Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe

Warm up your kitchen with this classic minestrone soup that’s hearty, veggie-packed, and full of comforting Italian flavors. With tender beans, pasta, and rich tomato broth, it’s a cozy bowl perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

What is Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone soup is a rustic Italian vegetable soup that varies by region and season. At its core, it combines fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta in a savory tomato broth. Unlike creamy soups, minestrone is chunky, colorful, and hearty, making it a complete meal in one bowl. Traditionally, it was considered a “peasant dish,” created from whatever vegetables and pantry staples were on hand. Today, it remains popular for its wholesome ingredients and adaptability.

A brief history of minestrone

Minestrone dates back to ancient Rome, when vegetables, grains, and legumes formed the heart of the diet. Over centuries, Italians adapted the recipe by adding beans and pasta, making it the satisfying dish we know now.

Key ingredients that define the soup

The essentials are always vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and zucchini, beans for protein, pasta for heartiness, and Italian herbs. Tomatoes and broth form the flavorful base, while garlic adds depth and aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This minestrone soup is simple yet delicious, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The flavors only improve as it sits, so leftovers are even better.

Healthy and hearty

Each bowl is loaded with fiber-rich beans, fresh veggies, and light pasta, giving you a filling yet balanced meal.

Flexible with substitutions

Swap in spinach, kale, or squash depending on what’s in your fridge. You can even use rice for a gluten-free option.

Perfect for meal prep

It makes a big batch, stores well in the fridge, and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for weekly lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making minestrone soup requires just a handful of everyday items, many likely in your pantry already.

Fresh vegetables

Carrots, zucchini, celery, and onions create the base flavor and texture. Feel free to toss in seasonal extras like spinach, kale, or even broccoli for added nutrients.

Pantry staples like beans, tomatoes, and pasta

Canned diced tomatoes give a rich, tangy broth. Great northern beans and kidney beans bring protein and creaminess. A small pasta shape rounds out the dish and soaks up the savory broth.

Seasonings and broth

Italian seasoning, basil, and garlic provide depth, while vegetable broth keeps it light and vegan-friendly. A drizzle of olive oil ties everything together.

How to Make Minestrone Soup Step by Step

Step 1 – Sauté the vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add diced carrots, zucchini, celery, and onion. Stir and cook until softened, which builds the flavor foundation.

Step 2 – Add tomatoes, broth, beans, and pasta

Next, stir in canned diced tomatoes with their juices, Italian seasoning, and basil. Pour in the vegetable broth, drained beans, and pasta. This mix creates the heart of the soup.

Step 3 – Simmer and season

Bring the pot to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes, until the pasta is nearly tender. If the soup thickens too much, add up to 2 cups of water to loosen it.

Step 4 – Final touches and serving

Finally, stir in minced garlic and simmer another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust with more herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with parmesan, fresh basil, or crusty bread.

Expert Tips and Variations

Gluten-free and vegan options

Substitute rice or gluten-free pasta for the noodles. Keep it vegan by using vegetable broth and egg-free pasta.

Adding spice or extra flavor

Red pepper flakes bring heat, while a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors.

Best vegetables to swap in

Spinach, kale, or cabbage work beautifully. You can also add squash in the fall or green beans in the summer for a seasonal twist.

Serving Suggestions

Minestrone soup pairs beautifully with simple sides.

Pairing with bread and toppings

Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or focaccia to soak up the broth. Sprinkle with parmesan, fresh parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch.

Making it a main or side dish

This soup is filling enough as a main, but it also works as a starter for pasta or roasted chicken dinners.

Storage and Leftovers

How long it lasts in the fridge

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to one week. The flavors deepen, making it even tastier the next day.

Why freezing is not recommended

Because it uses fresh vegetables and pasta, the texture doesn’t hold well when frozen. The vegetables can turn mushy, and pasta absorbs too much liquid.

Reheating tips

Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat. Since pasta soaks up broth, add extra water or stock before serving.

FAQ About Minestrone Soup

Conclusion

Quick recap of why this recipe works

This minestrone soup is hearty, wholesome, and versatile, making it a timeless family favorite.

Encouragement to try and customize at home

Make it once, then switch up the veggies and pasta to keep it fresh. You’ll love how easy and satisfying it is every time. For more cozy meal ideas, check out these soup recipes and browse the recent posts. And if you enjoy saving recipes, you can also follow along on Pinterest.

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