Skip to main content

Summer Minestrone with Pesto

4.5

(46)

When a generous garnish of pesto gets stirred in, the soup turns a vibrant green and becomes perfumed with the intense and sweet aroma of basil mixed with garlic.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
6 cups low-salt chicken broth
2 carrots, peeled, cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
2 celery stalks, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
4 small red-skinned potatoes, quartered
1/2 pound green beans, trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
3 small zucchini, halved lengthwise, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 15-ounce can cannellini (white kidney beans), drained
2 tomatoes, peeled, crushed
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
6 tablespoons Classic Pesto
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

  1. Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 4 minutes. Add broth and next 7 ingredients. Increase heat to high and bring soup to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover pot, and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in spinach; simmer 3 minutes longer. Season soup to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into 6 bowls; garnish each with 1 tablespoon pesto. Serve, passing cheese separately.

Read More
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.