Winter Minestrone Butternut Squash Kale (Print view)

Hearty Italian vegetable soup with butternut squash, kale, beans, and pasta in rich tomato broth. Ready in 1 hour.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 small butternut squash (about 1.5 pounds), peeled and diced
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 cup chopped fresh kale, stems removed
09 - 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices

→ Legumes and Grains

10 - 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
11 - 0.5 cup small pasta, ditalini or elbow macaroni

→ Liquids

12 - 6 cups vegetable broth
13 - 1 cup water

→ Spices and Seasonings

14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
16 - 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary
17 - 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
18 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Finishing

19 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
20 - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving, optional

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, sautéing for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add butternut squash and zucchini, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes with juices, vegetable broth, and water. Bring mixture to a boil.
05 - Stir in oregano, thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
06 - Add cannellini beans and pasta, simmering for 8 to 10 minutes until pasta and squash are tender.
07 - Stir in kale and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
08 - Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley.
09 - Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour, yet tastes like it simmered all day.
  • The butternut squash adds natural sweetness that balances the earthy kale without any sugar.
  • You can make a huge batch and freeze half for those nights when cooking feels impossible.
  • One pot means minimal cleanup, which honestly matters when you're exhausted.
02 -
  • Don't add the pasta earlier than instructed or it'll turn to mush and thicken the entire pot into something more like stew.
  • If your squash is taking forever to soften, you can cut it smaller or even add it before the zucchini—it just takes longer to break down.
  • Kale added too early becomes dark and loses its personality; wait until the very end to keep it tasting fresh.
03 -
  • If you have a Parmesan rind hiding in your cheese drawer, toss it in during simmering and remove it before serving—it adds a savory depth that makes people ask what your secret is.
  • Make a double batch and freeze half in individual containers; future you will be so grateful on nights when cooking feels impossible.
Go Back