Minestrone Soup Recipe (Easy, Cozy & Packed with Vegetables)

There is something deeply comforting about a big pot of homemade soup simmering on the stove, and this minestrone soup recipe is one of those meals I always come back to. It feels warm, cozy, and nourishing without being complicated or heavy. I love how minestrone turns simple vegetables and pantry staples into a hearty, satisfying bowl that works for any season and any day of the week.

This recipe keeps things easy and approachable. I walk you through every step so you never feel overwhelmed, even if you are new to cooking soup from scratch. You sauté a few vegetables, add broth and beans, let everything simmer gently, and finish with pasta for that classic minestrone texture we all love. The result is a flavorful, homemade soup that tastes even better the next day.

What I enjoy most about this minestrone soup recipe is how flexible it is. You can use the vegetables you already have, adjust the seasoning to your taste, and make it exactly the way your family likes it. If you are looking for a cozy, reliable, and truly comforting soup, you are in the right place.

What Is Minestrone Soup?

Minestrone soup is a classic Italian vegetable soup that celebrates simple, everyday ingredients. It does not follow one strict recipe, and that is exactly what makes it so special. Traditionally, minestrone uses whatever vegetables are in season, along with beans, broth, and a small pasta to create a filling and comforting meal.

What sets minestrone apart from a regular vegetable soup is its heartiness. Beans add protein, pasta adds texture, and a slow simmer brings all the flavors together into one cozy bowl. Some versions include potatoes or leafy greens, while others stay lighter and broth-focused. Every Italian family has its own way of making it, and each version feels just as authentic.

This minestrone soup recipe stays true to the classic idea while keeping things simple and approachable. You get rich flavor without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. It is the kind of soup you can make once and enjoy all week, and it always tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Minestrone Soup

One of the best things about minestrone soup is how flexible the ingredients are. This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find vegetables and pantry staples, so you can make it any time without special shopping. Think of this list as a guide rather than a strict rule.

Vegetables

• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Carrots, sliced
• Celery, chopped
• Zucchini, diced
• Green beans, trimmed and cut
• Canned diced tomatoes

Pantry Staples

• Olive oil
• Vegetable broth
• Canned beans, such as kidney beans or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• Small pasta, like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells

Herbs & Seasonings

• Italian seasoning or dried oregano and basil
• Bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

These ingredients come together to create a hearty, balanced minestrone soup recipe with layers of flavor. If you are missing one vegetable, feel free to swap it with another. Minestrone welcomes creativity, and that is what makes it such a reliable, cozy meal.

How to Make Minestrone Soup (Step by Step)

This minestrone soup comes together in one pot and does not require any complicated techniques. Take your time with each step and let the flavors build naturally.

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, then stir and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables soften and smell fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it releases its aroma.

Step 2: Build the Soup

Pour in the diced tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir everything well, then add the beans, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer and let it cook so the flavors start coming together.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Pasta

Add the zucchini and green beans to the pot and continue simmering until the vegetables become tender. Stir in the pasta and cook until it reaches an al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf, then ladle the soup into bowls. Serve hot with grated parmesan cheese and crusty bread on the side for a cozy, satisfying meal.

This minestrone soup recipe tastes even better after it rests for a few minutes, so do not rush it. Let the soup shine.

Tips for the Best Homemade Minestrone Soup

A few simple tips make a big difference when it comes to flavor and texture. These small details help turn a good soup into a great one.

• Cut vegetables evenly. Even-sized pieces cook at the same rate and give the soup a balanced texture.
• Sauté the base properly. Let the onions, carrots, and celery soften before adding liquids. This step builds deep flavor.
• Add pasta at the right time. Stir it in near the end so it stays tender and does not turn mushy.
• Season gradually. Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust salt and pepper slowly.
• Let the soup rest. Allow the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors blend beautifully.

This minestrone soup recipe rewards patience and simple techniques. Once you master these tips, you can make this soup confidently every single time.

Easy Variations & Substitutions

One of the reasons I love this soup so much is how easy it is to adapt. You can change a few ingredients and still end up with a delicious, comforting bowl.

Make It Vegan

This minestrone soup recipe already works beautifully as a vegan meal when you skip the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The vegetables and beans provide plenty of flavor on their own.

Make It Gluten-Free

Swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, rice, or small potatoes. Add them carefully and adjust cooking time so everything stays tender, not overcooked.

Add Extra Protein

If you want a more filling soup, add cooked chicken, turkey, or extra beans. Stir them in near the end so they warm through without drying out.

Use Seasonal Vegetables

Minestrone welcomes whatever vegetables you have. Use spinach or kale in colder months, and try summer squash or fresh tomatoes when they are in season.

These variations make this minestrone soup recipe feel new every time you cook it, without losing that classic, cozy flavor.

What to Serve with Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup feels comforting on its own, but the right side makes it even better. I like to keep things simple and cozy so the soup stays the star of the meal.

• Crusty bread or baguette for dipping into the broth
• Garlic bread or toast for extra flavor and crunch
• Simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the soup
• Grilled cheese sandwich for a hearty, comforting combo
• Focaccia or flatbread if you want something soft and flavorful

These sides pair beautifully with this minestrone soup recipe and turn it into a complete, satisfying meal that works for lunch or dinner.

How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat Minestrone Soup

This minestrone soup stores beautifully, which makes it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. The flavors deepen over time, so it often tastes even better the next day.

How to Store

Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. If the pasta absorbs too much broth, add a splash of water or broth when reheating.

How to Freeze

For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta. Let it cool, then place it in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly cooked pasta while reheating.

How to Reheat

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Add extra broth if needed and adjust seasoning before serving.

This minestrone soup recipe works wonderfully for busy weeks and cozy make-ahead meals.

FAQs

More Recipes To Try

• Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Stew

Recipe

Yield: 4–6 servings

Minestrone Soup Recipe

Print

This easy minestrone soup recipe is cozy, hearty, and packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta. It comes together in one pot and makes a comforting, homemade meal that tastes even better the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 cup green beans, chopped

Soup Base

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans or cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• Pasta & Seasoning
• ¾ cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Serving (Optional)

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Crusty bread

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until softened.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, beans, Italian seasoning, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add the zucchini and green beans. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until vegetables become tender.
5. Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve hot with parmesan cheese and crusty bread.

Notes

Add pasta near the end so it stays tender.

Freeze the soup without pasta for best results.

Use seasonal vegetables to change it up anytime.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 230Total Fat: 6gCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 7gProtein: 9g

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

This minestrone soup recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly comforting and satisfying. With tender vegetables, hearty beans, and a flavorful broth, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl. The step-by-step method makes it easy to follow, even if you are new to cooking homemade soups.

What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can adjust the vegetables, swap the pasta, or change the seasoning to match your taste and the season. It works just as well for a cozy family dinner as it does for make-ahead lunches during a busy week.

If you are craving a reliable, nourishing, and cozy meal, this minestrone soup recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every comforting spoonful.