Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe
Looking for a healthy, hearty, and easy minestrone soup recipe? This classic vegetable soup with beans and pasta is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or a light, comforting lunch. Packed with fresh vegetables, protein-rich beans, and flavorful herbs, it’s gluten-free friendly (if using GF pasta) and can easily be made vegan by skipping the Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium zucchini, diced
1 medium yellow squash, diced
1 medium potato, peeled and diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup kale or spinach, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried rosemary
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
Sauté the aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Cook the vegetables: Stir in carrots, celery, zucchini, yellow squash, and potato. Sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
Add tomatoes & broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
Season the soup: Add oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Add beans and greens: Mix in cannellini beans, kidney beans, green beans, and kale or spinach. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, until all vegetables are tender.
Cook the pasta: Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
Finish with fresh flavors: Remove from heat. Stir in fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese (if using), and lemon juice (if desired) for a bright finish.
Serve: Ladle into bowls and enjoy a warm, healthy, and comforting minestrone soup.
Tips for the Best Minestrone Soup
Make it vegan: Skip Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.
Meal prep friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and freezes beautifully.
Add more protein: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage for a heartier version.
Seasonal variations: Swap vegetables based on what’s fresh and in season.
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Hearty vegetable soup
Discover this easy, hearty Minestrone Soup recipe with vegetables, beans, and pasta. Perfect for a healthy, comforting meal that’s vegan-friendly and full of flavor!
