Minestrone Soup

Minestrone soup is one of those meals that feels like a warm pause in the middle of a busy day. It’s a hearty, veggie-filled soup with a gentle tomato base, tender beans, and pasta that makes every spoonful comforting. People love it because it’s flexible, forgiving, and easy to make with everyday ingredients. On cold nights, it warms you up fast; on busy evenings, it feels nourishing without extra work. It’s also great for family meals since everyone can customize their bowl. I usually let it simmer quietly while I tidy up the kitchen, knowing dinner will be ready without much attention.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup checks so many boxes for real-life cooking. The flavors are cozy and familiar, built slowly so nothing feels rushed or sharp. It’s weeknight-friendly, using simple vegetables and pantry staples you probably already have. You can stretch it with extra pasta or beans, making it budget-friendly and filling for a crowd. Leftovers taste even better the next day, which makes it freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep. It adapts easily to what’s in your fridge, so nothing goes to waste. That flexibility is why minestrone soup is such a Pinterest favorite—comforting, practical, and easy to come back to when you need a reliable meal.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use firm vegetables that hold their shape during simmering.

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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Wash and chop all vegetables into small, even pieces. This helps everything cook evenly and keeps the soup balanced. Set ingredients close by so you can add them calmly as the pot builds flavor.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat olive oil in a large pot and add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and lightly glossy, releasing a sweet aroma. Stir in garlic and let it warm just until fragrant.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, then add beans, zucchini, green beans, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Stir gently as the soup turns rich in color and begins to look full and inviting.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Add pasta and let the soup simmer until the noodles are tender and the vegetables are soft but intact. Finish with fresh parsley and adjust seasoning before serving hot.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This recipe is easy to save for later because it doesn’t demand constant attention. Most of the time is gentle simmering, which fits well into busy routines. It reheats beautifully, making leftovers ideal for quick lunches or dinners. For Pinterest cooks who plan ahead, this soup feels reliable and low-pressure.

Tips & Tricks

Variations

Meaty Version
Add cooked chicken or turkey after the vegetables soften. Let it simmer with the broth so the flavors blend gently. This makes the soup more filling without overpowering the vegetables or changing the comforting feel.

Vegetarian Option
Keep it fully vegetarian by using vegetable broth and extra beans. Chickpeas or kidney beans add variety and texture while keeping the soup hearty and satisfying.

Ingredient Swap
Replace zucchini with potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier texture. They hold up well during simmering and make the soup feel even more comforting on colder nights.

Flavor or Herb Boost
Add a bay leaf during simmering or finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil. A small splash of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the overall flavor without changing its cozy nature.

Serving Suggestions

Storage Instructions

Recipe Timing

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Each serving contains roughly 250–350 calories, depending on portion size. Protein ranges from 10–14 g, mainly from beans. The soup also provides fiber and potassium from vegetables. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and serving sizes.

FAQs

Conclusion

This recipe is meant to feel easy, forgiving, and comforting every time you make it. You can adjust the vegetables, switch up the beans, or change the herbs based on what you have. It’s a soup that fits into real routines and gets better as leftovers, which makes it worth saving. Minestrone soup is one of those meals you’ll return to again and again, especially when you want something warm, familiar, and satisfying without extra effort.

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Minestrone Soup

Recipe by Edan SalamonCourse: Soups

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

This minestrone soup is a warm, comforting bowl filled with tender vegetables, beans, pasta, and a gentle tomato broth. It’s the kind of soup that feels nourishing without being heavy and works perfectly for busy weeknights, family dinners, or make-ahead meals. Simple ingredients come together slowly to create a cozy, satisfying soup that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons

• Onion, diced – 1 medium

• Carrots, sliced – 2

• Celery, sliced – 2 stalks

• Garlic, minced – 3 cloves

• Crushed tomatoes – 1 cup

• Vegetable broth – 6 cups

• White beans, drained – 1½ cups

• Zucchini, chopped – 1 cup

• Green beans, chopped – 1 cup

• Small pasta – ¾ cup

• Salt – 1 teaspoon

• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

• Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon

• Dried basil – 1 teaspoon

• Fresh parsley, chopped – ¼ cup

Directions

• Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until soft and lightly golden.
• Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
• Add crushed tomatoes, broth, beans, zucchini, green beans, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Simmer gently.
• Add pasta and cook until tender.
• Finish with fresh parsley and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

• Storage
  Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth if needed. For freezing, store without pasta and add fresh pasta when reheating.