Soup
Hearty Italian Minestrone
A thick, vegetable-rich Italian soup made with beans, pasta, and fresh seasonal vegetables in a tomato broth.
Watch it madeRecipe30 · 2:53
Ingredients
- Olive oil2 tbsp
- Onion, chopped1
- Carrots, chopped2
- Celery stalks, chopped2
- Vegetable broth6 cups
- Diced tomatoes1 can (14 oz)
- Kidney beans, drained1 can (15 oz)
- Small shell pasta1/2 cup
- Zucchini, diced1
- Fresh spinach2 cups
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, vegetable broth, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in the pasta, kidney beans, and zucchini. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add the spinach and cook for 2 minutes until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Common questions
Can I substitute the kidney beans or pasta in this minestrone?
Yes. Use cannellini beans, great northern beans, or chickpeas instead of kidney beans. For pasta, small ditalini, elbow macaroni, or orzo work well. If using gluten-free pasta, add it near the end and watch closely so it doesn’t overcook.
When should I add the pasta so it doesn’t turn mushy?
Add the pasta after the soup has already simmered with the broth and tomatoes. Cook it only until just tender, usually about 8–10 minutes. If you plan leftovers, slightly undercook the pasta or cook it separately and add when serving.
What are the most common mistakes when making minestrone?
The biggest mistakes are overcooking the vegetables, boiling the soup too hard after adding pasta, and under-seasoning. Also avoid adding spinach too early—it only needs a minute or two. Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs.
How should I store leftover minestrone?
Cool it quickly, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The pasta will absorb broth as it sits, so you may need to add extra vegetable broth when reheating. It also freezes well, though pasta may soften.
What should I serve with hearty Italian minestrone?
Serve it hot with grated Parmesan on top, plus crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad. A drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of black pepper also brighten it. If you want more protein, add grilled chicken on the side.