CHUNKY ITALIAN VEGETABLE SOUP

CHUNKY ITALIAN VEGETABLE SOUP
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Warm up with a bowl of Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup! This hearty soup is packed with fresh vegetables, Italian herbs, and robust flavors, making it a perfect healthy and comforting meal. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a delicious way to use up your favorite vegetables, this Italian-inspired soup will satisfy every craving.

Every time the weather turns cool, my family eagerly requests this Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup. It’s become our go-to comfort dish. One chilly evening, I decided to experiment with all the leftover vegetables in my fridge, and this soup was born! My husband, a huge fan of Italian flavors, loved the medley of fresh veggies and the rich, herby broth. Now, it’s a staple in our home—filling, nutritious, and packed with flavor! Even my little ones, who usually shy away from vegetables, can’t get enough of this vibrant and hearty soup.

 

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CHUNKY ITALIAN VEGETABLE SOUP

Why You’ll Love Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup

  • Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and Italian herbs makes this soup rich and flavorful.
  • Hearty and Healthy: Loaded with vegetables, this soup is both filling and nutritious.
  • Easy to Make: A one-pot recipe that’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Versatile: Use any vegetables you have on hand, making it a great dish for cleaning out the fridge.
  • Great for Meal Prep: This soup keeps well, making it ideal for batch cooking and reheating throughout the week.

Ingredients Notes for Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup

  • Vegetables: Zucchini, carrots, celery, spinach, and tomatoes give this soup its rich texture and vibrant colors.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust Italian flavor to the soup.
  • Vegetable Broth: Forms the base of the soup, keeping it light but flavorful.
  • Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes for convenience or fresh tomatoes for an even more robust flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for that signature Italian taste.
  • Pasta (Optional): Small pasta like orzo or ditalini can be added for extra heartiness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan at the end adds a savory finish to the soup.

CHUNKY ITALIAN VEGETABLE SOUP

Recipe Steps for Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 diced carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Tomatoes

  1. Stir in 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Vegetables

  1. Add 1 chopped zucchini and 2 cups of spinach (or kale) to the soup. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: (Optional) Add Pasta

  1. If using pasta, stir in 1 cup of orzo or ditalini pasta. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until the pasta is al dente.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil.

Storage Options

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Freezer: This soup freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Protein Option: Add cooked Italian sausage, ground turkey, or chickpeas for extra protein.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta altogether and add quinoa or rice for a gluten-free version.
  • Different Vegetables: Feel free to add bell peppers, potatoes, or green beans to make it even heartier.
  • Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy, luxurious texture.

CHUNKY ITALIAN VEGETABLE SOUP

CHUNKY ITALIAN VEGETABLE SOUP
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Serving Size 6

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 zucchini diced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or yellow)
  • 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can 15 oz cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup green beans chopped (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
  • Add Garlic and Other Vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Add Beans and Seasonings: Stir in the cannellini beans, green beans, dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and black pepper.
  • Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to cook through.
  • Add Greens: In the last few minutes of cooking, add the fresh spinach or kale and stir until wilted.
  • Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

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