Cozy Up with a Soul-Warming Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe

Steaming bowls of comfort emerge from the kitchen, with this classic minestrone soup recipe promising warmth and nourishment.

Rich vegetables dance alongside tender beans in a savory broth that speaks to traditional Italian cooking.

Generations have cherished this robust soup for its deep, satisfying flavors and nutritious ingredients.

Each spoonful carries memories of rustic kitchens and shared meals.

The ingredients blend together effortlessly, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that delight the senses.

Packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a remarkable meal.

Ladle up a bowl and let the hearty minestrone transport you to a cozy culinary embrace.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for a Minestrone Soup Recipe

For Aromatics: .

• Olive Oil: Provides rich base flavor and helps sauté vegetables smoothly.
• Onion: Builds deep foundational taste and adds natural sweetness to soup.
• Garlic: Delivers intense aromatic punch and boosts overall flavor profile.
• Carrots: Introduces subtle sweetness and vibrant orange color.
• Celery: Contributes classic soup base note and herbal undertone.

• Zucchini: Adds tender texture and light green color to soup.
• Green Beans: Provides crisp bite and nutritional boost.
• Spinach or Kale: Introduces earthy green freshness and nutrient density.
• Diced Tomatoes: Creates tangy base and adds moisture to soup.
• Oregano: Delivers classic Italian herb essence.
• Basil: Offers bright, aromatic Mediterranean flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Brings subtle heat and warm spiciness.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates rich liquid foundation for soup.
• Water: Helps adjust soup consistency.
• Cannellini Beans: Adds creamy protein and hearty texture.
• Pasta: Provides satisfying carbohydrate element.
• Parsley: Offers fresh garnish and light herbal note.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers savory, salty finishing touch.

Tools to Prep Your Minestrone Soup Efficiently

• Large pot: Heavy-bottomed and spacious for cooking all soup ingredients comfortably.
• Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable chopping and mincing garlic.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for preparing vegetables and herbs.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup evenly into individual bowls.

Cook Minestrone Soup From Start to Finish

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a hefty pot, tossing in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Dance them around for 5 minutes until they turn soft and inviting. Splash in minced garlic and let it sizzle for a minute.

• Introduce More Veggie Friends

Tumble zucchini and green beans into the pot. Sprinkle oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, stirring everything together for a quick 2-3 minute mingling.

• Build the Soup's Foundation

Pour vegetable broth, water, and diced tomatoes into the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then dial down the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for 10 minutes.

• Welcome Hearty Additions

Drop in pasta and cannellini beans. Allow them to swim and cook together for 10-12 minutes until the pasta becomes wonderfully tender.

• Green Power Finale

Fold in chopped spinach or kale. Let the greens wilt and meld into the soup for 2-3 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your heart’s content.

• Serve with Love

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Crown with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a shower of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Flavor Options for a Unique Minestrone Twist

• Pro Tips for Perfect Minestrone
• Add pasta during the last 10-12 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal texture.
• Easily substitute seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers to keep the soup exciting and fresh throughout the year.
• Transform this vegetarian soup into a more substantial meal by adding cooked chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based protein crumbles for extra nutrition.
• This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore perfect consistency.
• Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or quinoa to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serve Minestrone Soup With Fresh Toppings

• Rustic Bread Companion: Slice a crusty Italian bread or sourdough to dip and soak up the rich, hearty soup flavors. Perfect for catching every delicious drop of broth.
• Cozy Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the soup's robust profile. Adds a fresh, crisp contrast to the warm meal.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan or pecorino romano on top for an additional layer of salty, umami goodness. Creates a luxurious finishing touch that elevates the entire dish.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Complement the soup with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese. Brings out the tomato and vegetable notes, making the meal feel like a true Italian dining experience.

Store Minestrone Soup in Portions for Later

• Keep leftovers in airtight containers for 4-5 days in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
• Store soup without pasta to prevent noodles from becoming mushy. Freeze in sealed containers for up to 3 months, adding fresh pasta when reheating.
• Warm gently on stovetop, adding a splash of vegetable broth to restore original consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Double the recipe on weekends, creating multiple meals that can be portioned and stored for busy weekday lunches or quick dinners.

FAQs

• Is Minestrone soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with vegetables, beans, and whole grains, providing a nutritious meal rich in fiber, vitamins, and protein. It’s a balanced, low-calorie option that supports overall wellness.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! The recipe is already vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative when serving.

• How can I make the soup more filling?

Add protein-rich ingredients like quinoa, lentils, or extra beans. You can also include small diced potatoes or increase the pasta quantity to create a more substantial meal.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Definitely! Minestrone soup stores well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and often tastes even better the next day as flavors develop. It’s perfect for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Minestrone soup blends Italian culinary traditions with garden-fresh vegetables and rich seasonings. Savory broth and tender beans create a comforting meal perfect for nourishing hungry souls.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cup (960 ml) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) water
• 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (14 oz / 400 g) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
• ½ cup (80 g) small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• ½ cup (100 g) rice or barley (optional)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil and gently cook onions, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Layer Flavors: Add minced garlic, zucchini, and green beans to the vegetable base. Sprinkle oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, stirring to distribute seasonings thoroughly and develop a robust flavor profile.
3. Build Liquid Foundation: Pour vegetable broth, water, and diced tomatoes into the pot. Bring to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing ingredients to meld and develop depth.
4. Integrate Proteins and Starches: Introduce pasta and cannellini beans, simmering until pasta reaches al dente texture and beans become tender, absorbing the rich, herbaceous broth.
5. Finish and Serve: Incorporate spinach or kale, letting the greens wilt seamlessly into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into serving bowls and optionally garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Optimize Vegetable Softening: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Control Pasta Cooking: Add pasta towards the end to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal al dente consistency, which prevents mushiness.
• Enhance Flavor Layering: Sauté vegetables slowly to develop deep, rich flavors before adding liquids, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Easily make the soup gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives, making it adaptable for various dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg