezes well and only gets better the next day. Serve it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich to make it an ideal dinner or lunch option for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option, this soup delivers with its vibrant flavors and simple, clean ingredients.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 8 cups vegetable broth or stock
- 2 cans kidney beans (approx. 15 oz. each)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (approx. 14.5 oz., undrained)
- 1 bay leaf
- ⅓ cup tomato paste
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 ⅓ cup uncooked short pasta (rotini, macaroni, ditalini, etc.)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Sauté the carrots, celery, and onion until the onions become translucent.
- Add in minced garlic, vegetable broth, beans, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, parsley, bay leaf, and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Simmer on medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots and celery are tender.
- Once the vegetables are soft, add in the spinach and uncooked pasta. Continue to cook at a soft boil for another 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot with optional toppings like parmesan cheese or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 266 per serving
Servings: 6 servings
Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup: A Hearty and Healthy Comfort Meal
There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that soothes the soul, especially when the temperature starts to dip. One soup that stands out for its robust flavors, nutritional benefits, and versatility is the Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup. This hearty dish combines a medley of vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich, flavorful broth that’s been seasoned to perfection with classic Italian herbs and spices.
This soup is not only comforting and delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic option for those looking to eat healthy without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for an easy weeknight dinner or someone who enjoys meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup is ideal. Let’s take a deeper dive into why this recipe deserves a place in your kitchen and on your table.
Why You Will Love Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup
1. Packed with Nutritious Vegetables
The star of this soup is its variety of fresh vegetables, which bring not only flavor but also essential vitamins and minerals. Carrots, celery, spinach, and tomatoes work together to offer a range of health benefits, including fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, and K. The vegetables in this soup are not just there for show—they create the body and bulk of the dish, ensuring that every bite is a satisfying and flavorful experience.
2. High in Plant-Based Protein
The addition of beans, such as kidney beans or cannellini beans, turns this vegetable-based soup into a meal that is both filling and high in protein. Beans are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and are loaded with fiber, which helps support digestive health. This makes the soup an excellent choice for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to cut back on their meat consumption without missing out on essential nutrients.
3. Carbohydrate-Rich Pasta for Energy
The pasta in this soup provides the carbohydrates needed to fuel your body. While many vegetable soups might leave you feeling hungry an hour later, the inclusion of pasta ensures that this dish is both filling and energizing. Short pastas like ditalini, rotini, or macaroni are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape and texture well when simmered in broth.
4. Bursting with Italian Flavors
What really sets this soup apart from other vegetable soups is its bold Italian flavor profile. The blend of garlic, Italian seasoning (which often includes herbs like oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme), and a bay leaf infuses the broth with an aromatic depth that transports your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. Top it off with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for even more richness and authenticity.
5. Customizable to Suit Your Preferences
One of the best features of the Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup is how adaptable it is to different dietary preferences and ingredient availability. For instance, if you prefer a gluten-free version, simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. You can also adjust the vegetables to include whatever is in season or in your fridge—zucchini, bell peppers, or even kale would make excellent additions. If you’re not a fan of kidney beans, cannellini or chickpeas are great substitutes.
For those looking for a heartier version, you can add some cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken. The flexibility of this recipe means you can make it your own while still enjoying all of its core flavors and textures.
Ideal for Meal Prepping and Freezing
This soup is an excellent choice for anyone who likes to meal prep or cook in bulk. Not only does it yield a generous amount of servings, but it also tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Moreover, the soup freezes exceptionally well. Simply portion it into individual containers and store it in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw and reheat on the stove. While the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after freezing, it still holds up well and remains enjoyable. For those who prefer, you can cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup just before serving to maintain its ideal texture.
What to Serve with Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup
This soup is a meal on its own, but pairing it with a side dish can elevate the dining experience. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Crusty Bread: A classic pairing with any soup, a slice of warm, crusty bread or a baguette is perfect for soaking up the rich broth. For an extra indulgent touch, serve the bread with a garlic butter spread.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: If you want to take things up a notch, a grilled cheese sandwich is the ultimate complement to this Italian soup. The gooey, melted cheese pairs wonderfully with the hearty, savory broth. Try a Havarti or mozzarella cheese for an Italian twist.
- Salad: A light salad, such as a Caprese salad or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, works well as a side dish. The freshness of the salad helps to balance the richness of the soup, creating a well-rounded meal.
- Wine Pairing: For a special dinner, pair this soup with a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese, two Italian wines that complement the soup’s rich tomato base and herbaceous notes.
Health Benefits of Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup
In addition to being delicious and versatile, this soup offers a range of health benefits:
- Heart Health: The beans in the soup are rich in fiber, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and support heart health. Vegetables like carrots and spinach are also packed with antioxidants, which protect the body from inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Supports Digestion: The high fiber content of the vegetables and beans promotes healthy digestion, keeping things running smoothly. The broth helps keep you hydrated, which is also important for good digestive function.
- Low in Fat and Calories: With only 266 calories per serving and minimal fat, this soup is a fantastic option for anyone watching their caloric intake without sacrificing flavor or fullness.
Conclusion:
Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup is more than just a soup—it’s a comforting, nutritious, and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year. Its rich flavor and hearty ingredients make it perfect for colder months, but its versatility and lightness also mean it can be enjoyed year-round.
Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, making it ahead for the week, or freezing it for later, this soup is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Its balance of wholesome ingredients, rich flavors, and ease of preparation makes it an ideal dish for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy and delicious home-cooked meal. Plus, with the ability to customize it to fit your taste and dietary needs, this soup will always have a place on your table.
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Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
This Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and al dente pasta, it’s a meal that fills you up while warming your soul. The combination of Italian seasoning and fresh spinach adds layers of flavor, making this dish not just a soup but a wholesome meal in itself. Perfect for meal prepping, this soup freezes well and only gets better the next day. Serve it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich to make it an ideal dinner or lunch option for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly option, this soup delivers with its vibrant flavors and simple, clean ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3–4 large carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 8 cups vegetable broth or stock
- 2 cans kidney beans (approx. 15 oz. each)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (approx. 14.5 oz., undrained)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 1/3 cup uncooked short pasta (rotini, macaroni, ditalini, etc.)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Sauté the carrots, celery, and onion until the onions become translucent.
- Add in minced garlic, vegetable broth, beans, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, parsley, bay leaf, and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Simmer on medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots and celery are tender.
- Once the vegetables are soft, add in the spinach and uncooked pasta. Continue to cook at a soft boil for another 15 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve hot with optional toppings like parmesan cheese or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
