This minestrone soup recipe is a delightful blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, it offers warmth and comfort for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it an ideal choice for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fiber-rich vegetables and beans, this minestrone soup provides essential nutrients while being low in calories.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal veggies or even different types of pasta to suit your taste.
- Comforting Flavor: The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this flavorful minestrone soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large soup pot
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large soup pot: This is crucial for sautéing the vegetables evenly and allowing ample space for simmering the soup without spills.
- Chef’s knife: A good-quality knife ensures quick and efficient chopping of your veggies, making prep fast and easy.
Ingredients
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 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
– 1 small zucchini (chopped)
– 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
– 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
– 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
– 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)
How to Make Minestrone Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the oil, butter, onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to a large soup pot. Sauté for about 7–10 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, and Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to high until it reaches a boil.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly open and cook for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Pasta
Stir in the elbow macaroni. Continue simmering without the lid for another 15–20 minutes or until both the pasta and veggies are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Before serving, season generously with salt & pepper. Stir in fresh basil if desired. Serve each bowl topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese. If leftovers are too thick upon reheating, add more broth to achieve your preferred consistency.
How to Serve Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to enhance its flavors or add a touch of flair, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve your minestrone soup with a slice of crusty bread for dipping. It adds texture and helps soak up the delicious broth.
Fresh Herbs
- Top each bowl with some fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives your soup a vibrant look.
Parmesan Cheese
- Grate or shave some parmesan cheese over the soup just before serving. The cheesy richness complements the vegetable medley beautifully.
Side Salad
- Pair your minestrone with a light side salad. A simple mix of greens, tomatoes, and vinaigrette balances the meal and adds freshness.
Lemon Wedge
- Serve with a lemon wedge on the side. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing twist.
Croutons
- Add crunchy croutons on top for extra texture. They provide a delightful contrast to the soft vegetables in the soup.
How to Perfect Minestrone Soup
To make your minestrone soup truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.
- Use seasonal vegetables: Incorporate whatever fresh veggies are in season for optimal flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust thickness: If your soup is too thick, add more broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Let it sit: Allowing the soup to rest for a while after cooking helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
- Experiment with beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for added variety and texture in your soup.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Add pasta towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and use them within 3-4 days for best quality.
Best Side Dishes for Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup pairs well with several side dishes that complement its hearty nature. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread – A classic pairing that’s perfect for soaking up every drop of soup.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a light and refreshing contrast.
- Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies makes for an inviting appetizer.
- Cheesy Flatbread – Warm flatbreads topped with cheese create a satisfying accompaniment.
- Stuffed Peppers – Add some substance with peppers filled with rice or quinoa for extra nutrition.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned and roasted veggies provide additional flavor and make a colorful side dish.
- Pasta Salad – A chilled pasta salad adds a nice contrast to warm minestrone while being easy to prepare ahead of time.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after a hearty bowl of minestrone soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making minestrone soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the sauté step: Failing to sauté your vegetables can lead to a lack of flavor. Always start by cooking the onions, celery, and carrots in oil and butter.
- Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked pasta turns mushy in soup. Add it towards the end of cooking and keep an eye on it for perfect texture.
- Not seasoning correctly: Under-seasoning can make your minestrone bland. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth is the base of your soup. Use a good-quality chicken or vegetable broth for the best flavor.
- Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds brightness. Don’t skip this ingredient! Stir in fresh herbs just before serving for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover minestrone soup in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Minestrone Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to store portions of soup.
- Minestrone can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Minestrone Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making minestrone soup:
Can I use different vegetables in my minestrone soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with seasonal vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers.
How long does minestrone soup last?
Minestrone soup lasts about 3-4 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer if stored properly.
What type of beans should I use in minestrone soup?
You can use any beans you prefer! Common choices include kidney beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas.
Is this minestrone soup recipe vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How can I make my minestrone soup thicker?
To thicken your minestrone soup, you can mash some of the beans or add more pasta.
Final Thoughts
Minestrone soup is a comforting classic that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. Its versatility allows you to incorporate various vegetables and beans based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether served as a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to delight everyone at your table. Give it a try and enjoy customizing it!
Minestrone Soup
Warm up with a bowl of hearty minestrone soup, a classic Italian dish brimming with vibrant vegetables, nutritious beans, and tender pasta. This delightful one-pot meal is perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, providing comfort and nourishment in every spoonful. With its customizable ingredients, you can easily adapt this recipe to use whatever fresh produce you have on hand, ensuring a deliciously satisfying experience every time. Packed with fiber and flavor, minestrone soup is also great for meal prep—its taste only gets better as it sits! Serve it with crusty bread or a sprinkle of parmesan for a delightful touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Soup
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Onion
- Celery
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Zucchini
- Green beans
- Red kidney beans
- Cannellini beans
- Elbow macaroni
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic until onions are translucent (7–10 minutes).
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, both types of beans, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to simmer; cover slightly ajar for 10 minutes.
- Add elbow macaroni and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until pasta and veggies are tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste; stir in fresh basil if desired. Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
