Save A hearty, comforting Italian vegetable soup brimming with beans, pasta, and garden-fresh vegetables—all simmered in one pot for easy cleanup.
This simple minestrone soup has been a family favorite, perfect for cozy evenings and meal prep alike.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1 medium, diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced
- Carrots: 2 medium, diced
- Zucchini: 1 medium, diced
- Green beans: 1 cup, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 (14 oz/400 g) can
- Cannellini beans: 1 (15 oz/425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Vegetable broth: 6 cups (1.5 L)
- Pasta: 3/4 cup (80 g) small pasta (e.g., ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
- Bay leaf: 1
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup freshly grated (omit for vegan)
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes, until softened.
- Step 2:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), cannellini beans, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir well.
- Step 4:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Add pasta and cook for 10 12 minutes, or until pasta and vegetables are tender.
- Step 6:
- Remove and discard bay leaf. Season soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7:
- Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Save This soup always brings my family together for a warm meal and great conversation.
Optional Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley over the soup before serving to add extra flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with crusty bread and a light Italian red wine for a complete meal.
Dietary Notes
Contains wheat from pasta and dairy if Parmesan is added. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and omit cheese for vegan options.
Save
This minestrone soup is a delicious way to enjoy seasonal vegetables year-round.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this minestrone vegan?
Yes, simply omit the Parmesan garnish or replace it with a plant-based alternative to keep the dish vegan-friendly.
- → What pasta types work best for this soup?
Small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are ideal since they cook evenly and blend well with vegetables.
- → How can I add extra greens to the soup?
Chopped spinach or kale can be stirred in during the last five minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
- → Is it possible to swap cannellini beans with other beans?
Yes, kidney or navy beans can be used interchangeably without impacting the overall flavor much.
- → What sides complement this dish well?
Crusty bread and a light Italian red wine pair wonderfully with the hearty minestrone to balance flavors.
- → Can I prepare this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to adapt the dish for gluten-intolerant diets while maintaining texture and taste.