recipe Minestrone Cottage Cheese Soup

Nothing says cozy quite like a steaming bowl of minestrone — but this version gets a nourishing, high-protein upgrade thanks to creamy Cottage Cheese and fresh, local veggies. With optional noodles and a sprinkle of real Parmesan, this soup is perfect for chilly evenings, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family.

🥕 Ingredients

• 1 large Onion, chopped
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 cups Carrots, chopped
• 2 cups celery, chopped
• 2 cups green beans, chopped
• 2 cans (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 8 cups Bone Broth (or veggie broth)
• 2 cups canned beans (cannellini or kidney)
• 2 cups Cottage Cheese, blended until smooth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan (fresh preferred)
• 1–2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp oregano, ½ tsp thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

🍳 Optional Protein Add-Ins

• 1 lb Ground Beef, ground turkey, or shredded rotisserie chicken
  → Brown meat separately and add with beans
• 1 scoop unflavored collagen powder or bone broth protein per batch
  → Stir in with broth (don’t boil)

🍜 Optional Noodle Topper

• Cook 1 cup pasta (dry) → ~8 servings of ~¼ cup each
  ➤ Add just before serving

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and green beans for 6–8 minutes until softened.
3. Add tomatoes, bone broth, herbs, and optional collagen powder. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
5. Add beans, blended cottage cheese, Parmesan, and cooked meat (if using). Stir well to melt and thicken.
6. Simmer another 5–10 minutes on low. Season to taste.
7. Serve hot, optionally over cooked Einkorn noodles.

🧀 Add meat? +7–10g protein per serving
🍜 Add ¼ cup Einkorn pasta? +45 kcal / +2g protein / +9g carbs

📊 Nutrition (per serving)

• Calories: ~120–140 kcal
• Protein: 10–12 g
• Carbs: 6–8 g
• Fiber: 2–3 g
• Fat: 6–8 g
• Sat. Fat: 3–4 g
• Sodium: ~400–500 mg

🧠 Erin Utz RD Tip

Blend Cottage Cheese to make soups creamy with a protein punch. Parmesan and Cottage Cheese add richness and calcium — without needing heavy cream. Serve over pasta or with a slice of sourdough for fall meal prep success.

Follow her on social at @ErinUtz_RD.