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
- 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