Minestrone Soup in a Jar

These Grab & Go Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Jars are a high-protein, portable meal prep option packed with hearty vegetables, chickpea pasta, and savory seasonings. Ready in under 30 minutes, they make lunchtime convenient, nutritious, and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
• Perfect for meal prep and busy weeks
• High in protein and fiber
• Uses simple, affordable ingredients
• Great for grab-and-go lunches
• Vegan and gluten-free adaptable
• Customizable with seasonal vegetables
• Reheats easily in the microwave
• Stores well in mason jars for 5 days
• Comforting, hearty, and nutritious

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 carrots, finely diced
• 2 stalks celery, finely diced
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup dry mini pasta shells or macaroni (chickpea pasta for gluten-free)
• 2 vegetable bouillon cubes, cut in half
• 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 4 (1-liter) mason jars

Directions

1. Cook pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened.
3. Add seasonings: Stir in tomato paste, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble jars: Divide the vegetable mixture evenly among four mason jars. Layer in kidney beans, cooked pasta, chopped spinach, and half a bouillon cube per jar.
5. Store and serve: Keep jars sealed in the fridge for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, fill with boiling water to the top of the spinach. Microwave 1-2 minutes more if desired. Let sit for 2 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 jars
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Use white beans, black beans, or pinto beans instead of kidney beans
• Swap chickpea pasta for lentil or rice pasta
• Add steamed broccoli or zucchini
• Try kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach
• Boost flavor with red pepper flakes or lemon juice
• Include plant-based sausage or seitan for added protein

Storage/reheating

• Store in mason jars in the fridge for up to 5 days
• To serve, fill with boiling water to the top of the spinach and microwave for 1-2 minutes
• Let sit for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a bowl
• To freeze, cook the soup with water, let cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for 2-3 months
• Avoid freezing dry ingredients layered in jars

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of chickpea pasta?

Yes, but cook it fully before assembling the jars. Chickpea pasta is preferred for its quick cook time and high protein.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Only after the soup is cooked. Do not freeze dry ingredients layered in jars.

How much water do I add to the jar?

Add boiling water just to the top of the spinach layer—approximately 1 to 2 cups.

Can I eat it cold?

It is intended to be eaten hot. Heat thoroughly for the best taste and texture.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, squash, or bell peppers work well.

Is this soup vegan?

Yes, it’s vegan if you use vegetable bouillon and plant-based pasta.

Can I prep this without mason jars?

Yes, use any heatproof, sealable containers.

How long does it stay fresh in the fridge?

It lasts up to 5 days in sealed containers.

What size mason jars should I use?

Use 1-liter (32-ounce) mason jars for proper layering and room to add water.

What if my jar cracks in the microwave?

Use only heatproof mason jars and never microwave straight from the fridge. Let jars warm slightly or pour soup into a bowl to microwave.

Conclusion

These Vegetarian Minestrone Soup Jars are a genius meal prep solution for busy days. Nutritious, customizable, and incredibly convenient, they deliver comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful. Perfect for work lunches or quick weeknight meals!

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