Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup

6 servings
This minestrone soup recipe is loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a delicious tomato broth. This classic soup is nourishing, easy to make, and makes amazing leftovers!

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium onion

    chopped

  • 2 sticks celery

    chopped

  • 3 medium carrots

    peeled & sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic

    minced

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes

    28 ounce

  • 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
  • 1 small zucchini

    chopped

  • 1 cup fresh green beans

    chopped

  • 1 can red kidney beans

    14 ounce

  • 1 can white kidney beans

    14 ounce

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  • Salt & pepper
    to taste
  • Fresh basil
    optional, to taste
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese
    to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Add the oil, butter, onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to a large soup pot. Sauté for 7-10 minutes.

  2. 2

    Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, and Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to high, and bring it to a boil.

  3. 3

    Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat so it's simmering and cover the pot with the lid slightly open and cook for 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Stir in the pasta. Continue simmering the soup (I leave the lid off) for another 15-20 minutes or until the pasta and veggies are tender. Stir occasionally to stop the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

  5. 5

    Before serving, season to taste with salt & pepper (I am generous with both), stir in the basil (if using), and serve each bowl with some parmesan cheese grated/shaved over top. This minestrone is fairly thick. If you find it too thick, add a splash more broth to thin it out (especially leftovers).

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup

55 min6 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving a bowl of warm, comforting soup that's both hearty and healthy? This Minestrone Soup is a timeless classic, loaded with wholesome ingredients, that delivers on flavor and nourishment, perfect for any day of the week.

Why This Soup Works

This recipe shines by combining a rich, savory tomato broth with a generous medley of fresh vegetables and two types of beans. The result is a deeply satisfying soup with layers of flavor and diverse textures, making each spoonful a delightful experience. It’s a complete meal in a bowl that’s simple to bring together and consistently delicious.

What to Expect

You can anticipate a robust, savory soup featuring tender, chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans, all swimming in a deeply flavored tomato base. The combination of red kidney beans and white kidney (cannellini) beans adds a hearty, creamy texture, while the elbow macaroni provides a familiar, comforting bite. This nourishing soup is designed to be enjoyed year-round, offering warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.

Customization & Variations

Easily adapt this classic Minestrone Soup to your preferences. To make it vegetarian, simply swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can also experiment with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells if elbow macaroni isn't on hand. Feel free to incorporate other seasonal vegetables like spinach, kale, or chopped bell peppers for added color and nutrients.

Serving & Context

Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend lunch, this minestrone is incredibly satisfying on its own. Serve it with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, and don't forget a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for that essential finishing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions