Best Easy Minestra di Pasta Mista Recipe

Mixed pasta shapes in a rich bean and vegetable broth is pantry cooking at its finest. This vegetarian high protein mediterranean soup is perfect for healthy family dinners.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 390 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #high protein
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • mixed dried pasta shapes 2 cups
  • cannellini beans 2 cups
  • yellow onion 1 pieces
  • carrot 2 pieces
  • celery stalk 2 pieces
  • zucchini 1 pieces
  • diced tomatoes 1 cup
  • vegetable broth 6 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp
  • garlic 3 cloves
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • dried thyme 0.5 tsp
  • bay leaf 1 pieces
  • salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • fresh parsley 0.25 cup
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 62 g 64%
Protein 18 g 18%
Fat 7 g 18%
Serving size 350g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and zucchini evenly to ensure consistent cooking and texture throughout the soup.

  2. 2

    In a large pot, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic; sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened but not browned.

  3. 3

    Stir in diced tomatoes, oregano, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavors while maintaining gentle heat.

  4. 4

    Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a steady simmer. Add cannellini beans and zucchini. Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes so the broth absorbs vegetable flavors.

  5. 5

    Add the mixed dried pasta shapes and cook, stirring occasionally, over medium-high heat until al dente (about 10-12 minutes), checking texture to avoid overcooking.

  6. 6

    Discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley right before serving for brightness.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the key ingredients in Minestra di Pasta Mista?
The standout ingredients in this soup are mixed dried pasta shapes and cannellini beans. The medley of short pastas provides a satisfying bite, while creamy cannellini beans bring hearty texture and plant-based protein. Classic vegetable aromatics like onion, carrot, and celery, plus a splash of olive oil, underpin the dish’s Mediterranean flavors.
Q. How do I achieve the best texture for the pasta in this soup?
For perfect pasta texture, add the mixed pasta only after the vegetables and beans have simmered. Cook the pasta over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, and taste frequently towards the end to ensure it remains al dente. Avoid overcooking, since pasta continues to absorb broth even off the heat.
Q. What’s an important cooking technique for extracting more flavor in this recipe?
Gently sautéing the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil before adding liquids unlocks sweetness and aroma. Sauté over medium heat until the veggies are softened but not browned—this controlled heat step forms the soup’s flavor base and prevents bitterness.
Q. How many calories and carbs are in each serving, and does this soup provide a good protein ratio?
Each serving contains approximately 390 kcal, 62g carbohydrates (64% of calories), and 18g protein (18% of calories). Thanks to the beans and pasta, this soup offers a filling and balanced macronutrient profile for a vegetarian meal.
Q. Which seasoning gives this soup its Mediterranean character?
The traditional blend of extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, thyme, and fresh parsley delivers signature Mediterranean notes. Olive oil and herbs infuse the broth with freshness and depth, complementing the hearty beans and vegetables.
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