Squash and Bean Minestrone

Name: Squash and Bean Minestrone
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 whole smoked ham hocks (about 1 1/2 pounds); 1 pound dried navy or cannellini (white kidney) beans; ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for drizzling; 1 whole large onion, finely chopped; 2 whole leeks, white and pale-green parts only, finely chopped; 2 stalks small celery stalks with leaves (from celery heart), chopped; to taste Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper; 2 cloves garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 whole butternut squash (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces; 1 pound green beans, trimmed, cut into 1" pieces; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 pound small pasta (such as tiny shells or pipette); 1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided; 2 bunches bunches flat-leaf spinach, thick stems removed; to taste Arugula Salsa Verde (for serving)

A hearty Italian soup featuring butternut squash, navy beans, and ham hocks, enriched with fresh vegetables and small pasta. This comforting minestrone combines smoky flavors with seasonal vegetables and tender beans in a rich broth.

8 servings

3 hr 50 min

Published October 4, 2025

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

•2 whole smoked ham hocks (about 1 1/2 pounds)
•1 pound dried navy or cannellini (white kidney) beans
•¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for drizzling
•1 whole large onion, finely chopped
•2 whole leeks, white and pale-green parts only, finely chopped
•2 stalks small celery stalks with leaves (from celery heart), chopped
•to taste Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
•2 cloves garlic cloves, finely chopped
•1 whole butternut squash (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces
•1 pound green beans, trimmed, cut into 1" pieces
•8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
•1 pound small pasta (such as tiny shells or pipette)
•1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided
•2 bunches bunches flat-leaf spinach, thick stems removed
•to taste Arugula Salsa Verde (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1.
Remove meat from ham hocks and cut into large pieces; set meat aside. Place navy beans and ham bones in a large pot; add cold water to cover by 2". Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 1 hour.
65 min
2.
Heat 1/4 cup oil in another large heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add ham hock meat, onion, leeks, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 20 minutes.
20 min
3.
Add squash, green beans, navy beans and soaking liquid, broth, and bones to pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; reduce heat to low, cover, and gently simmer until navy beans are tender, 1 1/2-2 hours.
120 min
4.
When soup is almost finished cooking, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil and add 1/4 cup parsley and toss to coat.
15 min
5.
Discard ham bones. Add spinach and remaining 3/4 cup parsley to soup.
5 min
6.
Divide soup among bowls. Add pasta, top with Arugula Salsa Verde, and drizzle with oil.
5 min
7.
DO AHEAD: Soup can be made up to 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.

Squash and Bean Minestrone

8 servings

3 hr 50 min

Published October 4, 2025

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

•2 whole smoked ham hocks (about 1 1/2 pounds)

•1 pound dried navy or cannellini (white kidney) beans

•¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for drizzling

•1 whole large onion, finely chopped

•2 whole leeks, white and pale-green parts only, finely chopped

•2 stalks small celery stalks with leaves (from celery heart), chopped

•to taste Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

•2 cloves garlic cloves, finely chopped

•1 whole butternut squash (about 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, cut into 1/2" pieces

•1 pound green beans, trimmed, cut into 1" pieces

•8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

•1 pound small pasta (such as tiny shells or pipette)

•1 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided

•2 bunches bunches flat-leaf spinach, thick stems removed

•to taste Arugula Salsa Verde (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

Remove meat from ham hocks and cut into large pieces; set meat aside. Place navy beans and ham bones in a large pot; add cold water to cover by 2". Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 1 hour.

65 min

Heat 1/4 cup oil in another large heavy pot over medium-low heat. Add ham hock meat, onion, leeks, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 20 minutes.

20 min

Add squash, green beans, navy beans and soaking liquid, broth, and bones to pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat; reduce heat to low, cover, and gently simmer until navy beans are tender, 1 1/2-2 hours.

120 min

When soup is almost finished cooking, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons oil and add 1/4 cup parsley and toss to coat.

15 min

Discard ham bones. Add spinach and remaining 3/4 cup parsley to soup.

5 min

Divide soup among bowls. Add pasta, top with Arugula Salsa Verde, and drizzle with oil.

5 min

DO AHEAD: Soup can be made up to 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.