There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of minestrone soup to warm you from the inside out. This hearty Italian vegetable soup has been loved for centuries, celebrated for its versatility and rich, comforting flavors. Packed with fresh vegetables, tender pasta, beans, and a savory tomato broth, it’s the kind of meal that feels both nourishing and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a dish that brings a taste of Italy to your kitchen, minestrone soup is the perfect choice.
Why You’ll Love This Minestrone Soup Recipe
- Wholesome and nutritious – Filled with fiber-rich beans, fresh veggies, and pasta for a complete meal.
- Customizable – Use seasonal vegetables or whatever’s in your fridge; it always works.
- Budget-friendly – Made with simple pantry staples and fresh vegetables, making it affordable for families.
- Perfect for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully, ideal for leftovers or freezing.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Minestrone Soup
- Onion & Garlic – Build the aromatic base of the soup, adding depth and flavor.
- Carrots & Celery – Bring natural sweetness and earthy balance.
- Tomatoes – Provide a rich, tangy broth as the soup’s foundation.
- Green Beans & Zucchini – Add freshness, color, and crunch.
- Beans (Cannellini or Kidney) – Deliver protein and a creamy bite.
- Small Pasta (like Ditalini) – Makes the soup hearty and filling.
- Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Parsley) – Infuse classic Italian flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Minestrone Soup
- Sauté the aromatics – Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and broth – Stir in canned or fresh tomatoes and vegetable broth. Let it simmer to develop flavor.
- Mix in beans and veggies – Add green beans, zucchini, and your choice of beans. Cook until vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Add pasta – Stir in pasta and cook until al dente. Be careful not to overcook, as pasta will continue to soften in the broth.
- Season and serve – Add herbs, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for heat. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley or Parmesan.
Expert Tip: To prevent soggy pasta when storing leftovers, cook pasta separately and add it just before serving.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Make it vegan – Skip Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Add protein – Stir in Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or even shrimp for extra heartiness.
- Spice it up – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of chili powder for a bold kick.
- Gluten-free option – Swap pasta for rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding extra broth if it thickens.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this hearty minestrone soup, you’ll love trying out a few more comforting bowls of goodness. Warm up with the silky flavors of Egg Drop Soup, enjoy a nourishing veggie-packed Cabbage Soup, or savor the rich, tangy taste of a classic Tomato Soup Recipe. Each one is simple, satisfying, and perfect for cozy mealtime moments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is minestrone soup made of?
It’s a tomato-based Italian soup with vegetables, beans, pasta, and herbs. Ingredients often vary by season and region.
Can I make minestrone soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply add all ingredients (except pasta) and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Stir in cooked pasta before serving.
Is minestrone soup healthy?
Absolutely. It’s high in fiber, packed with vitamins, and easily adaptable for vegan, vegetarian, or low-carb diets.
What pasta works best for minestrone soup?
Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best as they don’t overpower the broth.
This minestrone soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, healthy, and endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner with crusty bread or freeze portions for easy meal prep, it’s a recipe that belongs in every kitchen. Give it a try and let this Italian classic bring warmth and flavor to your table.
Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 zucchini diced
- 1 cup green beans trimmed and cut
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can 15 oz cannellini or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup small pasta like ditalini
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté 5–6 minutes until softened.
- Stir in tomatoes, broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a simmer.
- Add zucchini, green beans, and beans. Simmer 15 minutes.
- Stir in pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley and Parmesan if desired.