Learn how to make the most delicious minestrone soup recipe with wholesome veggies, beans, and pasta. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is healthy and packed with flavor!
Delicious Minestrone Soup Recipe – A Flavor-Packed Bowl of Comfort
Looking for a warm, hearty, and flavorful soup that’s brimming with veggies, pasta, and comforting goodness? Look no further than this delicious minestrone soup recipe. Perfect for any season, minestrone soup is a versatile Italian-inspired dish that blends simple, healthy ingredients into a bowl full of nourishment and love.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to prepare this delightful soup, answer your frequently asked questions, and provide tips on how to make it perfectly every time. Spoiler: It’s easier than you think, and once you try it, it’ll become your weeknight go-to meal.
Why You’ll Love This Minestrone Soup
This classic Italian minestrone soup is more than just a recipe – it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of vegetables, beans, and pasta, swimming in a savory tomato-based broth that’s been perfected over generations.
Delicious minestrone soup recipe
Looking for a meal that's packed with flavor, healthy ingredients, and a comforting aroma? This delicious minestrone soup recipe is everything you need! It’s the ultimate bowl of goodness with a mix of seasonal vegetables, hearty beans, flavorful herbs, and tender pasta simmered together in a savory broth. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal, a healthy family dinner, or a dish to meal prep for the week, this recipe has your back.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow work best)
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep IngredientsStart by washing, chopping, and prepping your vegetables and herbs so they’re ready to go. This makes cooking smooth and fast.
- Sauté Your VegetablesHeat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Build the BaseAdd zucchini, green beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Stir in the oregano and basil, and season with salt and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the PastaStir in the small pasta and continue simmering until the pasta is tender (about 7-9 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking at the bottom of the pot.
- Add Fresh GreensOnce the pasta is cooked, toss in the spinach or kale. Stir and allow the greens to wilt (about 2 minutes).
- Serve and EnjoyRemove the soup from heat, taste, and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional), and serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions About Minestrone Soup
Q: What is minestrone soup?A: Minestrone soup is a traditional Italian soup made with a combination of seasonal vegetables, beans, and a starchy component like pasta or rice. It’s an adaptable “throw-together” dish, originally created to make use of leftover veggies. Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Yes! This delicious minestrone soup recipe is vegetarian by default, and you can make it vegan simply by skipping the Parmesan garnish or substituting it with a vegan-friendly cheese option. Q: What pasta works best for minestrone soup?
A: Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells work great. Their size blends well with the soup mix and complements the bite-sized vegetables and beans. Q: Can I freeze minestrone soup?
A: Absolutely! Store the soup (without the pasta) in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat while adding freshly cooked pasta. Q: Does minestrone soup only work in winter?
A: Not at all! This soup can be made year-round with whatever vegetables are in season. It’s great for both warm, comforting winter meals and light summer lunches when you use fresh summer produce.
Nutrition Information: Why It’s a Healthy Choice
This delicious minestrone soup recipe is not only packed with flavor but also nutrients. It’s a wholesome dish that supports a balanced diet with its mix of fiber-rich vegetables, protein-packed beans, and satisfying carbs from the pasta. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cup):- Calories: ~200
- Protein: ~8g
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Fiber: ~7g
- Fat: ~4g
- Sodium: ~400mg
Special Notes and Tips
- Customize It: Don’t have all the listed vegetables? No problem! You can use whatever veggies you have, like bell peppers, squash, or peas.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or substitute pasta with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free version.
- Meal Prep: For best results, store the pasta separately if you’re saving leftovers. This prevents it from soaking up all the broth. Add the pasta back in when reheating.
- Scaling the Recipe: This recipe is perfect for doubling or tripling if you’re cooking for a crowd or freezing portions for later.
Related Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this delicious minestrone soup recipe, check out these other cozy soup recipes on our blog:Final Thoughts
This delicious minestrone soup recipe is the perfect mix of nourishment, comfort, and ease. It’s the kind of recipe that warms your soul, whether you’re making it for a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it to loved ones. Plus, the ability to customize it with your favorite veggies and flavors makes it endlessly versatile. If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below or tag me on social media to share your delicious creations. Happy cooking!Beef nachos recipe
