Classic Minestrone Soup

Classic Minestrone Soup

A hearty, vegetable-packed Italian soup that's been a staple of home kitchens for generations. This minestrone is thick, deeply flavored, and endlessly adaptable — loaded with tender vegetables, creamy cannellini beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. It tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy families.

6 servings · Prep 20 min · Cook 45 min · Total 65 min

Soup

  • 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 stalks celery diced
  • 3 carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 zucchini diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 cup green beans trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces, fresh or frozen
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
  • 6 cup vegetable broth low-sodium preferred
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 piece parmesan rind
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini, elbow, or small shells — dry, uncooked
  • parmesan cheese freshly grated, for serving
  • olive oil good quality, for drizzling

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Dutch Oven
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Pot
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups
  • Knife
  • Ladle
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Cutting Board

Instructions

  1. Dice the @[Yellow Onion], @[Celery], and @[Carrots] into roughly equal 1/2-inch pieces. Mince the @[Garlic]. Dice the @[Zucchini] into 1/2-inch cubes. Trim and cut the @[Green Beans] into 1-inch pieces. Have everything ready before you start cooking — this soup comes together quickly once the heat is on.
  2. Heat the @[Olive Oil] in a large #[Dutch Oven] or heavy-bottomed #[Pot] over ^[medium heat]. Add the @[Yellow Onion], @[Celery], and @[Carrots] with a pinch of @[Kosher Salt]. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the @[Yellow Onion] is translucent, about ~[7–8 minutes]. Don't rush this step — a good soffritto is the flavor foundation of the soup.
  3. Add the @[Garlic], @[Tomato Paste], @[Oregano], @[Thyme], dried @[Basil], and @[Red Pepper Flakes] (if using). Stir and cook for ~[2 minutes] until the @[Tomato Paste] darkens slightly and the @[Garlic] is fragrant.
  4. Pour in the diced @[Tomatoes] (with all their juices), @[Vegetable Broth], and @[Water]. Stir to combine, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the #[Pot]. Add the @[Parmesan Rind] if using — it will melt into the broth and add a wonderful savory depth.
  5. Add the @[Green Beans] and drained @[Cannellini Beans]. Season with @[Kosher Salt] and @[Black Pepper]. Bring the soup to a boil over ^[medium-high heat], then reduce the heat to ^[medium-low], cover partially, and simmer for ~[20 minutes], until the @[Carrots] and @[Green Beans] are just tender.
  6. Add the @[Zucchini] and dry @[Pasta] directly to the #[Pot]. Stir well. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for ~[10–12 minutes], stirring occasionally, until the @[Pasta] is just cooked through (al dente) and the @[Zucchini] is tender. If the soup becomes too thick, add a splash of @[Water] or @[Vegetable Broth] to loosen it.
  7. Stir in the spinach or kale and cook for ~[1–2 minutes] until wilted. Remove and discard the @[Parmesan Rind] if used. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with @[Kosher Salt] and @[Black Pepper] as needed.
  8. Ladle the soup into bowls. Finish each bowl with a drizzle of good @[Olive Oil], a generous handful of freshly grated @[Parmesan Cheese], and a few torn fresh @[Basil] or parsley leaves. Serve with crusty bread on the side.