If you are craving a comforting bowl of goodness that bursts with vibrant vegetables, tender pasta, and rich flavors, this Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a soul-warming classic that combines wholesome ingredients in a way that’s both nourishing and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for any season, this soup brings a delightful mix of texture, color, and aroma to your table, making it a favorite go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this soup lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a unique role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this minestrone so memorable and comforting.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing and imparts a delicate richness.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Builds the aromatic foundation with slight sweetness when softened.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Gives a warm, fragrant boost that deepens the soup’s flavor.
- 2 medium carrots, diced: Offers natural sweetness and lovely color contrast.
- 2 celery stalks, diced: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh earthiness.
- 1 zucchini, diced: Brings tender bite and moisture to balance the heartier ingredients.
- 1 cup green beans, chopped (or 1 can, drained): Provides a crisp texture and vibrant green hue.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes: Contributes tangy brightness and a beautiful red base.
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds protein and a creamy texture to the soup.
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed: Complements kidney beans with a mild, buttery flavor.
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth): The flavorful liquid that ties everything together beautifully.
- 1 cup small pasta (like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or shells): Gives the soup a delightful chewiness and fills it out.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds sweet herbal notes that lift the soup’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Imparts a warm, slightly peppery touch.
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Gives a gentle kick without overpowering.
- 1 bay leaf: Offers subtle depth and complexity during simmering.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth of flavor): Brings a gentle tang and richness to finish.
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped: Adds freshness and a boost of nutrients.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional): Delivers a savory umami touch when sprinkled on top.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and herbal brightness.
How to Make Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent. This step unlocks the natural sweetness and aromatic base essential for the soup.
Step 2: Add the Other Vegetables
Next, toss in the zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Stir everything together so the vegetables and beans mix evenly, allowing their flavors to begin marrying as they cook ahead.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings
Pour in the vegetable broth and add dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This infusion of herbs and seasonings will permeate the broth, delivering that signature minestrone taste.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and add your choice of small pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini. Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape. This makes the soup hearty enough to be a meal on its own.
Step 5: Add Greens
Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and allow it to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The leafy greens wilt quickly, adding a fresh burst of color and nutrients that brighten the soup both visually and in flavor.
Step 6: Finish the Soup
Remove the bay leaf and taste your soup. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of balsamic vinegar if you want that little extra zing. This balancing act enhances all the ingredients and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Serve
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese along with fresh basil or parsley if you like. Pair it with some crusty bread for a genuinely comforting and wholesome meal that’s made to savor.
How to Serve Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese truly elevates the soup by layering in a creamy umami richness. Fresh basil or parsley leaves not only brighten the look but add a final herbal pop that complements the deep flavors in the pot.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside crusty artisan bread or garlic bread to soak up every last flavorful drop. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette also pairs wonderfully, balancing the meal with a crisp, refreshing element.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls for an interactive dining experience. You can also top with a drizzle of good olive oil or a dollop of pesto to add layers of complexity and make your presentation truly shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making for easy, flavorful meals on busy days.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth or water can help loosen the texture since pasta tends to soak up liquid over time. Avoid overheating to keep those fresh vegetable flavors vibrant.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegetable broth and skip the Parmesan cheese to keep it fully vegan while maintaining the soup’s hearty and delicious nature.
What type of pasta works best in minestrone?
Small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or small shells work best because they cook evenly and fit nicely with the bite-sized vegetables and beans, offering balanced texture in every spoonful.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
You can, but remember to soak and cook them separately since dried beans take longer to prepare. Adding them directly could lead to uneven cooking and affect the soup’s timing.
Is it okay to substitute other vegetables?
Definitely! Minestrone is very adaptable, so feel free to swap in seasonal veggies like peas, corn, or potatoes as they become available for your own unique twist.
How spicy is this soup?
This Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe is generally mild and comforting, but if you love a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a spark without overpowering the natural vegetable flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients coming together to create warmth, comfort, and vibrant flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking soup or looking to perfect a classic, this recipe invites you to enjoy every spoonful with the joy of home-cooked goodness. Give it a try and share the love with those around your table!
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Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Minestrone Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian vegetable stew filled with a medley of fresh and canned vegetables, beans, pasta, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for a nutritious family meal, this easy-to-make soup is loaded with fiber and protein, gently simmered for a rich and flavorful taste, and can be garnished with Parmesan and fresh herbs for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped (or 1 can, drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach or kale, chopped
Beans
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids & Broth
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
Carbohydrates & Pasta
- 1 cup small pasta (like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or shells)
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth of flavor)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent, building a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add the Other Vegetables: Add the zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes, and both types of beans to the pot. Stir to combine and mix the flavors evenly.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, and add dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Stir everything together, and bring the soup to a boil to develop the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and add the pasta. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Add Greens: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender, adding nutritious greens to the soup.
- Finish the Soup: Once the pasta is cooked and the greens are wilted, remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a splash of balsamic vinegar if desired for extra depth.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread for a complete, cozy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a non-vegetarian version.
- Optional balsamic vinegar adds a nice depth and slight tang to the soup, but can be omitted.
- Using canned beans saves time; rinsing them reduces excess sodium.
- Ensure to stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
