Hearty Italian Cannellini Bean and Spinach Soup

Italian Rustico Soup Recipe

Overview

This Italian Rustico Soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cold days. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like cannellini beans, spinach (or escarole), and flavored with a touch of red wine vinegar and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is easy to make, making it ideal for beginners and those looking for a quick, satisfying meal.

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup elbow macaroni (cooked according to package directions; al dente recommended)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bunch spinach (or escarole), chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

1. Cook the Elbow Macaroni:

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   • Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Soup Base:

   • In a 4-quart Dutch oven or large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add chopped spinach (or escarole), onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes or until the onion is tender.

3. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add water, chicken broth, cannellini beans, and red wine vinegar to the pot. Increase heat and bring to a boil.

4. Simmer:

   • Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to blend flavors.

5. Finish the Soup:

   • Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

6. Serve:

   • Ladle the soup into bowls.
   • Sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Serve hot with warm crusty Italian bread on the side.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 164.7 kcal
• Total Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 1.4 mg
• Sodium: 627.6 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 23.6 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5.2 g
  • Sugars: 7.7 g
• Protein: 6.3 g

Recipe Notes

• This soup can be customized with your favorite greens. Spinach and escarole both work well, providing different textures and flavors.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Adjust the red wine vinegar to taste, depending on how tangy you prefer your soup.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy this comforting Italian Rustico Soup on chilly evenings or whenever you crave a nourishing bowl of goodness!