High Protein Minestrone Soup Recipe
This High Protein Minestrone Soup is a hearty and nutritious dish packed with lean ground turkey, beans, and gluten-free pasta, simmered in a flavorful tomato and herb broth. Perfect for a satisfying meal that supports muscle growth and wellness, this soup combines fresh vegetables with aromatic spices to create a comforting and protein-rich meal ideal for any season.
- Author: Windy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 1 1/2 cup (3 medium) carrots, sliced
- 1 1/2 cup (3 stalks) celery, sliced
- 1 cup (1 small) onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp. (3 cloves) garlic, minced
Protein
- 1 lb. lean Italian ground turkey
- 15 fl. oz. can (1 ½ cup) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 fl. oz. can (1 ½ cup) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Sauces
- 6 cups organic chicken broth
- 1–15 fl. oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1–8 fl. oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
Herbs and Spices
- 3 tbsp. fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp. dried parsley)
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt (more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
Carbohydrates
- 1 cup (4 oz. dry) gluten-free shells or macaroni
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or stock pot over medium heat to prepare the base for your soup.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the sliced carrots, chopped onion, and sliced celery to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent to bring out their natural flavors.
- Add garlic and turkey: Stir in the minced garlic and lean Italian ground turkey. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks for even browning.
- Add liquids and beans: Pour in the organic chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chickpeas, and sprinkle in the dried herbs and spices, stirring to combine everything well.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low and allow the soup to simmer gently for 20 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Cook the pasta: Add the gluten-free shells or macaroni to the pot and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, soft but still slightly firm to the bite.
- Garnish (optional): Top your soup with freshly grated parmesan, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired to add extra flavor dimension.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy immediately. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for at least one month.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley, but use less as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste based on dietary preferences.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the turkey and use vegetable broth instead.
- This soup stores well and flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight.
- Leftovers can be frozen in airtight containers for convenient future meals.
Keywords: High protein soup, minestrone, gluten-free soup, healthy dinner, turkey soup, Italian soup, vegetable soup, high protein meal