Description
Minestrone Soup is a hearty Italian classic, brimming with fresh vegetables, tender beans, and pasta simmered in a rich, savory broth. Perfectly customizable and loaded with flavor, it’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and enjoy any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- ¾ cup carrots, diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 chicken bouillon cube (optional)
- 15 oz. crushed tomatoes
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- 15 oz. red kidney beans, drained
- 15 oz. cannellini beans, drained
- 1 ½ cups zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ cup ditalini pasta (or small pasta of choice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened. - Add Aromatics and Tomato Paste:
Stir in garlic, tomato paste, and seasonings (parsley, oregano, basil, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes). Cook for 2 minutes. - Build the Broth:
Add chicken broth, bouillon cube, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. - Add Vegetables and Beans:
Stir in kidney beans, cannellini beans, zucchini, and green beans. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes. - Cook the Pasta:
In a separate pot, boil water and add a pinch of salt. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Combine and Serve:
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve soup over pasta in individual bowls. Garnish with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- or a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and skip Worcestershire sauce.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers. Pasta can be stored separately to avoid it becoming mushy.
- Minestrone freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian