Minestrone Soup

Introduction

This Hearty Italian Vegetable Soup is a comforting, flavor-packed dish loaded with fresh vegetables, tender beans, and small pasta in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this homemade Minestrone Soup is easy to make, nutritious, and satisfying. Serve it with warm crusty bread for the ultimate comforting experience.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the diced carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
3. Stir in the zucchini and green beans, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, cannellini beans, dried oregano, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Stir in the small pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Variation

1. Protein Boost: Add cooked Italian sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, or ground turkey to make this soup heartier. Stir in the cooked meat after the vegetables have softened for the best flavor infusion.
2. Gluten-Free Option: Swap the regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or lentil pasta. Another option is to use rice or quinoa for a wholesome, naturally gluten-free twist.
3. Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. A few teaspoons of smoked paprika or a splash of balsamic vinegar can also enhance the depth of flavor.

Cooking Notes

1. Make it heartier: Add cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken for extra protein.
2. Vegetarian/Vegan option: Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
3. Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, store the pasta separately to prevent it from getting mushy.
4. Freezing tip: Freeze in portions without the pasta. When reheating, add fresh-cooked pasta to maintain the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth. A toasted baguette with a spread of butter or olive oil makes for a perfect pairing.
2. With a Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a zesty vinaigrette can complement the hearty nature of this soup. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing or a classic Caesar salad works beautifully.
3. Topped with Extra Goodness: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra savoriness. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a dollop of pesto stirred in just before serving adds an extra layer of richness.

Tips

1. Make It a One-Pot Meal: If cooking for a crowd, double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for quick, ready-to-eat meals. Minestrone gets even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
2. Freezing for Later: To freeze, store the soup without the pasta. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, and stir in freshly cooked pasta to keep the texture perfect. This method prevents the pasta from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy.
3. Enhance the Umami Flavor: Stir in a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers for a deeper, more complex taste. Remove before serving. For a vegetarian alternative, a splash of soy sauce or nutritional yeast can provide a similar savory boost.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 9g
• Sodium: 650mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
   Yes! Minestrone soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If making ahead, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating to maintain the best texture.

2. Can I freeze minestrone soup?
   Absolutely! For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and add freshly cooked pasta to keep it from becoming mushy.

3. What are the best vegetables to use?
   Traditional minestrone includes carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans, but you can customize it based on what you have. Spinach, kale, bell peppers, potatoes, or even butternut squash can all be great additions.

4. How can I make this soup more flavorful?
   To enhance the flavor, try adding a Parmesan rind while the soup simmers (remove before serving), a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Fresh herbs like basil and oregano also bring extra freshness.

Conclusion

This Hearty Italian Minestrone Soup is a classic comfort dish that brings together wholesome ingredients in a rich, savory broth. It’s nutritious, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep or a cozy night in. Whether you enjoy it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or extra toppings, this soup is a versatile and satisfying meal.

Minestrone Soup

---

• Author: Avery
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Hearty Italian Vegetable Soup is a comforting, flavor-packed dish loaded with fresh vegetables, tender beans, and small pasta in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this homemade Minestrone Soup is easy to make, nutritious, and satisfying. Serve it with warm crusty bread for the ultimate comforting experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

---

Instructions

• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
• Add the diced carrots and celery, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
• Stir in the zucchini and green beans, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
• Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), vegetable broth, cannellini beans, dried oregano, and dried basil. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes.
• Stir in the small pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• Make it heartier: Add cooked Italian sausage or shredded chicken for extra protein.
• Vegetarian/Vegan option: Skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
• Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results, store the pasta separately to prevent it from getting mushy.
• Freezing tip: Freeze in portions without the pasta. When reheating, add fresh-cooked pasta to maintain the best texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Minestrone soup, hearty vegetable soup, Italian soup, healthy soup, easy soup recipe, homemade minestrone, vegetable-packed soup