Quick Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe: Cozy Bowls of Goodness

Warming up with a classic hearty minestrone soup brings memories of grandmother’s kitchen and cozy winter evenings.

Nourishing vegetables dance alongside tender beans in this traditional Italian comfort dish.

Robust flavors mingle beautifully, creating a symphony of taste that feels like a culinary hug.

Chunky ingredients provide satisfying texture and deep nutrition for hungry souls.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, promising a delightful meal in under an hour.

Rich tomato broth infuses each spoonful with Mediterranean charm and wholesome goodness.

Savor every bite and let this soul-warming soup transport you to a rustic Italian countryside.

Hearty Minestrone Soup: Classic Comfort Bowl

• Packed with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta, this minestrone delivers a balanced, wholesome dish that provides essential nutrients and keeps you feeling satisfied.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping vegetables, adding different herbs, or including your favorite protein to make this soup uniquely yours while maintaining its classic charm.
• Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor combine in this single-pot recipe, making it an ideal solution for weeknight dinners or when you want a stress-free cooking experience.

Must-Have Veggies and Beans for Minestrone

• Onion: A flavor base that adds depth and sweetness to the soup.
• Carrots: Provide natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Contributes a subtle herbal flavor and crisp texture.
• Zucchini: Adds a mild, fresh vegetable element to the soup.
• Green Beans: Offer a tender and nutritious green component.
• Garlic: Brings a robust and aromatic flavor to the soup.

• Diced Tomatoes: Create a rich and tangy foundation for the soup.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides a flavorful and light liquid base.

• Beans: Add protein and a creamy texture to the soup.
• Pasta: Offers a hearty and filling element to the dish.

• Oregano, Basil: Contribute classic Italian herb flavors.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall taste of the soup.

• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil, Parsley: Provide additional flavor and visual appeal.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding richness.

How to Simmer Up Hearty Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Gently cook onions until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet, mellow flavor.

Step 2: Build Vegetable Foundation

• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic

Sauté the vegetables until they begin to soften and release their robust aromas.

Step 3: Create Liquid Harmony

• Zucchini
• Green beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Vegetable broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Let the soup bubble softly for about 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to become tender and flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Introduce Protein and Herbs

• Beans
• Pasta
• Oregano
• Basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, ensuring the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture.

Step 5: Perfect the Flavor

Taste the soup carefully.

Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding extra salt, pepper, or herbs to enhance the overall taste profile.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Top with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and additional flavor.

Tips for Rich, Layered Minestrone Flavors

• Sauté vegetables in olive oil before adding liquid to enhance their natural sweetness and develop deeper, richer taste profiles.
• Cook pasta separately and add to individual bowls to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente consistency.
• Prepare soup in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days; flavors will continue to develop and intensify over time.
• Swap beans with cooked chicken, ground turkey, or tofu for additional protein variations to suit different dietary preferences.
• Replace summer vegetables like zucchini with winter squash or root vegetables during colder months for year-round adaptability.

Storing and Reheating Minestrone Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing pasta, as it becomes mushy when thawed.
• Pour soup into a pot, add a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
• Transfer portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.

Best Bread and Salad Partners for Minestrone

• Savor with Sangria: Complement the hearty minestrone with a fruity Spanish red wine sangria, blending citrus notes and light sweetness that balance the soup's robust vegetable flavors.
• Pair with Crusty Sourdough: Select a rustic, warm sourdough bread with a crispy exterior and soft interior to dip and soak up the rich, herbaceous broth of the minestrone.
• Match with Crisp Pinot Grigio: Choose a chilled, light-bodied Italian white wine that offers refreshing acidity to cut through the soup's hearty texture and enhance its vegetable medley.
• Enhance with Herbed Focaccia: Serve alongside a freshly baked focaccia bread sprinkled with rosemary and sea salt, providing a complementary herbal touch that echoes the soup's aromatic profile.

Creative Variations on Minestrone Soup

• Gluten-Free Minestrone: Replace wheat pasta with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa, rice pasta, or zucchini noodles to make the soup safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Protein Boost: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and add extra protein by including cubed tofu, lentils, or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Veggie Version: Eliminate pasta completely and increase vegetable content, using cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables as a lighter base for the soup.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate additional Mediterranean herbs like thyme, rosemary, and add a splash of red wine for deeper flavor complexity and a regional twist.

FAQs

• Is minestrone soup vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian. It uses vegetable broth and a variety of vegetables like zucchini, green beans, carrots, and beans instead of meat.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace traditional pasta with gluten-free pasta options like rice pasta or chickpea pasta to make the recipe gluten-free.

• What type of beans work best in minestrone soup?

Cannellini beans and kidney beans are traditional choices. Both add great texture and protein to the soup. You can use canned or freshly cooked beans.

• How nutritious is minestrone soup?

Very nutritious! It’s packed with vegetables, beans, and herbs, providing a rich source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein. The combination of ingredients makes it a wholesome, balanced meal.

Minestrone Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian Minestrone soup brings robust flavors from Mediterranean gardens straight to your kitchen. Generous vegetables, tender beans, and rich broth combine for a nourishing meal you’ll savor with comfort and warmth.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Protein and Legumes:

• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo)

Liquid and Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
• Freshly grated Parmesan (optional for garnish)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium flame, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Introduce chopped carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for 3-4 minutes.
3. Layer in zucchini, green beans, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth, elevating the heat to create a rolling boil before reducing to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables reach a tender consistency.
4. Incorporate kidney beans and pasta, then sprinkle in dried oregano, fresh basil, sea salt, and cracked pepper, continuing to cook for 10-12 minutes until pasta achieves a perfect al dente texture.
5. Conduct a flavor assessment, calibrating seasonings with additional herbs, salt, or pepper to enhance the soup’s depth and complexity.
6. Ladle the steaming soup into warm bowls, crowning each serving with a generous dusting of freshly grated Parmesan and a vibrant garnish of chopped basil or parsley for a final flourish of color and freshness.

Notes

• Customize veggie selection by swapping seasonal produce to keep the soup exciting and budget-friendly.
• Replace pasta with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free and lower-carb version that maintains the soup’s hearty texture.
• Use low-sodium vegetable broth and control salt levels by adding salt gradually while tasting to prevent over-seasoning.
• Enhance protein content by adding cooked chicken, ground turkey, or plant-based protein crumbles for a more substantial meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg