Name: Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 zucchini, diced; 1 cup green beans, chopped into 1-inch pieces; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; ½ tsp dried thyme; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped; Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, for serving

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If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Hearty Minestrone Soup. Packed to the brim with colorful veggies, two kinds of beans, tender pasta, and a lusciously seasoned tomato broth, every spoonful is pure satisfaction. It’s not just filling; it’s nourishing, bursting with flavor, and perfect for bringing everyone to the table — family, friends, or even just yourself for a cozy night in. You truly can’t go wrong making a big pot of this classic Italian favorite.

Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Hearty Minestrone Soup is how every ingredient, though simple, adds its own unique flair to the pot. These building blocks aren’t just about taste; they bring vibrant color, varied textures, and deep flavors that make this soup stand out among one-pot wonders.

Olive oil: Forms the flavor base and helps sauté the aromatics to golden, savory perfection.
Onion, carrots, and celery: This classic trio (AKA soffritto) infuses the broth with sweet and earthy depth.
Garlic: A must for aromatic richness—don’t skimp!
Zucchini: Adds tender texture and a subtle, garden-fresh flavor.
Green beans: Offers satisfying crunch and a pop of green in every bite.
Diced tomatoes: Gives that signature tang and helps form the soup’s hearty broth.
Vegetable broth: The backbone of the soup, carrying every flavor straight to your spoon.
Kidney beans and cannellini beans: These bring plant-based protein, a creamy bite, and substance to make your soup truly hearty.
Small pasta (ditalini or elbow): A beloved minestrone staple, absorbing flavors and creating those ever-lovable “soup noodles.”
Dried oregano, basil, and thyme: Classic Italian herbs that create an irresistible aroma and herbaceous taste.
Salt and black pepper: For seasoning and balancing all the lovely flavors.
Fresh spinach or kale: Tossed in at the end for vibrant color and a nutritional punch.
Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese: Highly recommended as finishing touches for brightness and umami.

How to Make Hearty Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Veggie Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add in the diced onion, carrots, and celery—these are the flavor foundation of your Hearty Minestrone Soup. Sauté them gently, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and just beginning to turn golden. After around five minutes, you’ll notice a mouthwatering aroma filling your kitchen. That’s when you know you’re off to a great start!

Step 2: Add More Veggies

Toss in the minced garlic, diced zucchini, and chopped green beans next. Continue cooking for another three to four minutes, letting those fresh vegetables get a jump start on softening. The garlic infuses the oil while the zucchini and green beans soak up all the wonderful base flavors.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes—with their juices—along with the vegetable broth. This ruby-red liquid becomes the backbone of your Hearty Minestrone Soup. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, thyme, and season the pot with a generous pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Give everything a good stir, then bring the mixture to a boil so the flavors can really meld.

Step 4: Simmer with Love

Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat so it simmers gently. Let it do its thing for about twenty minutes, uncovered. All those vegetables and herbs need time to mingle and create the harmonious, full-bodied broth that makes this soup truly unforgettable.

Step 5: Add Beans and Pasta

Now, in go the kidney beans, cannellini beans, and your chosen small pasta. Stir them into the pot, then simmer for another ten minutes. This is when the beans soak up the savory broth, and the pasta cooks until it’s perfectly al dente, giving your Hearty Minestrone Soup that signature robust heartiness.

Step 6: Stir in Greens

Right before serving, gently stir in the fresh spinach or kale. The greens will wilt in just a minute or two, bringing color and nutrients to your soup. This final touch keeps the soup looking and tasting vibrant.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls and sprinkle each with a shower of chopped fresh parsley and a generous handful of shaved Parmesan cheese. Serve it up with your favorite crusty bread, and let everyone dig into this irresistible, nourishing meal!

How to Serve Hearty Minestrone Soup

Garnishes

The finishing touches transform a pot of soup into a feast! A handful of chopped parsley brightens every bowl with freshness, while freshly grated Parmesan adds a rich, savory lift that’s pure bliss. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or some cracked black pepper never hurts. Don’t forget—extra Parmesan on the table is always a good idea with Hearty Minestrone Soup.

Side Dishes

Few things pair better with Hearty Minestrone Soup than thick slices of rustic, toasted bread—perfect for dunking and scooping up everything in the bowl. You could also serve it alongside a leafy green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette, or even a simple antipasto platter for an Italian-inspired meal. The soup is already filling, so let your sides complement rather than compete.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not impress family or guests by serving Hearty Minestrone Soup in bread bowls or mini cocottes? You can also top each bowl with a swirl of pesto for color and zest, or offer a DIY “soup bar” with little bowls of toppings like croutons, red pepper flakes, and grated cheese. The presentation possibilities are as delightful as the flavors inside!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool your Hearty Minestrone Soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, making leftovers even thicker and tastier by the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze portions of your soup, but it’s best to do so without the pasta—otherwise, the pasta absorbs too much liquid and becomes mushy. When ready to enjoy, simply add fresh-cooked pasta to your reheated soup and it’ll taste like you just made it!

Reheating

To reheat, warm your soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until steaming hot, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You can also reheat individual bowls in the microwave for quick, cozy lunches.

FAQs

Can I make Hearty Minestrone Soup vegan?

Absolutely! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese (or use a vegan version) for serving, and double-check that your broth and pasta are fully plant-based. All the flavors and textures you love stay intact.

What type of pasta works best in this soup?

Small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or mini shells work best, as they hold up nicely and give you a little bit of everything in each bite. You can easily use gluten-free pasta if you wish!

Is it possible to use different beans?

Definitely! While kidney beans and cannellini beans are classic for Hearty Minestrone Soup, feel free to swap them for other legumes like chickpeas or navy beans, depending on your favorite flavor and texture.

How do I add extra flavor to the broth?

Try adding a Parmesan rind during the simmer; it infuses your soup with incredible umami. You can also experiment with a dash of red pepper flakes, or finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Can I make Hearty Minestrone Soup ahead of time for a party?

This soup is fantastic for prepping ahead! Make it up to the point before adding pasta, then finish with pasta when reheating right before serving. That way, the noodles stay just the right texture.

Final Thoughts

Few things are as rewarding as a bubbling pot of Hearty Minestrone Soup, brimming with color and comfort, coming together in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try—your home will smell incredible, your bowl will be full of goodness, and everyone around the table will be thanking you for such a warm, delicious meal.