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Tuscan Minestrone

Tuscan Minestrone Soup

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There’s just something magical about a big pot of soup simmering on the stove, especially as the weather cools down and the days get shorter. And this Tuscan Minestrone Soup? Well, it’s pretty much the coziest, heartiest, and most nourishing thing you could cook up for yourself and your family right now.
This recipe is inspired by one of our all-time favorite Italian restaurants, Divino, which just happens to be in our neighborhood. We’ve been ordering their minestrone soup for years and always find ourselves craving it—especially when the temps start to drop. So, I thought, why not recreate it at home? And after a few tweaks, it’s now a regular in our weekly dinner rotation.
What makes this soup so special is the mix of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something seriously delicious. It’s loaded with vibrant veggies like cabbage, zucchini, and broccoli, plus hearty potatoes and sweet peas. The flavors are bright, the broth is rich, and every bite is packed with goodness
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Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Italian
Total Time 45 minutes

Equipment

  • dutch oven or large pot

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1 leek, white part only thinly sliced, or ½ white onion
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • 1 cup carrot diced
  • ½ head napa or green cabbage chopped
  • 1 cup zucchini diced
  • 1 cup broccoli chopped
  • 1 large potato diced (use a baked potato to speed cook time)
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 4 cups chicken bone broth
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 tsp reduced sodium better than bouillon
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a large dutch oven (large pot) place in the olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic, leek or onion, and saute until leeks or onions are almost translucent (about 3 minutes).
    4 tbsp olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tsp crushed red pepper, 1 leek, white part only
  • Add celery, carrot, and potato. Saute for 2 minutes, add cabbage and place a lid on the pot to let the cabbage steam for about 3 minutes.
    1 cup celery, 1 cup carrot, 1 large potato, ½ head napa or green cabbage
  • Add zucchini and broccoli saute for 2 minutes - then cover and let veggies steam for 2 more minutes.
    1 cup zucchini, 1 cup broccoli
  • Add chicken broth, water, and better than bouillon. Bring to a light boil.
    4 cups chicken bone broth, 4 cups water, 1 tsp reduced sodium better than bouillon
  • Add peas and lower heat to a simmer - let simmer for 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.
    1 cup frozen peas, salt and pepper

Video

More About This Recipe

Why This Soup is a Must for Women Over 50

Let’s talk about the health benefits for a second. As we get older, supporting our bodies with nutrient-dense foods becomes even more important. This soup is full of veggies that are high in fiber, which is crucial for good digestion—something that can slow down as we age. The cabbage and broccoli are particularly rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and support heart health. And don’t forget the bone broth—it’s a great source of collagen, which can help with joint
health, skin elasticity, and gut health. Honestly, this soup is a powerhouse for women over 50 (but anyone will love it, trust me!).

How to Make It Your Own

This recipe is super flexible. You can swap out veggies based on what you have in the fridge, or even add in some beans or pasta if you’re craving something a little heartier. If you want to keep things plant-based, just switch out the chicken bone broth for vegetable broth, and it’ll still be just as cozy and satisfying.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best things about this Tuscan Minestrone Soup is that it’s perfect for meal prepping. Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. The flavors just get better as it sits in the fridge, making it a great go-to for easy, healthy lunches or quick dinners. And bonus—it freezes really well too!

The Best Part

Not only is this soup nourishing, but it also brings a little piece of Italy into your kitchen. Every time we make it, we’re reminded of the warm, welcoming meals we’ve enjoyed at Divino. And now you can recreate that same experience at home. Just imagine cozying up with a big bowl of this delicious soup—it’s the perfect way to take care of yourself, and it tastes amazing too.
So grab your favorite pot, some olive oil, and those fresh veggies. Let’s get cooking!

Here’s a breakdown of the key nutrients in this Tuscan Minestrone Soup and
the benefits they provide:

1. Olive Oil

  • Nutrient: Healthy Fats (Monounsaturated fats)
  • Benefits: Supports heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels, provides anti-inflammatory properties, and is rich in antioxidants which help protect your body from oxidative damage.

2. Garlic

  • Nutrient: Allicin
  • Benefits: Contains antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. It also supports heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

3. Leek/Onion

  • Nutrient: Quercetin, Fiber
  • Benefits: Acts as an antioxidant, helps reduce inflammation, and supports heart health. The fiber content also promotes healthy digestion.

4. Celery

  • Nutrient: Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin K
  • Benefits: Helps maintain healthy blood pressure, supports heart health, and promotes strong bones due to its vitamin K content.

5. Carrot

  • Nutrient: Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A), Fiber
  • Benefits: Supports vision health, boosts the immune system, and promotes healthy skin. The fiber content aids in digestion.

6. Cabbage

  • Nutrient: Vitamin C, Fiber, Antioxidants
  • Benefits: Boosts the immune system, supports skin health, and helps fight inflammation. High fiber content supports healthy digestion.

7. Zucchini

  • Nutrient: Vitamin C, Manganese, Fiber
  • Benefits: Promotes a strong immune system, supports healthy skin, and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Its fiber content also aids in digestion.

8. Broccoli

  • Nutrient: Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Fiber, Folate
  • Benefits: Strengthens the immune system, supports heart health, and helps maintain strong bones. It’s also rich in antioxidants that fight inflammation and support overall cellular health.

9. Potato

  • Nutrient: Potassium, Vitamin C, Fiber
  • Benefits: Helps regulate blood pressure, supports nerve and muscle function, and promotes a healthy immune system. The fiber in potatoes also aids digestion.

10. Peas

  • Nutrient: Protein, Fiber, Vitamin K
  • Benefits: Supports muscle health and tissue repair, promotes digestion, and helps maintain healthy bones.

11. Chicken Bone Broth

  • Nutrient: Collagen, Amino Acids, Minerals (Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus)
  • Benefits: Supports joint health, improves skin elasticity, and aids gut health. The minerals help maintain strong bones and overall cellular function.

12. Crushed Red Pepper

  • Nutrient: Capsaicin
  • Benefits: Promotes a healthy metabolism, has anti-inflammatory properties, and may help reduce pain and improve circulation.
By incorporating these nutrient-rich ingredients, this soup not only fills you up but also provides a host of health benefits, from boosting digestion and supporting heart health to strengthening bones and improving skin elasticity. It's truly a nourishing meal for both body and soul!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!