The Heartwarming Minestrone Soup Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Hearty vegetables dance in a rich, aromatic broth that defines this classic minestrone soup recipe.

Generations of Italian cooks have perfected this comforting dish with layers of incredible flavor.

Tender beans and vibrant seasonal vegetables create a symphony of tastes and textures in every spoonful.

Robust and nutritious, this soup brings warmth to chilly evenings and nourishes the soul.

Each ingredient tells a story of tradition and home-cooked comfort.

The deep, complex flavors meld together in a pot of pure deliciousness.

Savor every bite and let this soul-warming soup transport you to the rustic kitchens of Italy.

Minestrone Soup Best Bits

• This minestrone soup delivers incredible flavor with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
• Loaded with vegetables, beans, and herbs, this recipe offers a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
• Prepare a hearty, warming meal in under an hour, ideal for busy families seeking a convenient and nourishing dinner solution that everyone will enjoy.
• Easily adaptable to dietary preferences by swapping ingredients, this soup works wonderfully for casual family dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings with friends.

Minestrone Soup Ingredients

• Onion: A flavorful aromatic that provides a sweet and savory foundation for the soup.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the minestrone.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle, fresh flavor and crisp texture to the soup base.

• Beans: Provides hearty protein and creamy texture to the minestrone.

• Broth: Creates the liquid base that carries all the soup's flavors.
• Tomatoes: Offers a rich, tangy element that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Garlic: Delivers a robust, aromatic punch to the soup's flavor.
• Bay Leaves, Oregano, Thyme: Classic herbs that add depth and traditional Italian seasoning notes.

• Pasta: Adds substance and makes the soup more filling.
• Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes: Provides fresh herbal notes and optional spicy kick.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that brings a salty, umami finish.

• Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating the initial flavor base.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

Minestrone Soup Essential Equipment

• Large Pot: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering soup base.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, and celery.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring Spoons: Help measure salt, pepper, and herbs accurately.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving hot soup into bowls.
• Colander: Optional for draining and rinsing beans.

Making Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sizzle and Soften Veggies

Grab a large pot and drizzle olive oil on the bottom.

Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery.

Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Let these colorful vegetables dance and soften over medium heat for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become tender and fragrant.

Step 2: Build the Soup Foundation

Introduce minced garlic to the vegetable party.

Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and vegetable broth.

• Bay leaves
• Dried oregano
• Fresh thyme

Cover the pot and let everything simmer together for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop a rich, comforting taste.

Step 3: Pasta Perfection

Drop pasta directly into the simmering soup.

Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture.

The pasta will absorb the delicious broth and become wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Final Flourish

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Serve hot and enjoy your hearty, soul-warming minestrone soup!

Kitchen Tips for Minestrone Soup

• Chop vegetables uniformly for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Season vegetables while sautéing to build deeper flavor profiles before adding liquid ingredients.
• Add pasta in the last 10 minutes to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente texture.
• Use homemade or high-quality vegetable broth for richer, more complex soup flavor.
• Swap beans or add different vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.

Minestrone Soup Flavors and Twists

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap chicken or beef broth with vegetable broth and add extra protein like chickpeas or lentils for nutritional balance.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta and increase vegetable content with additional low-carb veggies like spinach and bell peppers.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Include diced chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based protein crumbles to boost protein content and create a heartier soup.

Serving Minestrone Soup

• Garden Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a vibrant color and burst of herbal freshness that elevates the soup's flavor profile.
• Hearty Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, or toasted sourdough slices to soak up the rich, savory broth and add delightful texture.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Offer grated parmesan or pecorino romano on the side, allowing diners to customize their soup with a sprinkle of salty, nutty cheese that melts beautifully into the warm minestrone.
• Veggie Boost Option: Pair with a simple side salad featuring crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to complement the soup's robust vegetable medley.

Storage Ideas for Minestrone Soup

• Store leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 3 months. Avoid freezing pasta separately as it becomes mushy.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm in pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add splash of broth if soup seems thick. Heat until steaming and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Transfer portion to microwave-safe dish. Cover loosely, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Check temperature ensures even warming. Add fresh herbs after reheating for best flavor.

FAQs

• Is minestrone soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with vegetables, beans, and whole grains, providing a nutritious meal rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The combination of ingredients offers a balanced, low-calorie option that supports overall health.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, easily! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a vegan version, skip the optional parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

• What type of beans work best in minestrone?

Cannellini or great northern beans are traditional, but you can also use kidney beans or chickpeas. Canned or home-cooked beans both work well, offering protein and texture to the soup.

Minestrone Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian minestrone soup brims with seasonal vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. Mediterranean flavors combine perfectly for a comforting meal you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1.5 cups white or kidney beans, cooked
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 0.75 cup small pasta (elbows, shells, or orecchiette)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, grated

Herbs, Seasonings, and Garnishes:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
• Black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 0.5 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes
• Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a substantial pot over medium heat, gently sautéing chopped onions, carrots, and celery with a sprinkle of salt and pepper until vegetables become tender and translucent, approximately 8 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, dried oregano, and fresh thyme into the pot. Cover and allow the mixture to simmer, developing rich flavors for 20 minutes.
3. Incorporate pasta directly into the simmering soup, leaving the pot uncovered and cooking for 10 minutes until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
4. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a dash of red pepper flakes, and optional grated parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Notes

• Customize Veggie Selection: Feel free to swap or add seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor variety.
• Protein Power-Up: Replace beans with cooked chicken, ground turkey, or tofu to suit different dietary preferences and boost protein content.
• Pasta Perfect: Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate specific dietary needs without compromising the soup’s hearty texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors meld overnight for deeper, richer taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg