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This easy homemade minestrone soup is loaded with vegetables, beans and pasta in a flavorful tomato broth. A hearty, comforting soup the whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There is nothing better than a big bowl of homemade minestrone soup on a chilly day! This classic Italian-inspired soup is loaded with tender vegetables, hearty beans and pasta, all simmered together in a delicious, flavorful tomato broth. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that is a great way to get more vegetables into your family’s diet. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily use whatever vegetables you have on hand, making it a great way to clean out the refrigerator. Serve it with some crusty bread and you’ve got a delicious, comforting dinner the whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients Needed
- Beef Broth
- Tomato Paste
- Diced Tomatoes
- Macaroni
- Kidney Beans
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Onion
- Celery
- Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
- Italian seasoning
- Dried Parsley
How to Make Minestrone Soup
- Chop vegetables into bite sized pieces.
- Sauté onion, celery, parsley and minced garlic in olive oil.
- Add in all ingredients except for kidney beans and zucchini.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Add in kidney beans and zucchini,
- Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Tips from leigh Anne
- Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This helps everything cook evenly and makes it easier to get a little bit of everything in each spoonful.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Pasta will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, so cook it just until tender. If you are planning on having leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls when serving.
- Use what you have. Minestrone soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Zucchini, green beans, spinach, carrots and celery are all delicious additions. Just be sure to add tender vegetables toward the end of the cooking time.
- Add extra broth as needed. The pasta and beans will absorb some of the liquid as the soup sits. If your soup gets too thick, simply stir in a little extra chicken or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- For a little extra. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds wonderful flavor and is the perfect finishing touch.
- Let the flavors develop. Like many soups, minestrone tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend together.
Pair This With:
- Easy Breadsticks
- Garlic Knots
- Grilled Cheese
- Easy Arugula Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
What is minestrone soup?
Minestrone is a traditional Italian vegetable soup typically made with a combination of vegetables, beans, pasta or rice, and broth. It’s a hearty, filling soup that can easily be adapted to use whatever vegetables are in season.
Can I make minestrone soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Minestrone is a great make-ahead meal because the flavors continue to develop as it sits. If making it ahead, I recommend cooking the pasta separately and adding it when you are ready to serve so it doesn’t absorb too much broth and become mushy.
Can you freeze minestrone soup?
Yes! Minestrone soup freezes well, especially if you leave out the pasta. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat and add freshly cooked pasta.
Will another type of bean work?
Cannellini beans, kidney beans and great northern beans are all great choices for minestrone soup. You can use one variety or a combination of beans, depending on what you have available.
This homemade minestrone soup is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s hearty, full of flavor and such an easy way to turn simple vegetables and pantry staples into a delicious, satisfying meal. Whether you’re making a big pot for family dinner or planning ahead for lunches during the week, this easy minestrone soup is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget the crusty bread and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese!
Check out more of my favorite soup recipes:
Be sure and follow me over on YouTube for weekly cooking demos.
Minestrone Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 Tbsp dried parsley
- 3 tsp garlic minced
- 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef brtoh
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup cabbage shredded
- 2 carrotts diced
- 1 cup macaroni
- 1 tsp salt.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans
- 1 zucchini sliced
Instructions
- Saute onion, celery, parsley and garlic in olive oil.
- Add in all ingredients except for kidney beans and zucchini.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Add in kidney beans and zucchini,
- Simmer for another 10 minutes.
Tips & Notes:
- Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces. This helps everything cook evenly and makes it easier to get a little bit of everything in each spoonful.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Pasta will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, so cook it just until tender. If you are planning on having leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls when serving.
- Use what you have. Minestrone soup is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Zucchini, green beans, spinach, carrots and celery are all delicious additions. Just be sure to add tender vegetables toward the end of the cooking time.
- Add extra broth as needed. The pasta and beans will absorb some of the liquid as the soup sits. If your soup gets too thick, simply stir in a little extra chicken or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- For a little extra. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds wonderful flavor and is the perfect finishing touch.
- Let the flavors develop. Like many soups, minestrone tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to blend together.
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Susan G says
Made this for dinner tonight and it’s just delicious!
Leigh Anne says
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know
Amanda says
Wow, so many ingredients, but I really like how this soup looks on these pics, I got to try this. Thanks for sharing!
Tiffany says
We love soup and this looks delicious!!
sheri says
That looks yummy! Will definitely try it – thanks for sharing.