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Italian Minestrone Soup with Crispy Pancetta

Italian Minestrone Soup with Crispy Pancetta

Savor the essence of Italy with this classic Minestrone Soup, enriched with the delightful crunch of crispy pancetta. This hearty and wholesome soup bursts with an array of fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta, simmered in a savory tomato-based broth. Each spoonful offers a comforting taste of Italian home cooking, perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ounces pancetta, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup small pasta (e.g., ditalini or macaroni)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove the pancetta and set it aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
  2. Add the olive oil, onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic, zucchini, and green beans, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring to a boil.
  5. Add the cannellini beans, pasta, oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat and simmer until the pasta is tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  6. Serve the soup hot, topped with crispy pancetta, grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Feel free to add other seasonal vegetables or swap the cannellini beans for another type of bean.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the pancetta and use a bit more olive oil for sautéing the vegetables.
  • The soup can thicken as it sits, especially because of the pasta. Add more broth or water when reheating if necessary.
  • Author: Lara Grimes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 2 cups)
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg (varies with broth and pancetta used)
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg

Keywords: Italian Minestrone Soup, Pancetta, Hearty Vegetable Soup, Italian Cuisine, Comfort Food