Homemade Minestrone Soup Recipe

Few things bring more comfort than a steaming bowl of Homemade Minestrone Soup. This Italian classic is loaded with colorful vegetables, tender beans, and hearty pasta simmered together in a flavorful, herby broth. Each spoonful offers a rainbow of flavors and textures, making it a go-to for family dinners or a cozy night in. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just beginning, you’ll love how easily everything comes together—and how customizable it is to whatever’s in your pantry.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Homemade Minestrone Soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients—every item in the pot brings its own pop of color, texture, and goodness! You can easily adapt the vegetables based on what’s in season, so let’s walk through what you’ll need to create this vibrant soup.

• Olive oil: Adds a rich, fruity base and helps the veggies soften beautifully.
• Yellow onion: Gives the soup its sweet, aromatic backbone.
• Garlic: Just two cloves provide a big punch of savory depth.
• Carrots: Classic minestrone ingredient, adding color and gentle sweetness.
• Celery: Brings an herbal crunch that’s essential in every bite.
• Zucchini: Softens up nicely in the broth and absorbs all the flavors.
• Green beans: Provide a fresh, slightly earthy bite and lovely texture.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Their brightness forms the tangy, hearty soul of the soup.
• Kidney beans: Add robust heft and richness with their creamy centers.
• Cannellini beans: Mild and buttery, they almost melt into the broth.
• Vegetable broth: The foundation that ties everything together—choose a good, flavorful one.
• Water: To keep the soup brothy without making it heavy.
• Dried oregano and basil: These dried Italian herbs infuse each bite with classic flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Don’t underestimate these kitchen staples—they wake up all the flavors!
• Small pasta (ditalini or elbow): Adds bite-sized comfort and makes each serving extra satisfying.
• Spinach or kale: Stirred in at the end, they bring fresh color and a nutritional boost.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For those who love a creamy, salty finish to their soup.

How to Make Homemade Minestrone Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onions turn tender and fragrant, creating an irresistibly savory base for your Homemade Minestrone Soup.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

Toss in the sliced carrots, celery, zucchini, and green beans. Stir everything together, letting the veggies cook for 5 to 7 minutes. You want them just starting to soften, so they stay vibrant and colorful throughout the cooking time.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Broth

Stir in the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), kidney beans, and cannellini beans. Pour in the vegetable broth and a cup of water. Sprinkle in the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper—these herbs and seasonings will infuse the soup with that unmistakable Italian essence.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes. This is when all the flavors start to meld, and your kitchen begins to smell absolutely incredible. If you’ve ever wondered what cozy tastes like, this is it.

Step 5: Add Pasta

Gently stir in the small pasta of your choice. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly tender (be sure to check a noodle or two!). The pasta soaks up the broth’s flavors, making each bite satisfying and hearty.

Step 6: Stir in Greens

Add the chopped spinach or kale during the last couple of minutes of cooking, just until they wilt and turn an even brighter green. Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. That’s it—your Homemade Minestrone Soup is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Homemade Minestrone Soup

Garnishes

Classic finishing touches make this bowl truly irresistible. A generous shaving of grated Parmesan cheese adds creaminess and a hit of umami, while a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs (like basil or parsley) brings freshness to every spoonful.

Side Dishes

Serve your Homemade Minestrone Soup with slices of crusty Italian bread, warm garlic toast, or even a simple green salad. If you’re feeling indulgent, pair it with a gooey grilled cheese or focaccia for the ultimate comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the soup tableside from a big pot for rustic charm, or portion into individual bowls and top with different garnishes for a choose-your-own-adventure dinner. For casual gatherings, serve in mugs for cozy sipping—this also makes cleanup a breeze!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover Homemade Minestrone Soup to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a fabulous option for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your soup, let it cool first and place it in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. For best texture, consider leaving out the pasta and greens until reheating, as they can sometimes get mushy after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming. If the soup has thickened in the fridge (which it likely will), simply stir in a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. The flavors deepen with time, so some say it’s even tastier the next day!

FAQs

Can I use different beans in Homemade Minestrone Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in chickpeas, black beans, or even lentils. The recipe is wonderfully flexible, so use what you have on hand or what you love best.

What’s the best pasta shape for Homemade Minestrone Soup?

Small shapes like ditalini, elbow, or small shells are traditional because they’re bite-sized and easy to eat with a spoon. Use gluten-free pasta if needed—just check the cooking time on the package!

How do I make Homemade Minestrone Soup vegan?

The base recipe is already vegetarian, so to make it vegan, simply skip the Parmesan garnish or use a dairy-free alternative. Every ounce of richness will still shine through, thanks to the beans and vegetables.

Can I add meat to this soup?

Certainly! If you’d like, brown some Italian sausage or pancetta at the very beginning before adding the onion and garlic. This adds a savory, smoky flavor, but the classic version is entirely meatless and just as satisfying.

What other vegetables work well in Homemade Minestrone Soup?

The sky’s the limit! Try adding bell peppers, potatoes, peas, or even cabbage. Minestrone is a great way to clean out your vegetable drawer—just adjust the simmer time to suit whatever veggies you toss in.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort that’s wholesome, colorful, and deeply satisfying, don’t wait to try Homemade Minestrone Soup. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Grab your biggest pot and get cooking—you won’t regret it!

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