Minestrone Soup fills the kitchen with warmth and color. This Italian classic blends tender vegetables, beans, and small pasta in a rich tomato broth that tastes like home. It’s a simple, one-pot meal that’s healthy, budget-friendly, and ready in under an hour ideal for weeknight dinners or make-ahead lunches.
Table of Contents
Minestrone Soup – A Cozy Italian Classic for Every Season
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Minestrone Soup combines vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory tomato broth for the ultimate Italian comfort meal.
Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 cup green beans, 1-inch pieces
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in zucchini, green beans, tomatoes, and broth.
4. Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
5. Add pasta and beans; simmer for 10–12 minutes until pasta is tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning; serve hot with parsley and Parmesan.
Notes
Prep time: 15 minutes.
Cook time: 30 minutes.
Total time: 45 minutes.
Freezes beautifully up to 3 months.
Add kale or spinach before serving for extra greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 210
Why You’ll Love This Minestrone Soup Recipe
- One pot, minimal cleanup.
- Loaded with seasonal veggies.
- Vegetarian and freezer-friendly.
- Perfect balance of comfort and nutrition.
- Classic Italian flavor in every spoonful.
Preparation and Cooking Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins |
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan for garnish
Optional Swaps:
Replace cannellini with kidney beans or add kale for extra greens.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until soft, 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini, green beans, tomatoes, and broth.
- Season with oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Add pasta and beans; simmer until pasta is tender (10–12 minutes).
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with parsley and Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Minestrone Soup with warm crusty bread, a crisp green salad, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Pair with sparkling water or a light red wine for a cozy Italian dinner.
Quick Tips or Variations
- Stir in spinach before serving for added color.
- Add leftover shredded chicken for protein.
- Double the batch Minestrone Soup freezes beautifully.
FAQs About minestrone soup
1. What is minestrone soup made of?
A mix of vegetables, beans, small pasta, and a tomato broth seasoned with Italian herbs.
2. What is the difference between vegetable soup and minestrone?
Minestrone Soup includes pasta or rice, giving it a heartier texture than standard vegetable soup.
3. Is minestrone soup healthy for you?
Yes! It’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein.
4. How do you thicken minestrone soup?
Mash a few beans into the broth or simmer longer to naturally reduce and thicken.
Conclusion
Minestrone Soup is comfort made simple warm, colorful, and nourishing. It’s proof that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Grab a bowl, share it with family, and taste the love in every spoonful.
