Minestrone Soup Recipe
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.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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