Minestrone Col Pesto

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
Hearty bean soup with fresh vegetables and a vibrant basil pesto finish
Minestrone Col Pesto recipe image

This comforting Minestrone Col Pesto is a rustic Italian soup that balances the earthy richness of Borlotti and Cannelloni beans with crisp, fresh vegetables. The broth is simmered slowly to extract maximum flavor from red onions, zucchini, and plum tomatoes. Unlike heavy cream-based soups, this dish relies on olive oil and the natural sweetness of the produce for depth. The addition of small shell pasta provides a satisfying texture, while the final dollop of pesto adds a bright, herbal punch that ties all the flavors together. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.

Minestrone Col Pesto

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 45.5

Description

This comforting Minestrone Col Pesto is a rustic Italian soup that balances the earthy richness of Borlotti and Cannelloni beans with crisp, fresh vegetables. The broth is simmered slowly to extract maximum flavor from red onions, zucchini, and plum tomatoes. Unlike heavy cream-based soups, this dish relies on olive oil and the natural sweetness of the produce for depth. The addition of small shell pasta provides a satisfying texture, while the final dollop of pesto adds a bright, herbal punch that ties all the flavors together. It&# 226;ÂÂs a perfect weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Rinse the Borlotti and Cannelloni beans thoroughly and soak them separately in cold water overnight.
  2. Drain the soaked beans and place them in a large stockpot.
  3. Add the diced red onion, sliced zucchini, and chopped plum tomatoes to the pot with the beans.
  4. Pour in enough cool water to cover all ingredients by about one inch.
  5. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  6. Reduce the heat to low, maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for 1.5 hours until the beans are tender.
  7. Add the small shell pasta to the pot and increase heat to bring back to a boil.
  8. Cook until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  9. Ladle the hot minestrone into serving bowls.
  10. Top each bowl with a generous dollop of pesto and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 45.5kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0.5g1%
Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 12.5mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 9.7g4%
Dietary Fiber 2.7g11%
Sugars 6.0g
Protein 2.2g5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: minestrone, pesto, bean soup, italian soup, borlotti beans, cannelloni beans, vegetable soup, zucchini, plum tomatoes, red onion, shell pasta, vegan soup, comfort food, basil pesto, healthy dinner, simmered soup, rustic cooking, meal prep, plant-based
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