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Minestrone Soup Recipe

4.4 from 120 reviews

A hearty and wholesome Minestrone Soup loaded with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato and herb broth. This classic Italian soup is perfect for a comforting meal and can be easily customized to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery ribs, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, grated
  • 1 cup chopped green beans
  • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley

Pantry Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1½ cups cooked white beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¾ cup small pasta (elbows, shells, or orecchiette)
  • Red pepper flakes, to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, chopped carrots, sliced celery, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
  2. Add Garlic and Broth Ingredients: Stir in the grated garlic, canned diced tomatoes, cooked beans, chopped green beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover, and let cook gently for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
  3. Cook the Pasta: Remove the lid and stir in the small pasta. Continue to cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still al dente.
  4. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Use any small pasta shape you prefer, such as elbows, shells, or orecchiette.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute pasta with gluten-free pasta or omit it entirely.
  • Can be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • The soup can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of vegetable broth if it has thickened too much.

Keywords: minestrone soup, vegetable soup, Italian soup, vegetarian soup, bean soup, comforting soup