Name: Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 onion, diced; 1 carrot, chopped; 1 celery stalk, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chopped zucchini; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed; 4 cups vegetable broth; ½ cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt & pepper to taste

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If you’re craving a warm bowl of comfort that bursts with fresh flavors and wholesome goodness, this Minestrone Soup Recipe is just what you need. It’s a vibrant Italian soup filled with tender beans, colorful vegetables, and a touch of pasta, all simmered together in a luscious tomato broth. Perfectly cozy, nutrient-rich, and incredibly satisfying, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a big, flavorful hug on a chilly day or whenever your soul calls for a hearty meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large red pot filled with a thick stew cooking on a stove. The stew has a light brown broth base with visible pieces of diced orange carrots, small pinkish beans, and chopped green leafy vegetables evenly mixed throughout. The texture looks soft and slightly chunky, with steam rising from the surface. The pot’s interior is beige with a slightly worn look. The stove and surrounding surface have a simple, clean appearance with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting ready to make this Minestrone Soup Recipe is a breeze because it relies on simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element adds its own delicious texture, depth, and color to the final dish, making your soup not only tasty but a feast for the eyes as well.

1 tbsp olive oil: Provides a rich base to sauté your vegetables and adds a hint of fruity aroma.
1 onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor foundation.
1 carrot, chopped: Brings a natural sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color.
1 celery stalk, chopped: Gives a subtle crunch and fresh herbal undertones.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds warmth and savory punch to every spoonful.
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: The heart of the tomato broth that brightens the entire soup.
1 can (15 oz) kidney or cannellini beans, rinsed: Makes the soup filling and protein-packed for hearty satisfaction.
4 cups vegetable broth: The comforting liquid base that ties all ingredients together.
1 cup chopped zucchini: Provides tender texture and fresh green vibrancy.
½ cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow): Adds delightful bite and helps soak up the flavorful broth.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives the soup authentic Italian flair.
Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing out and balancing all the savory notes.

How to Make Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, chopped carrot, and celery, letting them soften and release their flavors for about five minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. This step creates the aromatic base that will carry the entire soup.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes, Broth, and Beans

Once your vegetables look tender and golden, stir in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices, vegetable broth, and the rinsed beans. The beans add bulk and creaminess to the soup, making it as nourishing as it is delicious. Bring everything to a gentle simmer to start marrying those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Incorporate Zucchini, Seasoning, and Simmer

Next, add the chopped zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer gently for about 15 minutes, allowing the zucchini to become tender and the seasonings to infuse the broth beautifully. This simmering step deepens the flavor profile and gives the vegetables time to soften just right.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Finally, stir in the small pasta of your choice such as ditalini or elbow macaroni. Continue cooking for 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still has a pleasant bite. This turns the soup into a hearty meal on its own, perfect for lunch or dinner on any day.

How to Serve Minestrone Soup Recipe

A white bowl with a light brown rim holds a soup filled with many colorful pieces. There are red tomato chunks, orange carrot bits, and green celery slices, along with creamy white beans and small round pasta rings. The soup broth is a clear, warm orange color with visible black pepper specks and herbs floating on top. Small fresh green parsley leaves sit sprinkled over the soup, adding a fresh touch. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some scattered green herb pieces nearby. A silver spoon is partially visible at the bottom right corner photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the soup even further, fresh garnishes such as chopped basil or a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese work wonders. They add a fresh, zesty, or creamy finish that perfectly complements the warm, rich broth.

Side Dishes

Pair this Minestrone Soup Recipe with rustic crusty bread or garlic breadsticks. Their crunchy texture contrasts beautifully with the silky soup and is ideal for dipping and soaking up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls or ladle it into individual ramekins topped with a swirl of pesto. These presentation ideas make for an inviting meal that’s both comforting and visually charming—great for entertaining guests or making family dinners feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring the soup remains fresh and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze Minestrone Soup Recipe in portions for convenience. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to three months; just avoid freezing the pasta if you prefer to keep it from getting mushy—add fresh pasta when reheating instead.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge. For frozen soup, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I make this Minestrone Soup Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan as it uses vegetable broth and no animal products. Just skip any cheese toppings or use vegan cheese alternatives to keep it fully plant-based.

What pasta works best in Minestrone Soup?

Small shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work best because they cook quickly and easily spoon into each bite. You can also try gluten-free pasta if needed.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely. Minestrone is quite flexible—feel free to add spinach, green beans, peas, or even potatoes for a twist. Just adjust cooking times based on the vegetables you choose.

How spicy is this soup?

This Minestrone Soup Recipe is mild and comforting, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it some heat if you like a little kick.

Is this soup good for meal prepping?

Yes! It keeps well and reheats wonderfully, making it a great option for preparing meals ahead and enjoying easy, wholesome lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

This Minestrone Soup Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like home in a bowl. It’s vibrant, nourishing, and packed with so many irresistible flavors and textures. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might just discover your new go-to comfort soup that warms you inside and out with every spoonful.

Sara

Minestrone Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need