Minestrone Soup

There's something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of minestrone soup. I’ve always turned to this classic Italian dish when I needed a nourishing meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Packed with colorful vegetables, tender pasta, and hearty beans, it’s the kind of soup that makes you feel instantly at home. Whether it’s a chilly day or I’m just in the mood for a wholesome bite, this soup is always my go-to.

What I love most is how customizable it is. Minestrone soup can be made with whatever vegetables are in season or on hand, making it a sustainable and budget-friendly option. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt for vegan or gluten-free diets. Every spoonful is satisfying, from the rich tomato base to the bite of al dente pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Minestrone Soup

• It’s incredibly hearty and filling, perfect as a main course.
• Uses pantry staples like beans, canned tomatoes, and pasta.
• Bursting with fresh vegetables and savory herbs.
• Great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
• Easily adaptable to various dietary needs.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use in Minestrone Soup?

Traditionally, short pasta shapes work best. I like to use ditalini or small shells, as they soak up the flavors without overpowering the broth. You want something small enough to fit on your spoon but sturdy enough to hold its texture. If you're avoiding gluten, swap it out with your favorite gluten-free option.

Options for Substitutions

• Vegetables: Use what you have on hand. Zucchini, green beans, spinach, kale, or even butternut squash can be great additions or substitutions.
• Beans: Kidney beans and cannellini are classic, but chickpeas or black beans work just as well.
• Pasta: As mentioned, any small pasta will do. You can even use rice or skip it entirely for a low-carb version.
• Broth: I usually go with vegetable broth, but chicken broth can add a deeper flavor if you're not keeping it vegetarian.
• Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan on top is delicious, but leave it off or use nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

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Ingredients for This Minestrone Soup

• Olive oil – Helps to sauté the vegetables and adds richness to the base.
• Yellow onion – Gives the soup a savory, aromatic foundation.
• Garlic cloves – Infuses the broth with bold flavor.
• Carrots – Adds natural sweetness and color.
• Celery stalks – Balances the sweetness of the carrots with a slight bitterness.
• Yukon Gold potatoes – Brings heartiness and absorbs the delicious broth.
• Zucchini – Adds freshness and texture.
• Green beans – Offer a tender-crisp bite.
• Canned diced tomatoes – Provide a rich, tangy tomato base.
• Vegetable broth – The liquid base that ties everything together.
• Kidney beans – A protein-rich ingredient that makes the soup filling.
• Cannellini beans – Creamy and mild, they complement the kidney beans perfectly.
• Ditalini pasta – Small pasta that holds up well in soup.
• Fresh spinach or kale – Adds a nutritious, leafy green element.
• Dried oregano and basil – Classic Italian herbs that enhance the depth of flavor.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – Adds a salty, umami kick when served.

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Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Hearty Veggies

Stir in the diced potatoes, green beans, and zucchini. Let them cook for another 3–4 minutes to begin softening and absorbing the flavors from the aromatics.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquids

Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth. Stir in the dried oregano and basil. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta

Stir in the kidney beans, cannellini beans, and ditalini pasta. Simmer uncovered for another 10–12 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 5: Stir in Greens and Adjust Seasoning

Add the fresh spinach or kale and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, just until wilted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for a complete, cozy meal.

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How Long to Prepare the Minestrone Soup

Preparation Time: The chopping and prepping of vegetables, garlic, and herbs typically take about 15–20 minutes. If you're using fresh green beans and potatoes, budget a few extra minutes to peel and chop everything uniformly for even cooking.

Cooking Time: Once everything hits the pot, the soup takes around 35–40 minutes to cook—20 minutes for simmering the vegetables and an additional 10–12 minutes for the pasta and beans. Add a couple more minutes at the end to wilt the greens and adjust seasoning. In total, you’re looking at a complete meal in under an hour.

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Tips for Perfect Minestrone Soup

• Dice your vegetables into small, uniform pieces for faster and even cooking.
• Always sauté your aromatics first to build a flavorful base.
• Use quality vegetable broth for depth; homemade or low-sodium is best.
• Slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to store leftovers to prevent it from turning mushy.
• Let the soup sit for 10 minutes before serving—it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta – It continues to cook in the hot broth, so keep it al dente.
• Adding greens too early – Spinach and kale cook fast; add them at the end.
• Skipping the seasoning check – Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Crowding the pot – Don’t overload with too many veggies or it may dilute the broth’s flavor.
• Not stirring the pasta – It can stick to the bottom if left unattended during cooking.

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What to Serve With Minestrone Soup?

1. Crusty Bread

Perfect for dipping—sourdough, baguette, or Italian ciabatta all work well.

2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The classic comfort combo. Melty cheese balances the hearty soup.

3. Simple Green Salad

A fresh salad with vinaigrette adds crunch and brightness.

4. Roasted Vegetables

Serve on the side for a warm, nutritious addition.

5. Bruschetta

Tomato and basil bruschetta is a tasty way to start this comforting meal.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen over time.

Freezing: This soup freezes well—but freeze it without the pasta. Cook pasta separately when reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in individual portions. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~270
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugars: 6g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Sodium: 680mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this soup. Add them during the simmering stage and reduce cooking time slightly.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pasta or substitute with rice or quinoa.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Sauté the aromatics first, then transfer all ingredients (except pasta and greens) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4. Add pasta and greens 20–30 minutes before serving.

How do I make this soup vegan?

It already is vegan if you skip the Parmesan. You can also use nutritional yeast as a topping.

Is it okay to use canned beans?

Definitely. Canned beans are convenient and work perfectly. Just rinse them before adding.

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Conclusion

Minestrone soup is the definition of comforting, wholesome food. It’s easy to prepare, loaded with fresh veggies, and can be customized a dozen ways to suit your tastes or pantry. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this soup delivers on both flavor and function. It’s a warm hug in a bowl—and once you try it, you’ll come back to it all season long.

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