Hearty Minestrone Soup

Hearty Minestrone Soup is a comforting, vegetable-packed Italian classic that’s both nourishing and full of flavor. With its colorful blend of beans, pasta, and seasonal vegetables simmered in a rich tomato broth, this soup is as satisfying as it is wholesome.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is incredibly versatile and perfect for using up what you have on hand. It’s naturally vegetarian (and easy to make vegan), freezer-friendly, and ideal for batch cooking. Whether served as a light main or a side, its rustic warmth and robust texture make it a family favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil

• Yellow onion, chopped

• Carrots, diced

• Celery, diced

• Garlic, minced

• Zucchini, chopped

• Green beans, trimmed and cut

• Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

• Tomato paste

• Vegetable broth

• Red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

• Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

• Small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)

• Italian seasoning

• Bay leaf

• Salt and black pepper

• Fresh spinach or kale (optional)

• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5–6 minutes.

2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 3–4 minutes.

4. Pour in vegetable broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil.

5. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.

6. Add kidney beans, cannellini beans, and pasta. Simmer until pasta is al dente, about 8–10 minutes.

7. Stir in spinach or kale, if using, until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or omit it and add more beans.

• Add protein: Stir in cooked Italian sausage, ground turkey, or chicken.

• Make it vegan: Skip the cheese and use all plant-based ingredients.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a mild kick.

• More greens: Add cabbage, kale, or chard for added nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the soup for up to 2 months.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen if needed. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What does “minestrone” mean?

“Minestrone” is Italian for a thick soup made with vegetables, beans, and usually pasta or rice.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, add all ingredients except pasta and greens to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add pasta and greens in the last 30 minutes.

Do I have to use both types of beans?

No, you can use just one type or any bean variety you prefer.

Can I add meat to minestrone soup?

Absolutely. Cooked sausage, ground beef, or shredded chicken work well.

Is it okay to use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables are convenient and work fine, though fresh offers better texture.

What type of pasta should I use?

Small shapes like ditalini, elbow, or small shells are traditional. Use what you have.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, but consider cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving to avoid it becoming too soft.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes. It freezes well, though you may want to omit the pasta and add it when reheating for best texture.

What herbs go well in this soup?

Basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, or rosemary all pair beautifully.

Can I blend this soup?

It’s meant to be chunky, but you can blend a portion and return it to the pot for a thicker consistency.

Conclusion

Hearty Minestrone Soup is the ultimate comfort food—filling, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re craving a cozy lunch or a substantial dinner, this classic recipe will warm you from the inside out. With its blend of vegetables, beans, and herbs, it’s a satisfying dish you’ll return to again and again.

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