Minestrone soup is a traditional Italian dish that perfectly embodies comfort, versatility, and rustic charm. Made with a medley of seasonal vegetables, beans, pasta or rice, and a rich tomato-based broth, minestrone is more than just a soup—it’s a nourishing one-pot meal that can adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Whether you’re making a big pot for a chilly evening or prepping lunch for the week, minestrone soup is a wholesome, satisfying option that feeds the body and the soul. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make the perfect minestrone from scratch, including tips, variations, and step-by-step instructions.
Why You Will Love This Minestrone Soup
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Loaded with Vegetables – A great way to eat the rainbow.
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Customizable Ingredients – Use what you have in your fridge or pantry.
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Hearty and Filling – Thanks to beans, pasta, and potatoes.
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Perfect for Meal Prep – Gets even better the next day.
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Vegan-Friendly – Naturally plant-based (unless you add cheese or meat).
Ingredients List
Base Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 carrots, peeled and diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 zucchini, diced
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1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
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1 medium potato, peeled and diced
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1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
Broth and Seasoning
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6 cups vegetable broth
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon thyme
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 bay leaf
Add-Ins
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1 can (15 oz) cannellini or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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¾ cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or small shells)
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2 cups chopped spinach or kale
Optional Garnish
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Fresh parsley or basil
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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A drizzle of olive oil
Timing and Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
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Total Time: 45–55 minutes
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Servings: 6–8 bowls
How to Make Minestrone Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
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Stir in garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1–2 minutes more.
Step 2: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
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Add zucchini, green beans, and potato.
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Season with oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Simmer
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Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add Beans and Pasta
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Stir in beans and pasta.
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Simmer for an additional 10–12 minutes until pasta is cooked.
Step 5: Finish with Greens
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Add chopped spinach or kale.
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Cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
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Remove bay leaf.
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Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
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Serve hot with garnishes of choice.
Best Pasta Types for Minestrone Soup
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Ditalini
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Elbow macaroni
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Small shells
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Orzo
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Broken spaghetti
Avoid large or quick-cooking pasta shapes, as they can become mushy during reheating.
Tips for the Best Minestrone Soup
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Use Seasonal Vegetables – Adjust based on what’s fresh and in season.
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta – It continues cooking in the hot broth.
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Add Greens at the End – Preserve their color and nutrients.
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Let It Rest – Like most soups, minestrone tastes better after it sits for a while.
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Use Parmesan Rind – Simmer it in the broth for extra umami flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
Protein Options
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Add cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or pancetta for meatier versions.
Grain Swaps
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Substitute pasta with rice, farro, or quinoa.
Bean Options
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Use chickpeas, navy beans, or black beans if you prefer.
Low-Carb Version
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Omit pasta and potatoes and add more leafy greens or cauliflower.
Spicy Twist
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Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic toast.
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Top with grated cheese or a spoon of pesto.
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Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
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Drizzle with olive oil or balsamic glaze for extra richness.
How to Store and Reheat Minestrone Soup
Refrigerator
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Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
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Flavor deepens over time.
Freezer
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Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
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Let cool completely before freezing.
Reheating
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Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Add a splash of broth or water if soup thickens.
Make-Ahead Tips
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Chop vegetables in advance and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Cook pasta separately and store it aside to prevent sogginess.
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Prepare a large batch and freeze in portions for easy future meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the Pasta
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Always add pasta later in the cooking process.
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Not Seasoning Enough
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Taste frequently and season at different stages.
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Skipping the Simmer Time
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Letting the soup simmer deepens flavor and texture.
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Adding Greens Too Early
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They’ll lose color and become mushy if added too soon.
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Minestrone Soup Across Regions
Italian Minestrone
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Often includes seasonal vegetables, beans, pasta, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Tuscan-Style Minestrone
- Made with cannellini beans, kale, and often a thicker consistency.
American-Style Minestrone
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Commonly tomato-heavy with more pasta and variety of beans.
French-Influenced Minestrone
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May include leeks, herbs de Provence, or even pesto stirred in.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
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Calories: 230
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Fat: 7g
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Carbohydrates: 35g
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Fiber: 8g
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Protein: 10g Note: Values will vary depending on ingredients used.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day.
Can I freeze minestrone soup with pasta?
Yes, but it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly or freeze it separately.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, unless garnished with cheese. You can use vegan cheese or skip it.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add all ingredients except pasta and greens. Cook on low for 6–8 hours, add pasta and greens during the last 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Minestrone soup is a beloved classic that captures the essence of Italian home cooking—simple ingredients, layered flavors, and plenty of vegetables. Whether you follow a traditional recipe or make it your own with what’s in your pantry, this soup is a delicious, wholesome meal that works year-round.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why minestrone has stood the test of time. It’s adaptable, family-friendly, and full of heartwarming goodness in every spoonful.