Name: Minestrone Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 onion, chopped; 2 carrots, chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 zucchini, chopped; 1 cup green beans, trimmed and chopped; 2 cups chopped cabbage or spinach; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow); 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

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Minestrone soup is a hearty Italian classic filled with fresh vegetables, beans, pasta, and a flavorful tomato broth. I love how nourishing and comforting this soup is, and I often make it when I want something warm, filling, and healthy in one bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this minestrone soup because it’s versatile and adaptable to whatever vegetables I have on hand. I enjoy the rich tomato base paired with beans and pasta, which makes it both satisfying and wholesome. I also love how this soup tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil
Onion
Carrots
Celery
Garlic
Zucchini
Green beans
Cabbage or spinach
Canned diced tomatoes
Tomato paste
Vegetable broth
Cannellini beans or kidney beans
Pasta (small shapes like ditalini or elbow)
Dried Italian herbs
Bay leaf
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large pot and sautéing onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
I stir in garlic and cook briefly before adding zucchini, green beans, and cabbage or spinach.
I add canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, beans, dried herbs, and a bay leaf.
I bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer until the vegetables are tender.
I stir in the pasta and cook until just al dente.
I season with salt and pepper to taste, then finish with fresh parsley or basil.
I serve the soup hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if I want extra richness.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. It usually takes me around 15 minutes to prep the ingredients and about 35–40 minutes to cook the soup, so I can have it ready in under an hour.

Variations

I like to switch up the vegetables depending on what’s in season, such as adding potatoes, squash, or peas. Sometimes I swap the pasta for rice or quinoa if I want a gluten-free option. For more protein, I might add chickpeas or even a bit of cooked chicken.

storage/reheating

I store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta tends to absorb liquid, so I often add a little extra broth when reheating. I reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes well, though I prefer to freeze it without pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating.

FAQs

Can I make minestrone soup ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day ahead because the flavors blend beautifully overnight.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried?

I always use canned beans for convenience, but rinsing and draining them first makes a big difference in flavor.

What kind of pasta works best?

I prefer small shapes like ditalini, elbow, or small shells since they hold up well without overpowering the vegetables.

Can I make it without tomatoes?

Yes, I can make a tomato-free version by using extra broth and adding more herbs for flavor. It won’t be traditional, but it’s still delicious.

How do I make this soup vegan?

I simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based version to keep the recipe fully vegan.

Conclusion

I find minestrone soup to be one of the most comforting dishes I can make at home. It’s nourishing, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it always satisfies.