Minestrone Soup
Minestrone Soup is your perfect go-to for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that fills your home with warmth and delicious aromas.
This easy vegetable soup is a perfect blend of hearty vegetables and tender pasta simmered to perfection in a tomato broth.
Minestrone Soup Recipe Highlights
- Easy and Satisfying
- Packed with Delicious Veggies
- A Complete Meal in a Bowl
- Freezer-Friendly
- Great for Meal Prep
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
ONION, CELERY and GARLIC – These aromatics provide the flavor base for the soup.
OLIVE OIL – We use olive oil to saute the veggies. Feel free to use other oils such as avocado oil or canola oil.
CANNED DICED TOMATOES – Using canned diced tomatoes saves the effort of chopping while still delivering that fresh, tangy-rich tomato flavor.
DRIED HERBS – Parsley, basil, thyme and oregano create an Italian herb blend that makes minestrone so yummy.
BAY LEAF – Bay leaves add a subtle flavor to the whole pot then get removed before serving.
VEGGIE BROTH – I like using veggie broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly but feel to use chicken broth or beef broth.
GREEN BEANS, CARROTS & ZUCCHINI – Canned green beans is an easy shortcut and we’re also adding in fresh carrots and zucchini. You can grab whatever looks best at your store. This soup is a mix of convenience and farm-fresh flavors.
SPINACH – Leafy greens add color and even more flavor. I love how the spinach wilts right into the hot soup.
PASTA – You can’t have Minestrone without some pasta! Small shapes like shells work perfectly.
How To Make Minestrone Soup
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Sauté onions, celery, and garlic in olive oil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer with tomatoes, herbs, and broth.
- Add veggies and pasta, and continue simmering until tender.
Serving Suggestions
BREAD – Warm, fresh bread like our Sour Dough Sandwich Bread or baguette is perfect for sopping up the broth. Garlic bread or breadsticks also make great dippers.
SALAD – Keep it light and fresh with a crisp green salad drizzled with Italian dressing. It pairs nicely with the rich, vegetable-packed soup. Another great option is our classic German Cucumber Salad or our Creamy Cucumber Salad
PASTA SALAD – Pair a refreshing Italian Pasta Salad on the side. The bright flavors complement each other beautifully for a satisfying meal.
PARMESAN CHEESE – Minestrone tastes even better with a shower of nutty, salty Parmesan sprinkled over top just before serving.
Planning and Leftovers
STORE – Let soup cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. The soup will keep for 3 days in the fridge.
FREEZE – This soup is very freezer-friendly. Again, let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen minestrone will keep for 3 months.
REHEAT – Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, transfer to a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave, just be sure to stir it halfway through to distribute the heat evenly.
Note: The pasta may soak up some extra liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Recipe Success Tips
USE QUALITY BROTH – Opt for a rich, flavorful broth over water or bouillon cubes. The broth contributes a huge amount to the soup’s overall taste.
SEASON AS YOU GO – Give the soup a taste after simmering the initial broth, and add more dried herbs, salt, pepper, or other seasonings if needed before adding the veggies and pasta.
GARNISHES – Brighten up each bowl with toppings like grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil.
MAKE IT A MEAL – Round out the soup with crusty homemade bread, cheesy garlic bread, or a light cucumber salad.
USE HOMEMADE STOCK – If you have the time, using a rich homemade vegetable or chicken stock instead of store-bought broth will take this soup to another level.
LET IT SIT – Like many soups and stews, the flavors of minestrone continue to deepen as it sits. Make it a day ahead if possible for maximum flavor.
Minestrone Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tablespoons parsley flakes
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 medium bay leaf
- 64 ounces vegetable broth
- 1 14.5-ounce can green beans
- 1 medium carrot diced
- 1 medium zucchini diced
- 2 cups spinach fresh, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup pasta shell pasta, uncooked
Instructions
- Sauté onions, garlic and celery In a large pot or Dutch oven in olive oil until tender.
- Add tomatoes, parsley leaves, basil, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, vegetables broth.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 40 minutes.
- Add vegetables and uncooked pasta, cover and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes. Remove the bay leaf. Serve and enjoy.
Equipment
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.