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Bowl of classic minestrone soup with pasta, beans, and vegetables

Easy Classic Minestrone Soup Recipe | Hearty Italian Vegetable Soup

Warm, hearty, and packed with vegetables — this Classic Minestrone Soup is the ultimate comfort food. A flavorful Italian-inspired soup made with beans, pasta, and seasonal veggies simmered in a savory tomato broth. Perfect for cozy nights, healthy meals, or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Dish, Soup
Cuisine Comfort Food, Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 6
Calories 190 kcal

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Ladle

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut
  • 1 cup cabbage, shredded
  • 1 can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup pasta (ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orecchiette)
  • 2 cups spinach or kale
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp basil
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, parsley

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer.
  • Add beans (kidney, cannellini, chickpeas) and vegetables (zucchini, green beans, cabbage). Simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender.
  • Stir in pasta and cook until al dente. Add spinach or kale in the last 2–3 minutes to preserve color and nutrients.
  • Season with oregano, thyme, basil, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Remove bay leaves before serving.
  • Ladle into bowls and garnish with Parmesan, parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

  • Make‑ahead: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days or freeze without pasta for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop; add fresh greens after reheating for best texture.
  • Common mistakes: Avoid overcooking pasta, don’t add spinach too early, and taste broth before adding beans.
  • Variations: Add pancetta or bacon for depth, red pepper flakes for spice, or swap pasta for rice/quinoa.
  • Pairings: Serve with crusty bread or garlic focaccia, and pair with a crisp salad.
 
Keyword hearty bean soup, Italian vegetable soup, minestrone soup, pasta and vegetable soup, winter comfort food