What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Minestrone Soup recipe is perfect for cozy nights or when you need a quick, hearty meal. You’ll love how easy it is to make with simple ingredients you probably already have.
- It’s packed with veggies, making it both healthy and filling.
- The flavors blend together beautifully, creating a comforting, savory broth.
- It’s customizable—add your favorite beans, pasta, or herbs to make it your own.
Recipe
Minestrone soup is a hearty and nutritious Italian classic, packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta. This comforting dish is perfect for any season and can be easily customized based on what’s in your pantry.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add zucchini and green beans, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth, and bring to a boil.
- Add kidney beans, cannellini beans, pasta, oregano, and basil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Stir in spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Substitute or add other vegetables like kale, potatoes, or bell peppers as desired.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Equipment
– Large pot
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Cuisine
Italian
Serving
6 servings
Nutrition
1 serving of Minestrone Soup provides a balanced mix of nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Total Carbs | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 8g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my minestrone with warm, crusty bread for dipping, which makes every bite even more satisfying. A fresh salad, like one with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette, adds a nice contrast to the soup’s richness. These sides keep the meal light but filling, and they’re always a hit at my table.
Crusty Bread Options
There’s nothing quite like a warm, crusty loaf to pair with a hearty bowl of minestrone—it’s the perfect way to soak up every last bit of flavor. I love a classic Italian ciabatta for its chewy texture and airy inside, but a rustic sourdough works just as well with its tangy bite. Sometimes, I’ll grab a baguette if I want something lighter and crisp. If you’re feeling fancy, garlic bread adds a savory twist that complements the soup beautifully. Just toast it up, tear off a piece, and dunk it in—comfort food at its best!
Fresh Salad Pairings
While a steaming bowl of minestrone is hearty on its own, adding a fresh salad to the meal brings a crisp, rejuvenating balance. I love pairing it with a simple mixed greens salad, tossing in cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. Sometimes, I’ll add shredded carrots or thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch. A Caesar salad with crunchy croutons works wonders too, or a Caprese salad with juicy tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Whatever you choose, the salad’s lightness complements the soup’s richness perfectly. It’s a combo that feels hearty yet revitalizing—perfect for lunch or dinner. Try it, and you’ll see!
