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Extra-Veggie Minestrone Baby Soup (for Big Kids too!)

With a streamlined method and a quick cooking time, this veggie-packed baby soup (that big kids and parents will also enjoy!) is filled with vegetarian protein and super yummy Italian flavors.
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 309kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or unsalted butter)
  • 1 small onion, peeled and minced
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, or to taste)
  • 14.5 ounce can white navy or cannelini beans (drained and rinsed in a colander)
  • 8 ounce can no-salt added tomato sauce
  • 1 quart reduced-sodium chicken stock (or vegetable stock)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 8 ounces mini shell pasta
  • 10 ounce bag frozen vegetable medley (sometimes called "gardener's blend"; Iook for a green bean, corn, and carrot mixture)
  • 1 cup water or additional broth (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  • Add the olive oil to a large pot set over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Stir to coat. Sprinkle with salt if using. Cook for 4 minutes.
  • Add the beans, tomato sauce, stock, and Italian seasoning. Turn heat up to high and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to medium-high, or to a simmer, and add pasta. Cook for 8 minutes or until pasta is just soft.
  • Stir in the frozen vegetables and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Turn off heat. Add additional liquid if you'd like it to have more liquid.
  • Serve topped with grated Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Add a little additional water or broth when reheating as desired as the pasta will likely continue to absorb the liquid.
  • Use a small shape pasta like mini shells, ditalini, or elbows so the cooking times in the recipe work well. You may need to cook a little longer if you use a larger shape.
  • Swap in a package of just one veggie (as opposed to the veggie medley) if you prefer. You could do all corn or green beans.
  • If the kids don't love bits of onion and garlic, omit it and add 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder.
  • Omit the salt if making for a baby and salt your own portion to taste.
  • Double the recipe to make a larger quantity.
  • Add more water or broth to make it soupier if you prefer.

Nutrition

Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 732mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 199IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 83mg | Iron: 4mg