Name: Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup zucchini, diced; 1 cup green beans, chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed; 3/4 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

“`html

If you are craving something that warms you up from the inside out, this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe is your new best friend. It is a vibrant, comforting bowl filled with a bounty of vegetables, beans, and tender pasta swimming in a rich tomato-based broth. Every spoonful bursts with nourishing flavors and satisfying textures that make it perfect for a cozy lunch or dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe brings together simple, wholesome ingredients to create something truly special that feels like a big, comforting hug in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of fresh cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface includes a large whole yellow onion at the bottom left with two garlic cloves nearby. Bright green beans lie in front of the onion, partially covered by a white cloth with blue stripes. Above the onion, there are three spice containers filled with dried herbs, a couple of dried bay leaves, and a small bowl with red pepper flakes. Moving upwards, a wooden bowl in the center holds dry ditalini pasta with a wooden spoon resting inside. To the right, a white bowl is filled with bright orange sliced carrots, and below it, another white bowl contains chunky red diced tomatoes with juice. Above the carrot bowl, there is a glass measuring cup filled with brown vegetable broth. To the left of the broth, a glass bowl holds white beans, and below it a bowl contains chopped celery. Fresh flat-leaf parsley and a small wooden saucer with salt complete the bright, fresh arrangement photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All you need for this soup are everyday ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role in building the colorful, hearty character this soup is famous for.

Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps soften the aromatics.
Small onion, diced: Provides a sweet, savory foundation.
Carrots, sliced: Bring a subtle natural sweetness and a splash of color.
Celery stalks, sliced: Introduce a fresh, grassy note and crunch.
Garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with warm, aromatic depth.
Dried oregano: Lends a classic Italian herbal aroma.
Dried basil: Offers a sweet, slightly peppery undertone.
Diced tomatoes (canned): Give the broth its signature bright and tangy tomato flavor.
Vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
Kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Boost the soup’s protein and add creaminess.
Cannellini or great northern beans, drained and rinsed: Provide smooth texture and extra heartiness.
Zucchini, diced: Introduce tender, slightly sweet bites that soften perfectly in the broth.
Green beans, chopped: Add crunch and fresh vegetal flavor.
Small pasta (ditalini or elbow): Bring chewiness and help bulk up the soup.
Salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
Fresh spinach or kale: Tossed in for vibrant color and a boost of nutrients.
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A finishing touch that adds savory, nutty richness.

How to Make Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and release their lovely aromas. This is the flavorful base where your soup’s magic begins—those softened vegetables set the stage for the depth of taste to come.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs

Next, stir in the minced garlic along with dried oregano and basil. Cook everything for just 30 seconds so the garlic becomes fragrant without burning. These herbs bring the essence of Italian countryside into your pot, building layers of inviting flavor that define this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe.

Step 3: Pour in the Tomatoes, Broth, and Beans

Now it’s time to add the canned diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it all simmer gently for 15 minutes so the vegetables and beans have time to infuse the broth with their goodness.

Step 4: Add Vegetables, Pasta, and Seasoning

After the initial simmer, stir in the zucchini, green beans, small pasta, salt, and black pepper. Continue simmering for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta has cooked to tender perfection. The fresh green beans and zucchini will soften just right, and the pasta will soak up all the lovely flavors.

Step 5: Finish with Greens

Finally, toss in the fresh spinach or kale. Cook for another 2 minutes until the greens wilt and become tender. Give your soup a taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. If you like, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of comfort and richness.

How to Serve Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe

Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, simplicity is key. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty flavor that complements the vegetables perfectly. You can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat, or even a fresh basil leaf for that burst of green herbaceousness.

Side Dishes

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up every last drop of broth. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple plate of roasted vegetables. The key is to keep accompaniments fresh and light to balance the rich, filling soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a delightful presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with big chunks of bread on the side. You might also ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a charming, cozy meal. Another idea is to garnish with a swirl of pesto or a dollop of ricotta cheese to add creamy texture and a pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container and add the pasta just before reheating if you stored it separately to prevent sogginess. This way, the pasta stays perfectly al dente.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup without the pasta for best results. Freeze it in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh pasta before serving.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add cooked pasta towards the end to warm it through, or reheat soup as-is if you prefer leftover noodles. Tasting and adjusting seasonings after reheating helps refresh the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beans in this Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite beans like black beans, chickpeas, or navy beans. Just be sure to drain and rinse canned beans well before adding them to the soup.

What pasta works best for minestrone soup?

Small pasta shapes such as ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work wonderfully as they fit nicely on the spoon and cook quickly without overpowering the soup.

Can this soup be made vegan?

Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative to keep it fully vegan without sacrificing flavor.

Is it okay to use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Fresh tomatoes can be used if you have ripe, seasonal ones available. Blanch, peel, and dice them before adding to the soup for a fresher, lighter tomato flavor.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Swap traditional pasta for gluten-free pasta or use small grains like quinoa or rice as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm, nurturing meal no matter the season. It’s comforting, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable, making it a staple in my kitchen and hopefully yours too. Dive in, savor every spoonful, and enjoy the wonderful flavors and textures that make this soup a family favorite time after time.

“`