Best Easy Minestrone alla Genovese Recipe

Genoa's famous vegetable soup finished with pesto is a mediterranean vegetarian treasure. This fresh, healthy family dinner is loaded with fiber and ideal for a 1200 calorie or weight loss plan.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 220 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly #DASH
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • yellow onion, diced 1 pieces
  • leek, white and light green part, thinly sliced 1 pieces
  • celery stalk, diced 2 pieces
  • carrot, peeled and diced 2 pieces
  • zucchini, diced 1 pieces
  • Yukon gold potato, diced 1 pieces
  • green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup
  • savoy cabbage, shredded 1 cup
  • cannellini beans, canned and drained 1 cup
  • diced tomatoes 1 cup
  • small pasta (ditalini or elbow) 2 oz
  • water or low-sodium vegetable broth 5 cups
  • baby spinach 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) 6 tbsp
  • parmesan cheese, grated (optional for garnish) 3 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 32 g 58%
Protein 7 g 13%
Fat 6 g 25%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot. Add diced onion and leek. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned.

  2. 2

    Add celery, carrot, and potato. Stir and cook for another 3 minutes, maintaining medium heat to sweat the vegetables without browning.

  3. 3

    Add zucchini, green beans, and shredded savoy cabbage. Stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes, layering the vegetables for even texture.

  4. 4

    Pour in 5 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Once simmering, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes until all vegetables are just tender.

  5. 5

    Add cannellini beans and pasta. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking the pasta.

  6. 6

    Stir in baby spinach and cook for 2 minutes until just wilted. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.

  7. 7

    Remove from heat. Ladle soup into bowls and swirl 1 tbsp basil pesto into each serving. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
While Minestrone alla Genovese features a blend of fresh vegetables and beans, its signature flavor comes from finishing the soup with basil pesto. This fragrant green pesto, added just before serving, defines the dish’s bright Mediterranean character.
Q. How do I prevent the pasta in the soup from overcooking?
Add the small pasta only after the vegetables are tender and simmer the soup uncovered for 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally and taste for doneness; remove the soup from heat as soon as the pasta is al dente to preserve optimal texture.
Q. What is the calorie and macronutrient breakdown per serving?
Each 320g serving has about 220 kcal, with 32g carbohydrates (58% of calories), 7g protein (13%), and 6g fat (25%). This makes it light yet satisfying, suitable for weight management or balanced meal planning.
Q. Which ingredient most impacts the soup's texture?
The medley of vegetables—particularly potato, vegetables like carrot and green beans, and cannellini beans—provides a hearty, creamy texture without heaviness. Their careful simmering ensures the soup remains robust and not mushy.
Q. Why is this recipe considered Mediterranean and vegetarian?
With a base of vegetables, beans, olive oil, and pesto—and no meat products—this recipe fits Mediterranean and vegetarian diets. It also avoids fried foods and processed ingredients, prioritizing whole, plant-based flavors.
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