Minestrone soup is a warm hug in a bowl, filled with veggies, beans, and pasta. It’s hearty and packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal for chilly days.
I love how easy it is to toss in whatever veggies I have on hand. No two batches are ever the same, and it always tastes amazing—like a cozy Italian kitchen! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is the best oil for sautéing due to its flavor. If you’re out, use vegetable oil or even butter for richness.
Vegetables: Onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and zucchini are classics. Feel free to swap in whatever you have, like bell peppers, corn, or peas!
White Beans: Cannellini and navy beans give a nice creaminess. You can substitute with chickpeas or kidney beans if needed.
Pasta: I love small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Gluten-free pasta works too! Just watch the cooking time, as they can differ.
Kale or Spinach: Both add healthy greens. If you’re not a fan, chard or collard greens can go in their place.
How Can I Make Sure My Vegetables Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking vegetables perfectly in minestrone is key for flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Sauté onions and garlic first for a fragrant base. Make sure they’re soft but not brown.
- Add hearty veggies like carrots and celery next, as they take longer to soften.
- Stir in softer veggies like zucchini and green beans later, so they keep their shape and crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot; this keeps veggies from steaming and allows proper browning.
How to Make Delicious Minestrone Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup cooked white beans (cannellini or navy beans)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (elbow macaroni or ditalini)
- 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty minestrone soup can be made in about 30 minutes total! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything together on the stove. It’s a quick and comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This will create a tasty base for your soup!
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, toss in the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook them together for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want these veggies to soften a bit and release their wonderful flavors.
3. Stir in More Vegetables:
Now it’s time to add the diced zucchini, green beans, and chopped tomatoes. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes, just until you see the vegetables starting to soften. The colors will be beautiful!
4. Add the Broth:
Pour in the vegetable broth and turn the heat up until the mixture comes to a boil. This will give you a nice hot broth that infuses all the flavors together.
5. Season and Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the dried oregano and basil, then season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for a few minutes and fill your kitchen with delicious smells!
6. Cook the Pasta:
Add the cooked white beans and small pasta to the pot. Let everything cook together until the pasta is al dente, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the type of pasta you’re using.
7. Add Greens:
Finally, stir in the chopped kale or spinach. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the greens are wilted and vibrant.
8. Final Touches:
Give your soup a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. When you’re happy with the flavor, it’s time to serve!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch. For an extra delicious experience, top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve alongside some crusty bread. Enjoy your cozy meal!
Can I Use Any Type of Pasta in Minestrone Soup?
Absolutely! While small pasta like elbow macaroni or ditalini works best, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add bell peppers, peas, corn, or even squash. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is perfectly tender.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! Minestrone soup stores well. You can make it a day ahead, let it cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together and taste even better!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember that the pasta may become softer upon reheating, so you might want to cook it separately if that’s a concern.
