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Cheesy Garlic Bread-Topped Minestrone Stew

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This Cheesy Garlic Bread-Topped Minestrone Stew combines the hearty comfort of a classic minestrone—loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta—with the indulgence of a cheesy garlic bread topping. It’s a cozy, one-pot meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying, perfect for cold evenings or family dinners.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 zucchini, diced (or other vegetables of choice)
  • 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) beans (cannellini or kidney), drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup short pasta (ditalini, shells, or broken macaroni)
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • For the garlic bread topping:
  • Half a rustic loaf (sourdough or crusty bread), sliced or torn
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or blend)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. In a large oven-safe pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  3. Add minced garlic and zucchini; cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, beans, herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  5. Meanwhile, cook pasta separately until just al dente, then drain and stir into the stew mixture. Add more broth if needed.
  6. Prepare the garlic bread topping: toss bread pieces with melted butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  7. Layer the garlic bread pieces over the top of the stew in the pot. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the bread layer.
  8. Transfer the pot to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden and crisp at the edges.
  9. Remove from the oven, let rest 5 minutes, and serve hot—scooping up the stew along with cheesy garlic bread topping.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pasta and bread if needed.
  • For extra richness, add shredded chicken or sausage to the stew.
  • Vegan option: use vegetable broth, vegan butter, and plant-based cheese.
  • If topping isn’t crisp enough, broil for 1–2 minutes before serving.
  • Stew base can be frozen separately before adding the bread topping.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cheesy-garlic-bread-topped-minestrone-stew/