This Weeknight Minestrone is the speedy version of the classic Italian Soup. It's fast, it's easy, but it tastes amazing!
I know you need a really easy, delicious dinner recipe this week before you have to crack down on all the Thanksgiving cooking to be done. This Weeknight Minestrone is the perfect dish because it's so easy, just a few minutes prep time, and you'll end up with a dinner that's still totally worthy of your holiday guests.
This is my favorite kind of meal - very little work for a very big flavor payoff.
This recipe is from Laura Vitale's new cookbook, Laura in the Kitchen: Favorite Italian-American Recipes Made Easy. The "Made Easy" part had me excited to get my hands on a copy right away and the book does not disappoint.
All of the recipes are delicious, simple, and approachable - says this single mother cooking for four hungry kids!
Do you already know Laura Vitale from her very popular YouTube cooking channel? If you haven't had the pleasure, go check her out and, like more than 2 million other subscribers, you'll fall in love with her easy going, fun style.
I got stuck in the first section of the book, Quick Fix Suppers, for a couple of weeks. That's where I found this Weeknight Minestrone, that has become a fast family favorite. There's a good mix of American with Italian and you'll find perfect weeknight meals like "Speedy Weeknight Cheeseburgers" and "Pasta alla Norma with Sausage Meatballs."
Our family favorites from this section of the book, after this Weeknight Minestrone, are "Sausages with Black Lentils," which we served with a hunk of crusty bread and quite literally licked our bowls clean, and "Quinoa Salad with Poached Salmon," because it tastes so good and has the added benefit of making you feel great for eating such a healthy dinner.
There's more to the book though than just quick fix dinner recipes. Laura also shares favorite Leisurely Entrees, some Super Simple Salads & Sides, and Irresistible Desserts. There's even a whole section just for Cookies!
It's a really great mix of recipes paired with beautiful food photography and clear, simply written instructions.
Obviously I think you should get started with this Weeknight Minestrone because it's so good! It will make you feel like you've totally mastered the art of Italian cooking when you take your first bite!
And when you get your hands on a copy of this book, make sure you try the Cannellini Beans with Pancetta & Spinach - so incredibly good, the Pumpkin Pie Spice Twists, which will be perfect for your holiday entertaining.
Since it's the season of giving, I am so happy to be able to give FOUR copies of this fantastic cookbook away to you, my favorite blog readers. Get the Weeknight Minestrone Recipe and Enter to Win below: This speedy Weeknight Minestrone is a quick and tasty version of the classic Italian soup. I have adapted it from Laura Vitale's new cookbook: Laura in the Kitchen
Weeknight Minestrone
Ingredients
Instructions
I served this with my Savory Cheese Muffins, but it would also be good with a loaf of crusty bread.
I received copies of Laura in the Kitchen from the publisher for review and giveaway purposes. All opinions and experiences are entirely my own.
Alison H. says
My favorite easy weeknight meal is chili!
somethewiser@gmail.com says
That's one of our favorites too! Thanks for entering π
Shak says
I grew up in India, so my favorite easy weeknight meal is good old dal with veges (pressure cooker) and rice (rice cooker)!
somethewiser@gmail.com says
We used to eat dal often, but haven't in a while. I think we need to remedy that! Thanks for the reminder.
Lynn says
When my kids (all 7) were little, spaghetti frittata was a favorite easy meal any time. It was also my go to meal for picnics. Good warm or cold.
somethewiser@gmail.com says
I have never tried spaghetti frittata - sounds good! I think we need to make that happen here.
usairdoll says
Can't wait to try the Weeknight Minestrone! My quick and easy meal is hamburger and potato. It's cooked with garlic, and onions and great over rice.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Ooh, that does sound simple and easy! Thanks for entering!
Paige says
This soup looks amazing! I wish I was eating it right now!
Paige
http://thehapyflammily.com
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Thank's Paige - it's so easy to make too!
Catherine l. says
It would have to be quiche. It's fast, easy and delicious. Granted you already have the pre made crust and and the rest of the ingredients.
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Yes, we love a good quiche too - even a crustless quiche when we're really in a a rush.
Leslie says
My favorite quick weeknight meal is pasta topped with sea salt, fresh ground pepper, chopped tomatoes, pesto, and parmesan cheese.
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Pasta is always a good fall back recipe - thanks for entering!
Lexi says
My favorite weeknight meal is probably pasta or stir fry. I love being able to put something together based on what I have in my fridge! π Your photos are absolutely gorgeous.
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Thank you Lexi! π You are so kind!
Germaine says
I love minestrone and this looks like a delicious one. Thanks for making it wholesome and deliciously simple to make....
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Thanks Germaine - it really is a great, simple recipe!
Leslie Rossi says
Delicious! My nonna makes something similar around christmas too.
Leslie
http://www.alifewellconsumed.com
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Thanks Leslie! I love soups like this year round, but especially this time of year.
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says
Such a delicious looking soup. I need to plan it for a weeknight this week after too much heavy over the holiday weekend!
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Um yes, me too! It's a perfect dose of vegetables after all the holiday indulging. Thanks for commenting Rachel π
Shihoko Ura says
My favourite weeknight meal is Mapo tofu. This Minestrone looks so delicious!
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Ooh, I have no idea what that is - I'm going to look it up now! Thanks for sharing!
KaySue says
My favorite easy weeknight meal is french toast.
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Yes! Breakfast for dinner is the best!
Sabrina says
Awesome soup recipe! I also love Laura Vitale!
somethewiser@gmail.com says
I am a new Laura Vitale fan - only found out about her recently - but definitely loving her relaxed, fun style. Thanks for commenting Sabrina!
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
Great "outside the box" use of marinara. Healthful and delicious. This soup is a real winner and a nutritional powerhouse.
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Thanks KC - we're loving all the veggies in it right now too!
Mark, CompassandFork says
Minestrone is hard to beat at the best of times but this version looks so chunky. Hearty and filling. Nice job.
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Thanks Mark! It's sure hitting the spot here right now.
Annie @ Annie's Noms says
Homemade soup is the best thing ever. Just pure comfort food. I love minestrone, but have never made it myself, but this looks great; I need to make it ASAP!
somethewiser@gmail.com says
I totally agree Annie - best comfort food of all! This is such a good, easy Minestrone recipe for a first-timer. Hope you like it π
nazima says
I adore minestrone - all the lovely veg and pasta in the broth soup. Delicious and I shall try this out. Lovely pictures too π
somethewiser@gmail.com says
Thanks Nazima! I really hope you enjoy it π
Lyndsey says
Tacos!
LauriAnn says
I have a couple of soup recipes that are quick and healthy!
brenda says
One of my favorite weeknight meals is Tomato soup and grilled cheese.
itzia says
breakfast for dinner. eggs and potatoes.
Kathryn @ FoodieGirlChicago says
I love quick and easy weeknight meals! This soup looks delicious and I love your photos!
Lin says
Just curious what the prep time is from when you enter the kitchen until you get everything into the pot. 5 MINUTES has to be a myth!