Weight Watchers Minestrone Soup is a hearty, satisfying, and low-point option that’s packed with vegetables, fiber, and flavor. This vegetable-based soup is perfect for those following the Weight Watchers (WW) program, as it’s light, nutritious, and easy to make in large batches. Full of vitamins and minerals, it makes for a filling meal that won’t break your points budget. Best of all, it’s a customizable recipe that you can adapt based on what vegetables you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces (fresh or frozen)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, no-salt-added
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth for added flavor)
- 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed (or any white bean)
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta, can use whole wheat or gluten-free for a healthier option)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 cups baby spinach or kale, chopped (optional for added greens)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the Remaining Vegetables:
- Add the zucchini, green beans, and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the Beans and Pasta:
- Stir in the cannellini beans and pasta. Continue to simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. (If you want to make the soup lower-carb, you can omit the pasta or substitute it with zucchini noodles or another lower-carb pasta alternative.)
- Add the Greens:
- If you’re using spinach or kale, add it to the soup in the final few minutes of cooking. Stir it in until wilted and incorporated.
- Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, top with a small sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love Weight Watchers Minestrone Soup:
Low in Points and Calories: This minestrone soup is a perfect choice for anyone following the Weight Watchers plan. It’s packed with vegetables, beans, and a small amount of pasta, making it filling while still being low in calories and WW points. You can enjoy a large bowl without worrying about your points, making it an ideal option for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Rich in Fiber and Nutrients: The combination of beans, vegetables, and greens provides a great source of fiber, which helps keep you full longer. It also gives you a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, helping you hit your nutritional goals.
Customizable: Minestrone soup is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the recipe based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Swap out beans, add different vegetables, or even use a different type of pasta to suit your taste or dietary needs. You can also make it vegetarian or vegan by omitting the cheese or substituting with a dairy-free option.
Meal Prep-Friendly: This soup is easy to make in large batches, making it perfect for meal prepping. It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy it for several meals throughout the week. It’s a great recipe for busy weeks when you want something healthy and easy to reheat.
Comforting and Hearty: Despite being light, this minestrone soup is incredibly filling thanks to the combination of beans, vegetables, and pasta. It’s the perfect comforting dish for cooler weather, but it’s light enough to be enjoyed year-round. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in more vegetables into your diet.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Protein: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 25-28g
- Fiber: 6-7g
- Net Carbs: 18-22g
- Fat: 3-5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 3-5mg (depending on if using cheese)
- Sodium: 400-500mg (depending on broth and seasonings)
- Calcium: 60-80mg
- Iron: 2-3mg
- WW Points: 3-4 (Blue, Purple, and Green Plans)
Note: Points may vary slightly based on your specific choice of pasta, beans, and broth, so be sure to calculate based on your exact ingredients.
This Weight Watchers Minestrone Soup is a healthy, satisfying, and filling meal that makes eating your veggies enjoyable. It’s light in calories and points, but full of hearty ingredients that will keep you feeling full for hours. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a meal prep option, or a way to get in more vegetables, this soup is sure to become a favorite. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious meal while sticking to their WW goals!
