The Best Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Hearty italian minestrone soup brings comfort right to your kitchen with its vibrant medley of vegetables and robust flavors.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish across tuscany’s rolling countryside.

Colorful ingredients dance together, creating a nutritious one-pot meal that warms you from the inside out.

Beans, seasonal vegetables, and tender pasta intermingle in a rich tomato broth that whispers of rustic traditions.

Mediterranean herbs like basil and oregano infuse each spoonful with authentic charm.

Crisp vegetables maintain their texture, offering delightful contrast against soft pasta and creamy beans.

You’ll want to ladle this soul-satisfying soup into deep bowls and savor every delicious bite.

Minestrone Soup Classic Comfort

• This minestrone soup recipe requires minimal culinary skills, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.
• Loaded with colorful vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup delivers a wholesome and balanced meal in a single pot.
• Adaptable to seasonal ingredients and personal preferences, this classic soup works great for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings.
• With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this delicious soup in under an hour, providing a satisfying meal without extensive kitchen time.

Ingredients for Classic Minestrone Soup

• Onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent flavor to the base.
• Carrots: Brings a subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
• Celery: Contributes a light, fresh flavor and crisp texture.

• Zucchini: Adds a tender and mild vegetable element to the soup.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides a rich, tangy base and additional moisture.

• Herbs: Enhance the overall flavor profile with aromatic notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening the soup's taste.

• Beans: Adds protein and a creamy texture to the soup.
• Pasta: Provides a hearty and filling component to the dish.

• Vegetable Broth: Creates the foundational liquid for the soup.

• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty and rich topping for extra flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth base.

How to Cook Classic Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Fire Up the Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Toss in finely chopped onions, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery.

Sauté these aromatic ingredients for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and release their delicious fragrance.

Step 2: Invite More Veggie Friends

• Chopped zucchini
• Diced tomatoes
• Fresh herbs (like basil or oregano)

Cook this colorful mixture for another 5 minutes, letting the vegetables mingle and develop deep flavors.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in vegetable broth and bring the pot to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat and let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to get acquainted and create a rich, comforting base.

Step 4: Welcome Protein and Pasta

• Kidney beans or cannellini beans
• Your favorite pasta shape

Continue cooking for 10-12 minutes until the pasta becomes perfectly tender and the beans are heated through.

Step 5: Final Flavor Flourish

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and if desired, top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete, soul-warming meal.

Tips for Classic Minestrone Soup Success

• Roast vegetables before adding to the soup for a richer, more caramelized taste that enhances overall complexity.
• Choose small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo to ensure even cooking and better spoon-ability in each bite.
• Replace zucchini with seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or kale to keep the soup interesting and adaptable throughout the year.
• Prepare the soup a day in advance, as the flavors will intensify and develop more depth when allowed to sit overnight in the refrigerator.
• Use vegetable broth and omit Parmesan cheese to create a fully vegan version of this hearty classic minestrone soup.

Storing and Reheating Classic Minestrone Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Pour into a pot, heat over medium-low temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Place soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating and prevent hot spots. Check temperature before serving to avoid burns.

Pairings for Classic Minestrone Soup

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the soup's hearty vegetable flavors and enhance its rustic Italian character.
• Match with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Choose a thick-cut, slightly tangy sourdough to soak up the rich broth and provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft vegetables and beans.
• Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light, crisp side salad with mixed greens, fresh basil, parsley, and a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's warmth and add brightness to the meal.
• Top with Aged Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano over the soup to add a nutty, salty depth that elevates the overall flavor profile and provides a luxurious finish.

Variations on Classic Minestrone Soup

• Gluten-Free Minestrone: Replace traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa, rice, or zucchini noodles. Use certified gluten-free vegetable broth to ensure complete dietary compliance.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add grilled chicken, tofu cubes, or cooked ground turkey to boost protein content. Incorporate lentils or chickpeas for additional plant-based protein options.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap out pasta and beans with extra low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, turnips, and spinach. Use cauliflower rice as a base to maintain soup consistency while reducing carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Inspiration: Incorporate Mediterranean ingredients like kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and fresh oregano. Top with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs

• Is minestrone soup healthy?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with vegetables, beans, and whole grains, providing a nutrient-dense meal that’s low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, the recipe is naturally vegetarian, and by omitting the optional Parmesan cheese, it becomes vegan-friendly. The beans provide excellent plant-based protein.

• What type of beans work best in minestrone?

Cannellini and kidney beans are traditional choices, but you can also use great northern beans or navy beans. Each type adds a different texture and subtle flavor to the soup.

• How can I add more protein to the soup?

Consider adding cooked chicken, diced ham, or tofu for extra protein. Alternatively, you can increase the bean quantity or use a protein-rich pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta.

Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 47 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian classic minestrone soup brings warmth and comfort to your table with robust vegetables and rich flavors. Simmering herbs and tender beans create a nourishing meal you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquid and Tomato Base:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) diced tomatoes

Proteins, Pasta, and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 grams) cooked beans (kidney or cannellini)
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) pasta (small shapes like ditalini or macaroni)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently sauté chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery for 5-7 minutes until vegetables become translucent and fragrant.
2. Introduce zucchini, tomatoes, and selected herbs into the pot. Allow ingredients to meld together, stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes to release their natural flavors.
3. Pour vegetable broth into the pot, raising temperature until liquid reaches a vigorous boil. Immediately reduce heat and let the mixture simmer gently for 12-15 minutes, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.
4. Carefully incorporate kidney beans and pasta into the simmering soup. Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, ensuring pasta reaches an al dente texture and beans are thoroughly heated.
5. Taste the soup and carefully adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper. For an enhanced flavor profile, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and serving alongside crusty artisan bread.

Notes

• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor profile.
• Keep the pasta slightly undercooked when adding to the soup, as it will continue to soften while simmering.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or rice pasta.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 37 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg