This minestrone soup is a delightful blend of vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in, this hearty dish brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. With its vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients, you’ll find it easy to whip up for family dinners or meal prep throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nourishing Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and protein-rich beans, this soup offers great nutritional benefits.
• Easy Preparation: The straightforward steps make it simple for cooks of any level to create a delicious meal.
• Flexible Recipe: Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes for a unique twist each time.
• Great for Leftovers: This minestrone soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Family-Friendly: With mild flavors, it’s a hit among both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To craft this delightful minestrone soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for simmering large quantities and ensuring even cooking of all ingredients.
• Chopping board: Provides a stable surface for prepping your veggies safely and efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping quicker and safer, helping you work through ingredients with ease.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.

this recipe

Ingredients

This minestrone soup recipe is loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a delicious tomato broth. This classic soup is nourishing, easy to make, and makes amazing leftovers!

Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 medium onion (chopped)
– 2 sticks celery (chopped)
– 3 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
– 3 cloves garlic (minced)
– 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
– 1 small zucchini (chopped)
– 1 cup fresh green beans (chopped)
– 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
– 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
– Salt & pepper (to taste)
– Fresh basil (optional, to taste)
– Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to taste)

How to Make Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the oil, butter, onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to a large soup pot. Sauté for about 7–10 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth of choice, zucchini, green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, and Italian seasoning. Increase heat to high until boiling.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Once boiling, reduce the heat so it’s simmering. Cover with the lid slightly open and cook for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Pasta

Stir in the elbow macaroni. Continue simmering uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until both pasta and veggies are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Before serving, season to taste with salt and pepper. If using basil, stir it in at this point. Serve hot with freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. If the soup is too thick after cooling down or as leftovers, add a splash more broth to adjust consistency.

How to Serve Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its rich flavors. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for a comforting meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked baguette: A warm baguette is perfect for dipping into the hearty broth.
• Garlic bread: The buttery garlic flavor complements the soup beautifully.

Add a Side Salad

• Mixed greens salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
• Caesar salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons contrast nicely with the soup’s textures.

Garnish Creatively

• Fresh basil leaves: Adding chopped basil enhances flavor and adds a pop of color.
• Grated cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan or mozzarella gives a delightful, savory finish.

Serve with a Drizzle of Olive Oil

• Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle over the top just before serving enhances flavor and richness.

How to Perfect Minestrone Soup

Creating the perfect minestrone soup involves a few simple yet effective techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh ingredients offer better flavor and texture, making your soup vibrant and tasty.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you cook; adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to achieve the desired flavor profile.
• Cook pasta separately: To prevent mushy pasta, cook it separately and add it to each bowl just before serving.
• Let it sit: Allowing the soup to rest for 30 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some options that complement its hearty nature perfectly.

1. Garlic Bruschetta: Topped with tomatoes and basil, this crispy bread adds freshness.
2. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on skewers provide a refreshing bite.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice and veggies offer a satisfying side.
4. Cheesy Quesadillas: These are easy to prepare and add cheesy goodness alongside your soup.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with herbs make for a nutritious side dish.
6. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: The gooey cheese complements the warm soup perfectly; use whole grain bread for extra texture.
7. Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice mixed with herbs provides additional substance without overpowering the soup.
8. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness that balances well with savory flavors in minestrone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making minestrone soup can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using the wrong vegetables: Each vegetable adds its unique flavor and texture. Stick to classic choices like zucchini, carrots, and green beans for the best results.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook the pasta too long, it can become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking and check for doneness frequently.
• Neglecting seasoning: A bland soup is disappointing. Taste throughout the cooking process and adjust with salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
• Not using enough broth: For a deliciously rich minestrone soup, ensure you have enough broth. If your soup appears too thick, add more broth to achieve your desired consistency.
• Forgetting about leftovers: Leftover minestrone soup can be even more flavorful! Store it properly to enjoy later.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Minestrone Soup

• Allow soup to cool before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Minestrone Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about minestrone soup that might help you.

Can I make minestrone soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and include more vegetables or beans for protein.

How long does minestrone soup last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts about 3-4 days. If frozen, it’ll keep well for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for pasta?

You can use quinoa or rice as alternatives if you’re looking for a gluten-free option in your minestrone soup.

Is minestrone soup healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with nutrients from vegetables and beans while being low in calories. It makes a great addition to a healthy diet.

Can I customize my minestrone soup?

Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or legumes based on what you have on hand or prefer.

Final Thoughts

This minestrone soup is not only nourishing but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on seasonal veggies or personal preferences. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!

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Minestrone Soup

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Minestrone soup is a comforting, hearty dish that combines a vibrant array of vegetables, protein-rich beans, and pasta in a savory tomato broth. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week, this soup is easy to make and packed with nutrition. Enjoy its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it a favorite among both kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 sticks celery (chopped)
• 3 medium carrots (peeled & sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
• 1 small zucchini (chopped)
• 1 cup fresh green beans (chopped)
• 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
• 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans (drained)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (optional, to taste)
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (to taste)

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Instructions

1. In a large soup pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 7–10 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, broth, zucchini, green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, and Italian seasoning. Increase heat to high until boiling.
3. Reduce heat to simmer and cover slightly; cook for 10 minutes.
4. Add uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot and continue simmering uncovered for 15–20 minutes until pasta and veggies are tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving. Optionally stir in fresh basil and serve hot topped with grated cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 10mg

Keywords: To enhance your minestrone experience: Use seasonal vegetables for the best flavor. Cook pasta separately to maintain its texture; add it to individual bowls when serving. Allow the soup to sit after cooking for improved flavor melding.