Minestrone Soup is a comforting dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of hearty, wholesome food. Bursting with vibrant vegetables, beans, and pasta, this soup is as nourishing as it is tasty. Picture a steaming bowl filled with a colorful medley of fresh ingredients, each lending its unique flavor and texture to the rich broth. It’s the kind of dish that draws you in with its inviting aroma, reminiscent of family gatherings and warm kitchens filled with laughter.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable and Bean Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable and Bean Soup

Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable and Bean Soup

I first discovered my love for minestrone on a chilly fall evening when I craved something warm and satisfying. It quickly became a staple in my house, especially during those cozy nights when you just want something hearty yet easy. What I love most about this soup is how uncomplicated it is to make, appealing to both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up a delightful Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable and Bean Soup that warms both the heart and soul. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a delicious, wholesome meal ready in no time.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of herbs and fresh vegetables creates a flavor explosion with every spoonful.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the ingredients make this soup as beautiful as it is tasty, perfect for impressing guests.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a light lunch, hearty dinner, or even as a part of a holiday meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free diets, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – This adds a rich, fruity flavor and helps sauté the vegetables perfectly.
1 medium yellow onion, diced – Onions contribute a sweet and savory base that’s essential for a flavorful broth.
2 medium carrots, chopped – They provide natural sweetness and color.
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced – Celery adds crunch and depth to the soup.
1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste – Salt enhances the flavor of all the other ingredients.
Freshly ground black pepper – A sprinkle of pepper adds warmth and complexity.
3 garlic cloves, grated – Garlic infuses a robust aroma and flavor that’s hard to resist.
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes – Canned tomatoes provide a tangy base for the soup, bringing everything together.
1½ cups cooked white beans or kidney beans, drained and rinsed – Beans add protein and creaminess; kidney beans can be swapped for any variety you prefer.
1 cup chopped green beans – Fresh green beans offer a vibrant crunch to the soup.
4 cups vegetable broth – A flavorful broth is key to a good soup; you can also use homemade if you have it on hand.
2 bay leaves – These enhance the overall taste, infusing a subtle earthiness.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – Oregano brings a classic Italian flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – Thyme adds a warm, herbal note that elevates the entire dish.
¾ cup small pasta, elbows, shells, orecchiette – Pasta makes the soup more filling; choose whichever small variety you have on hand.
½ cup chopped fresh parsley – Fresh parsley adds brightness and freshness, garnishing the soup beautifully.
Red pepper flakes – For those who like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor.
Grated parmesan cheese, optional, for serving – A sprinkle of parmesan on top adds a creamy finish, enhancing the overall taste.

How to Make Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable and Bean Soup

Heat the oil: In a large pot over medium heat, pour in 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Let it warm before you start adding the veggies.

Sauté the vegetables: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 2 medium chopped carrots, and 2 thinly sliced celery ribs to the pot. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sea salt and several grinds of freshly cracked black pepper. Stir occasionally for about 8 minutes, just until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Add garlic and tomatoes: Grate in 3 garlic cloves and stir them around for about 30 seconds until they release their aroma. Next, add in 1 (28-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, along with 1½ cups of drained and rinsed white beans or kidney beans and 1 cup of chopped green beans. This step brings a wonderful vibrant mix of colors!

Pour in the broth: Pour in 4 cups of vegetable broth and toss in 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it bubble away for 20 minutes—this is when the flavors meld beautifully.

Stir in the pasta: Uncover the pot and stir in ¾ cup of your favorite small pasta. Cook uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

Season and serve: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle the minestrone into bowls and garnish with ½ cup of chopped fresh parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat, and grated parmesan cheese if you like.

Storing & Reheating

To keep leftover Minestrone Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this hearty soup for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Note that the pasta may swell and soften during storage, but a quick stir-in of some fresh broth can refresh the dish!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta by adding it toward the end of your cooking time, ensuring it remains al dente.
Use room temperature ingredients for better cooking consistency.
To enhance flavor, let the soup sit for a few hours before serving; it won’t hurt any leftovers to sit a while.
Adjust the thickness to your liking by adding more broth if it gets too thick overnight.
Experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or spinach for variation!
If vegan, skip the cheese or swap in a dairy-free alternative.

Warm, hearty, and filled with vibrant flavors, Minestrone Soup | Easy Vegetable and Bean Soup is truly a classic dish that suits countless occasions. You can customize it based on the seasons and what you have in your pantry, making it as flexible as it is satisfying. Whether for a simple weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is bound to impress.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

You can easily make your Minestrone Soup gluten-free by substituting the pasta with gluten-free pasta. Brands like chickpea or lentil pasta can add a nice nutritional boost as well.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! Minestone Soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Just make sure to cook the pasta separately and add it right before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Are there any other vegetables I can add?

Feel free to customize your minestrone! Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, kale, or even butternut squash work wonderfully and add extra nutrition and flavor.