Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a 6-quart pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften.
- Add the zucchini and green beans and cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Add the bay leaf, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, until the vegetables are nearly tender.
- Stir in the cannellini beans and pasta.
- Simmer uncovered for the pasta’s package time, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until wilted.
- Remove the bay leaf and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For the best texture, cook the pasta until al dente. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days; freezing is possible, though the pasta may soften after thawing. For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
