Hey y’all! If you’re craving a cozy, soul-warming meal that’s both nourishing and bursting with flavor, this Easy Minestrone Soup is about to become your new go-to recipe. Whether you’re feeding the family on a chilly night, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a delicious way to eat more veggies, this vibrant soup checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, healthy, and easy enough for any night of the week. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Minestrone Soup
- Ready in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with fiber-rich beans, fresh vegetables, and Italian herbs for unbeatable flavor.
- Customizable to fit your pantry staples and personal tastes.
- Naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan or gluten-free with simple swaps.
- Makes fantastic leftovers for lunch or meal prep!
Easy Minestrone Soup Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
Directions: How to Make Easy Minestrone Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Step 2: Build the Base
Add the zucchini and green beans to the pot. Cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), cannellini beans, kidney beans, and vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
Step 4: Add Pasta & Greens
Uncover the pot and stir in the pasta. Simmer uncovered for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Add the spinach (or kale) during the last 2 minutes, letting it wilt into the hot soup.
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the Easy Minestrone Soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired. Enjoy hot!
Notes for the Best Easy Minestrone Soup
- For an extra flavor boost, add a Parmesan rind to the pot while simmering, then remove before serving. Learn more about using Parmesan rinds.
- If you don’t have fresh greens, frozen spinach works beautifully—just add it at the very end.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this soup suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters. More gluten-free tips here.
Easy Minestrone Soup Variations
- Hearty Protein Version: Stir in cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
- Vegan Minestrone: Omit Parmesan and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a savory finish.
- Seasonal Veggie Swap: Use butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or leafy greens based on what’s fresh and in season.
Required Equipment for Easy Minestrone Soup
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Ladle
Easy Minestrone Soup Storage Instructions
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with crusty bread or warm garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
- Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing.
- Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of good olive oil for flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Easy Minestrone Soup
- Don’t overcook the pasta—add it near the end to avoid mushy noodles. Perfect pasta tips here.
- Letting the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving enhances the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning after simmering to make sure it’s just right.
Easy Minestrone Soup FAQ
- Can I make Easy Minestrone Soup ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.
- What pasta shapes work best in minestrone?
- Small shapes like ditalini, elbow, or small shells work best as they soak up the broth without overpowering the soup.
- Is this soup freezer-friendly?
- Yes! Freeze cooled Easy Minestrone Soup (without the pasta, if possible) for best texture, then add fresh-cooked pasta when reheating.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes | Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
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2Stir in the garlic and zucchini, and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
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3Add the diced tomatoes, cannellini beans, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
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4Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the pasta and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
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5Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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