Winter Minestrone Butternut Squash Kale (Printable Version)

Hearty Italian soup with butternut squash, kale, beans, and pasta in tomato broth.

# What You Need:

→ 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, about 1.5 pounds, peeled and diced
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 cup chopped fresh kale, stems removed
09 - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices

→ Legumes & 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 & 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 chopped fresh parsley
20 - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional

# How To Make:

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

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • Seasonal & Healthy: Features winter staples like butternut squash and kale for a nutrient-packed meal.
  • One-Pot Meal: A complete dish with protein, grains, and vegetables all cooked together.
  • Easy to Customize: Naturally vegetarian and simple to adapt for vegan or gluten-free diets.
02 -
  • Mind the Pasta: Small pasta shapes like ditalini absorb liquid quickly, so serve the soup immediately or add a splash more broth if reheating.
  • Freshness Matters: Adding the kale and parsley at the very end preserves their vibrant color and fresh flavor.
  • Balanced Seasoning: Taste the broth after the squash has softened; the sweetness of the squash might mean you need an extra pinch of salt or a crack of black pepper.
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