Ah, Progresso Minestrone Soup. The beloved classic. It’s a soup that has found its way into many kitchens across the world, bringing warmth and comfort with every spoonful. Whether you’re curled up on the couch with a bowl in hand or serving it as a quick dinner after a busy day, there’s just something about this hearty, veggie-packed concoction that hits the spot.
For many, Progresso Minestrone Soup is synonymous with convenience, thanks to its easy-to-open cans. But did you know you can make a homemade version that’s not only healthier but also packed with so much more flavor? Plus, you’ll have full control over the ingredients-no preservatives, no artificial flavors, just fresh, wholesome goodness.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of delicious, home-cooked minestrone soup, buckle up! Let’s take a journey into a recipe that captures all the rich flavors of this Italian classic, with a little extra love to make it truly unforgettable.
Progresso Minestrone Soup Recipe
This recipe mimics the comfort and flavor of the Progresso Minestrone you know and love, but with a homemade twist. It combines fresh vegetables, savory broth, beans, pasta, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, giving you that heartwarming experience in every bowl.
Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients Needed
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Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
The base of your soup’s flavor; olive oil brings richness to the dish and helps sauté the veggies.
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Onion – 1 medium, chopped
Adds a deep, savory sweetness to the broth and creates the foundation of your soup’s flavor.
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Carrot – 2 medium, peeled and diced
Carrots bring a natural sweetness, and they soften beautifully during the cooking process.
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Celery – 2 stalks, chopped
Celery adds a nice crunch and earthiness, balancing the sweetness of the carrots.
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Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
A must in any Italian soup! Garlic elevates the flavor and adds a depth of savory aroma.
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Zucchini – 1 medium, diced
Zucchini offers a mild flavor and soft texture, soaking up the flavors of the broth.
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Green beans – 1 cup, chopped into 1-inch pieces
These lend a satisfying bite to the soup and add some color to your bowl.
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Canned tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 oz), diced
Tomatoes bring acidity, a subtle sweetness, and help thicken the broth just the right amount.
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Canned cannellini beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
Cannellini beans provide a creamy texture and a boost of protein, making this soup hearty.
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Vegetable broth – 4 cups
The liquid base for your soup. You can use chicken broth if you prefer, but vegetable broth keeps it plant-based and rich.
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Pasta (small) – 1 cup (like elbow macaroni or ditalini)
Classic minestrone calls for pasta, and this will give your soup that comforting, filling quality.
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Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
A blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary gives your soup that unmistakable Italian flavor.
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Bay leaf – 1
Adds subtle depth and richness to the broth.
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Salt and pepper – To taste
The ultimate seasoning to balance and enhance all the flavors.
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Fresh parsley – For garnish (optional)
A little pop of color and freshness to finish it off.
Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process. This is where the magic happens!
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Sauté The Vegetables
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot.
- Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion turns translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt.
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Add The Tomatoes And Broth
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and cook for 2-3 minutes to bring out the flavor.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and give it a good stir.
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Season The Soup
- Add the Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything.
- Bring the soup to a simmer over medium heat, letting it cook for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.
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Cook The Pasta And Beans
- Add the pasta and green beans to the soup, and simmer for another 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans. Let them warm through for about 3-5 minutes.
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Final Touches
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
- Discard the bay leaf.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the key ingredients and why they make this soup extra special:
- Cannellini beans: These creamy, white beans are packed with fiber and protein, making them the perfect addition to any minestrone. They help turn this dish into a filling meal, giving it that satisfying heartiness.
- Italian seasoning: This combination of herbs-typically basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sometimes marjoram-gives the soup that signature Italian flavor profile. It’s a simple yet incredibly effective way to add depth without overwhelming the dish.
- Zucchini: This vegetable is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Plus, it soaks up the broth beautifully and adds a delicate texture that blends perfectly with the other vegetables.
- Vegetable broth: Opting for vegetable broth adds richness to the soup without any animal-based products. It also allows the flavors of the vegetables and beans to shine, providing a lighter alternative to a meat-based broth.
Expert Tips
To elevate your homemade Progresso Minestrone Soup, here are a few expert tips that will make your soup even more delicious:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Pasta continues to cook even after you’ve turned off the heat, so be sure to cook it al dente, leaving just a little firmness. This will keep the pasta from becoming mushy once it’s added to the soup.
- Add greens: For an even heartier soup, try adding a handful of spinach, kale, or Swiss chard. These leafy greens blend in beautifully and bring a fresh element to the dish.
- Adjust the broth: If you like a thicker soup, you can reduce the amount of broth by a cup or two. For a thinner soup, feel free to add extra broth or water to get the consistency you prefer.
- Refrigeration magic: Like most soups, this one tastes even better the next day. Let the flavors continue to develop by refrigerating leftovers, and don’t forget to freeze any extra soup for a rainy day.
- Add Parmesan: If you’re not vegan, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving adds a delicious umami flavor.
Recipe Variations
While this recipe is delicious on its own, there are a number of ways you can switch things up based on your preferences or what you have in the pantry:
- Meat-based option: Add in some cooked Italian sausage or ground turkey for an extra layer of protein and flavor.
- Vegan option: Skip the Parmesan and make sure to use vegetable broth and plant-based pasta for a fully vegan-friendly soup.
- Pasta-less minestrone: For a low-carb version, you can skip the pasta entirely and load up on extra vegetables or beans.
- Spicy minestrone: Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper along with the garlic.
Final Words
Progresso Minestrone Soup is a classic for a reason-it’s nutritious, comforting, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick, easy dinner or something you can meal prep for the week, this homemade version is a great way to enjoy all the goodness of the original with an even richer, fresher taste.
FAQs
What Ingredients Are Used In Progresso Minestrone Soup?
Progresso Minestrone Soup typically includes a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes, along with pasta, kidney beans, and a savory broth seasoned with herbs like basil, oregano, and garlic.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Progresso Minestrone Soup?
The cooking time for Progresso Minestrone Soup varies depending on the recipe, but it usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes to prepare the soup from scratch, including chopping vegetables and simmering.
Can I Make Progresso Minestrone Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, Progresso Minestrone Soup can be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensuring no meat products are included, such as bacon or sausage, if desired.
Can I Add Extra Ingredients To Progresso Minestrone Soup?
Absolutely! You can customize the soup by adding extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or peas, or by incorporating different types of beans or pasta for variety.
Is Progresso Minestrone Soup Gluten-free?
Traditional Progresso Minestrone Soup contains pasta, which is typically made from wheat and contains gluten. However, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta.
What Type Of Pasta Is Best For Progresso Minestrone Soup?
For a classic Minestrone soup, small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are ideal because they absorb the broth well. You can also use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Can I Freeze Progresso Minestrone Soup?
Yes, Progresso Minestrone Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, it is best to freeze the soup without pasta as pasta may become mushy upon reheating. You can add fresh pasta when reheating the soup.
Does Progresso Minestrone Soup Contain Meat?
Progresso Minestrone Soup is typically meat-free, making it a suitable choice for vegetarians. However, some versions may include small amounts of meat like chicken or bacon, depending on the recipe.
What Can I Serve With Progresso Minestrone Soup?
Progresso Minestrone Soup pairs well with crusty bread, a side salad, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. You can also serve it with a simple grilled cheese sandwich for a more filling meal.
How Can I Make Progresso Minestrone Soup Spicier?
To add a spicy kick to Progresso Minestrone Soup, consider adding red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup while it simmers.