Minestrone Soup Recipe to Adore

Comfort wraps around you like a warm minestrone soup on a chilly evening.

The Italian classic brings memories of rustic kitchens and hearty gatherings.

Vibrant vegetables dance through rich broth, creating a symphony of flavors that speak to generations of home cooking.

Beans and pasta intertwine, telling stories of simple, nourishing meals.

Fresh herbs whisper subtle notes of tradition across each spoonful.

Mediterranean sunshine seems to peek through this robust, satisfying dish.

Dive into a recipe that promises both nutrition and pure culinary joy.

Things to Highlight in Minestrone Soup

• Quick and Wholesome Comfort Meal
• Beginner cooks can confidently prepare this soup with simple chopping and stirring techniques, making it perfect for culinary novices seeking delicious results.
• Ready in just 30-40 minutes, this one-pot wonder delivers multiple vegetable servings, protein from beans, and hearty satisfaction without hours of cooking effort.
• Adaptable recipe welcomes vegetable swaps, allowing picky eaters to customize their bowl while enjoying a nutritious, colorful meal that appeals to all ages.
• Uses affordable, accessible ingredients like canned beans, seasonal vegetables, and pantry staples, creating a budget-friendly dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Minestrone

• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup's flavor profile.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle earthy and fresh background note.
• Zucchini: Brings a mild, soft texture and light green color.
• Green Beans: Offers a crisp texture and fresh vegetable element.

• Garlic: Delivers a pungent and intense flavor base.
• Oregano: Provides a classic Italian herb essence.
• Basil: Adds a fresh and slightly sweet herbal taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle spicy kick.
• Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish with clean flavor.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates the soup's hearty liquid base.
• Water: Helps adjust the soup's consistency.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity and rich tomato flavor.
• Cannellini Beans: Provides protein and creamy texture.
• Pasta: Gives the soup substance and heartiness.
• Spinach or Kale: Introduces additional nutrients and leafy green element.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish with rich, salty flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial vegetable sauteing.

Steps to Make a Balanced Minestrone

Step 1: Kickstart the Flavor Base

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook for 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Toss in garlic and sizzle for 1 minute until aromatically rich.

Step 2: Build Vegetable Layers

• Zucchini
• Green beans

Sprinkle in oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to release herb essences.

Step 3: Create Liquid Foundation

• Vegetable broth
• Water
• Diced tomatoes

Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then lower heat to a gentle simmer. Let ingredients mingle for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Hearty Elements

• Pasta
• Cannellini beans

Simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Enhance with Greens

Fold in chopped spinach or kale. Cook for 2-3 minutes until leaves wilt beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve with Love

Ladle into warm bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your comforting soup creation!

Tips for a Cozy Pot of Minestrone

• Sauté Smartly: Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning of aromatics. Stir frequently during sautéing to develop rich, deep flavors.
• Choose Veggie Wisely: Select fresh, crisp vegetables for maximum flavor and nutrition. Seasonal vegetables can enhance the soup's taste and provide better texture.
• Pasta Perfect: Add pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal texture. Short pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work best in minestrone.
• Boost Protein Power: Substitute cannellini beans with chickpeas or kidney beans for variety. Add cooked quinoa or lentils for extra protein and nutritional value.
• Make Ahead Magic: This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together. Store in airtight container and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain consistency.

How to Keep Minestrone Soup Fresh

• Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chilled for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Pour soup into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming hot throughout.
• Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the soup is thoroughly warmed.

Best Pairings for Minestrone Meals

• Slice a hearty, crusty Italian bread to soak up the rich, flavorful broth and complement the soup's robust textures.
• Choose a light, refreshing white wine that balances the soup's hearty vegetables and cuts through its savory depth.
• Top toasted bread slices with creamy goat cheese and fresh herbs to add a tangy, elegant side that enhances the soup's Mediterranean flavors.
• Create a simple salad with peppery arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved Parmesan to provide a fresh, light contrast to the warm, comforting soup.

Options for Updating Minestrone Soup

• Protein Power Boost: Replace cannellini beans with cooked chicken, shredded beef, or tofu for added protein and different flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa, rice noodles, or zucchini spirals to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip pasta entirely and increase vegetable content, using cauliflower rice or additional zucchini to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the soup.
• Vegan Adaptation: Eliminate Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, ensuring all ingredients remain plant-based while maintaining the soup's rich taste and nutritional value.

Minestrone Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty minestrone soup brings Italian countryside comfort to your kitchen, brimming with colorful vegetables and savory herbs. Nutritious ingredients and rich broth create a delightful meal you’ll savor with each warming spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 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

Proteins and Beans:

• 1 (14 ounces / 400 grams) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14 ounces / 400 grams) can diced tomatoes

Liquids, Grains, and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup (80 grams) small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
• ½ cup (100 grams) rice or barley (optional, for added texture)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over moderate flame, introducing diced onions, carrots, and celery. Gently sauté for approximately 5 minutes until vegetables soften and release their aromatic essence.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and continue cooking briefly, allowing the fragrance to permeate the kitchen. Introduce zucchini and green beans to the vegetable medley.
3. Sprinkle oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes over the vegetables, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly and enhance their flavor profile.
4. Pour vegetable broth, water, and diced tomatoes into the pot. Elevate heat to trigger a rolling boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. After 10 minutes of simmering, integrate pasta and cannellini beans. Continue cooking, allowing pasta to become tender and absorb the rich, herbaceous broth.
6. Delicately fold chopped spinach or kale into the soup, letting the greens wilt and merge with the other ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Ladle the vibrant, hearty soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an additional layer of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

• Boost vegetable flavor by roasting them before adding to the soup for deeper, caramelized notes that enhance overall taste profile.
• Customize the soup’s protein content by swapping cannellini beans with chickpeas, lentils, or adding diced chicken for more variety.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium vegetable broth and controlling salt levels during cooking, allowing individual seasoning preferences.
• Extend soup’s shelf life by storing vegetables and pasta separately, mixing only when reheating to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 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: 24 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg