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Classic Minestrone Soup – Hearty, Cozy & Full of Italian Flavor

Classic Minestrone Soup is one of the most comforting and beloved Italian dishes ever created — a wholesome bowl packed with vegetables, beans, pasta, and rich tomato broth. This soup is warm, cozy, hearty, and wonderfully nourishing. Every spoonful offers a delicious mix of textures: soft vegetables, tender pasta, creamy beans, and fragrant herbs that bring the entire dish to life. Minestrone is a timeless recipe because it adapts beautifully to what you have on hand. It is traditionally made with seasonal vegetables, small pasta, beans, tomatoes, and Italian herbs. This recipe brings together carrots, celery, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, spinach, beans, and onions to create a full, vibrant, colorful bowl of comfort. Whether you want a healthy weeknight dinner, a nourishing meal prep idea, or a cozy dish for rainy days, this Classic Minestrone Soup delivers warm Italian comfort in the simplest way. It’s wholesome, beautiful, and packed with flavor — the kind of meal that makes you feel good with every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 carrots diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 medium zucchini chopped
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1 medium potato diced
Canned & Pantry
  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Pasta
  • 1 cup small pasta ditalini, shells, or macaroni
Liquids
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
Oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
Italian Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle
  • Can opener
  • Serving bowls

Method
 

Step 1 — Sauté aromatics
  1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large soup pot.
  2. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 6–7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 2 — Add tomatoes & seasonings
  1. Pour in the diced tomatoes.
  2. Add oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Stir well to coat the vegetables with herbs.
Step 3 — Add potatoes & broth
  1. Add diced potatoes and pour in the vegetable broth.
  2. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4 — Add beans & zucchini
  1. Once boiling, add kidney beans, cannellini beans, and chopped zucchini.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 5 — Add pasta
  1. Stir in the small pasta.
  2. Simmer for another 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta becomes soft.
Step 6 — Add spinach
  1. Add the baby spinach and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes.
Step 7 — Taste & adjust
  1. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
Step 8 — Serve warm
  1. Ladle into bowls and enjoy a hearty, flavorful Italian classic.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store for 4–5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer
Freeze without pasta for up to 2 months
(add cooked pasta after reheating).
Reheating
Warm gently on the stove, adding broth if needed.
Pasta absorbs liquid, so add extra broth to thin the soup.
🥄 Variations
1. Minestrone with Rice
Replace pasta with cooked rice.
2. Creamy Minestrone
Add ½ cup coconut milk for a creamy texture.
3. High-Protein Version
Add chickpeas or more beans.
4. Spring Minestrone
Use peas, asparagus, and fresh herbs.
5. Winter Minestrone
Use kale, squash, and extra potatoes.
6. Gluten-Free Minestrone
Use gluten-free pasta or rice.
7. Spicy Minestrone
Add red pepper flakes for heat.
8. Tomato-Rich Minestrone
Add tomato paste for a deeper flavor.
9. Basil Pesto Minestrone
Stir in a spoon of pesto (no cheese if vegan).
10. Brothy Minestrone
Add more vegetable stock for a lighter soup.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Does minestrone always include pasta?
Traditionally yes, but rice or potatoes also work.
2. Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes — use 2–3 large tomatoes, chopped.
3. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta or rice.
4. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes — add them during the last few minutes of cooking.
5. Can I cook pasta separately?
Yes — perfect for meal prep.
6. Can I add meat?
Use chicken breast or turkey to keep it healthy.
7. Is minestrone vegan?
Yes — this version is naturally vegan.
8. Can I use broth instead of stock?
Yes — both work well.
9. How do I make it thicker?
Mash some beans and stir them back into the pot.
10. What goes well with minestrone?
Garlic bread, salad, or toasted baguette.
🏁 Conclusion
This Classic Minestrone Soup is everything a comforting Italian soup should be — hearty, flavorful, colorful, and full of nourishing ingredients. With a blend of vegetables, beans, pasta, and herbs, it’s the perfect cozy bowl for any season, especially when you need something warm and satisfying.
It’s wholesome, easy to prepare, beautifully balanced, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you enjoy it for meal prep, family dinners, or as a light yet hearty lunch, this soup brings delicious Italian comfort every time.