Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that not only satisfies but also fills your kitchen with a delicious, inviting aroma, look no further than hearty minestrone soup. This classic Italian dish is a blend of seasonal vegetables, savory beans, pasta, and a flavorful broth, all coming together to create a nourishing and comforting bowl of goodness. Whether it’s a chilly day or you’re just in the mood for a wholesome meal, minestrone is the perfect choice. It’s versatile, full of flavor, and a great way to pack in your daily veggies.

This recipe will guide you through creating a rich, savory minestrone that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With tender vegetables, beans, and pasta in a satisfying broth, each spoonful is a hearty reminder of just how comforting homemade soup can be.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients that make up this delectable soup. You can always tweak it based on what’s available or your personal preferences, but these are the essential building blocks for the perfect minestrone.

Fresh Vegetables

Carrots (2 medium-sized): Add natural sweetness and a mild earthiness to the soup.
Celery stalks (2-3): Gives the soup a crunchy texture and subtle flavor that balances the heartier ingredients.
Zucchini (1 medium): Offers a light, fresh flavor and nice texture when cooked.
Yellow onion (1 medium): Brings a savory depth to the broth with a mild sweetness when sautéed.
Garlic (3-4 cloves): Adds aromatic richness and depth.

Beans And Greens

Canned diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz): This is the base for the soup’s rich, tangy broth.
Cannellini beans (1 can, 15 oz): These creamy white beans absorb all the flavors of the broth and add a filling, protein-packed element.
Spinach (2 cups, fresh or frozen): Tender spinach gives a pop of green and extra nutrients, plus a fresh finish.

Pasta

Small pasta (like ditalini or elbow macaroni) (1 cup): The pasta soaks up the broth, becoming soft and comforting in each bite.

Broth And Seasoning

Vegetable broth (4-5 cups): A rich, hearty base for all the ingredients to simmer together. You can also use chicken broth for a slightly different taste.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the soup.
Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A must-have blend of basil, oregano, and thyme that defines the flavor of minestrone.
Bay leaf (1): Adds a subtle layer of fragrance to the broth.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing out the flavors in the soup.
Grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish): Adds a salty, umami finish when sprinkled on top before serving.

Cooking Instructions

Now let’s dive into how to make this soup from scratch. It’s surprisingly easy and doesn’t take too much time, especially considering how complex and comforting the flavors are.

Prep the veggies: Start by peeling and chopping your carrots and celery into small, bite-sized pieces. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the zucchini into half-moons.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the garlic release its fragrant aroma.
Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the canned tomatoes (with juices), bay leaf, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Add pasta and beans: Once the soup has been simmering for a while, add the pasta and cannellini beans. Stir to combine and make sure the pasta is submerged in the broth. Continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
Add zucchini and spinach: Toss in the zucchini slices and spinach. Let the soup cook for another 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender, and the spinach is wilted and soft.
Season to taste: Remove the bay leaf and give the soup a taste. Add salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little more zing, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan if desired. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping, and you have yourself a perfect meal.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this minestrone recipe plays a role in making the soup flavorful and wholesome.

Vegetables: These are the backbone of any minestrone soup. Carrots, celery, and zucchini bring different textures and mild flavors that balance each other. When combined with the savory broth, they create a satisfying base.
Cannellini beans: These beans are not just filling but absorb the flavors of the broth, giving the soup a creamy texture. They also provide plant-based protein, making the soup heartier without the need for meat.
Spinach: While many versions of minestrone use kale or other greens, spinach provides a mild, slightly sweet flavor that doesn’t overpower the soup. It also adds important nutrients like iron and vitamins A and C.
Pasta: Small pasta is essential in minestrone. It soaks up the soup’s rich broth, making every spoonful a delightful bite of pasta, veggies, and beans. The pasta’s texture contrasts nicely with the softness of the vegetables.
Tomatoes: They bring a tartness to the soup that balances out the earthy flavors of the beans and vegetables. Using canned tomatoes makes it easy, as they maintain their flavor year-round.

Expert Tips

Use homemade broth: If you have the time, homemade vegetable broth will elevate the soup’s flavor. It’s simple to make with some basic vegetable scraps like onion peels, carrot ends, and garlic skins, simmered in water for a couple of hours.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Pasta tends to absorb a lot of liquid, and overcooking it will turn it mushy. To avoid this, check the pasta at the 10-minute mark and make sure it’s al dente. You can also cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup at the end if you prefer it to stay firmer.
Add more protein: If you want to make your soup even more filling, try adding some diced chicken or sausage. You can also throw in more beans, like kidney beans or chickpeas, for added protein and fiber.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme can be added right at the end of cooking for an extra layer of flavor. A few sprigs of fresh rosemary also work beautifully in this soup.

Recipe Variations

Minestrone is incredibly versatile, and there’s no limit to the variations you can try. Here are a few options:

Vegan version: Omit the Parmesan and ensure that the broth is vegetable-based. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Pasta-Free Version: If you’re cutting back on carbs, leave out the pasta and load up on extra beans and vegetables. The soup will still be satisfying and hearty.
Meat lovers’ minestrone: If you love meat, you can add sausage, bacon, or ham to the soup. Brown the sausage first and add it to the soup along with the broth for extra depth of flavor.
Spicy minestrone: For those who like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when you sauté the vegetables. The extra kick gives the soup a wonderful new dimension.

Final Words

Minestrone soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s filling, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you follow the classic recipe or make your own tweaks, this soup is bound to become a favorite in your culinary rotation. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also a fantastic way to clear out the vegetable drawer and enjoy a healthy, homemade meal. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping, as the flavors only get better after a day or two in the fridge.

Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe