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Easy Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe

ByMadison
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 20 reviews

If you’re craving something nourishing, filling, and packed with wholesome veggies, let me introduce you to my Easy Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe. This soup is like a warm hug in a bowl — bursting with colors, textures, and flavors that just feel like home. Whether you’re new to making soup or looking for a reliable recipe that never fails, this one has become a staple in my kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll probably want to make this hearty minestrone again and again on chilly nights or whenever your soul needs a little comfort.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Simplicity meets depth: It uses everyday ingredients that effortlessly combine for rich, layered flavors.
  • Balanced texture: Tender veggies, creamy beans, and perfectly cooked pasta create a satisfying mouthfeel.
  • Flexible and forgiving: You can easily swap ingredients or make it vegetarian without losing comfort or heartiness.
  • One-pot magic: Minimal cleanup and straightforward steps make it ideal for busy weeknights or casual meal prep.
Hearty Minestrone Soup, easy minestrone soup, wholesome vegetable soup, quick nutritious soup, comforting vegetable stew - A close-up view of a dark bowl filled with a thick soup that has many white beans, slices of orange carrots, and small pieces of green beans mixed in a rich, reddish-brown broth. The soup looks chunky with visible bits of vegetables and herbs throughout, giving it a hearty and comforting appearance. A shiny silver ladle with a long handle rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the soup, with the handle leaning on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Easy Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe shines because of its vibrant combo of fresh and pantry staples — each ingredient supports the others, creating a soup that’s warm and filling but never heavy or bland. Plus, I’ll share some tips to help you pick the freshest produce and pantry items for your best results.

Hearty Minestrone Soup, easy minestrone soup, wholesome vegetable soup, quick nutritious soup, comforting vegetable stew - Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a white ceramic bowl, a small pat of pale yellow butter on a white plate, one medium yellow onion quartered, two bright green celery sticks trimmed, three peeled and sliced vibrant orange carrots arranged neatly, three cloves of fresh white garlic, a small white bowl filled with deep red crushed tomatoes, another white bowl with clear golden chicken broth, one small green zucchini diced, a handful of fresh green beans cut, a small white bowl holding dark red kidney beans, a separate white bowl with creamy white cannellini beans, a scattering of dried Italian herb leaves, three quarters cup of uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, a few coarse grains of sea salt and cracked black peppercorns in a small white bowl, sprigs of fresh bright green basil, and a small heap of finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese all positioned with perfect symmetry and natural proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Olive oil: Adds healthy fat and a subtle fruity base to sauté the veggies.
  • Butter: Used alongside oil for a silky richness that gives the soup depth.
  • Onion: The aromatic backbone that softens and sweetens as it cooks.
  • Celery: Adds a gentle crunch and earthy flavor essential for classic minestrone.
  • Carrots: Their natural sweetness contrasts perfectly with the savory broth.
  • Garlic: Brings that unmistakable warmth and zest to brighten the whole dish.
  • Crushed tomatoes: Provide a tangy, rich base that ties all the ingredients together with vibrant color.
  • Chicken or vegetable broth: Go for low-sodium if you want full control over seasoning.
  • Zucchini: Adds freshness and tender texture without overpowering the soup.
  • Green beans: I love biting into their slight snap amidst the softer veggies.
  • Red kidney beans: Heartiness and creaminess all in one can.
  • White kidney (cannellini) beans: They keep the soup creamy and add subtle nuttiness.
  • Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly transports you to an Italian kitchen.
  • Elbow macaroni: Small and sturdy, these pasta shapes hold up well in the soup without getting mushy too quickly.
  • Salt & pepper: Essential for balancing and lifting all the flavors.
  • Fresh basil (optional): My favorite finishing touch — it infuses the soup with bright herbal notes.
  • Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds savory umami that makes every spoonful sing.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I like to keep this Easy Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe flexible — it gives you room to personalize based on what you love or what’s in your pantry. For me, that’s part of the charm: making it truly your own while keeping that hearty spirit intact.

  • Make it vegetarian or vegan: Simply swap chicken broth with vegetable broth; omit butter or use vegan butter and you’re good to go. I’ve done this often for family dinners, and it never loses its soul.
  • Bulk it up: Toss in some chopped potatoes or a handful of kale for extra greens and texture; it adds even more warmth on cold days.
  • Spice it up: If I’m craving a little kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes or dollop some spicy pesto on top when serving. It adds such a nice earthy heat.
  • Swap pasta shapes: Elbow macaroni works best to avoid mushiness, but ditalini or small shells work well too. Just keep an eye on cooking time.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics for Flavor

First things first — heat a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a big soup pot over medium heat. Once melted and shimmering, add your chopped onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Stir frequently and let everything soften and sweeten for 7-10 minutes. This step builds the base of flavors, so don’t rush it! You should smell those veggies singing by the end.

Step 2: Add the Tomatoes and Broth

Once your veggies are tender, pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and the chicken or vegetable broth. Toss in the zucchini, green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over. Turn the heat up a notch to bring everything to a lively boil.

Step 3: Let It Simmer

After it boils, reduce the heat so the soup’s just gently simmering and loosely cover the pot. Let it cook for about 10 minutes — this helps soften the fresh veggies and meld the flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Stir in the Pasta and Finish Cooking

Now comes the best part — stirring in the elbow macaroni. Keep your heat on a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for 15-20 more minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. You want the macaroni tender but still holding its shape, and all the veggies cooked just right.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Before you ladle the soup into bowls, season to taste with salt and pepper — I like to be generous here. If you’re using fresh basil, stir it in right at the end to preserve its bright, fresh flavor. Don’t forget a good sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese on top. If your soup feels too thick (especially leftovers), add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe

  • Chop veggies small: I chop my carrots, celery, and zucchini pretty small so they cook evenly and quickly — plus it makes the soup easier to eat.
  • Watch your pasta: Adding pasta too early can make it mushy or soak up too much broth — I add it near the end so it’s just right.
  • Use quality broth: Because broth is a big part of the flavor, I always opt for a good quality one or make my own when I can.
  • Reheat smart: For leftovers, add extra broth or cook pasta separately and add when reheating to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve Easy Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe

Hearty Minestrone Soup, easy minestrone soup, wholesome vegetable soup, quick nutritious soup, comforting vegetable stew - A close-up view of a ladle full of thick vegetable soup inside a black pot, the soup has multiple layers of ingredients including orange carrot slices, white beans, small curved pasta, and bits of green beans all mixed in a rich red-orange tomato broth with specks of green herbs scattered on top, the texture looks chunky and hearty with visible soft vegetable pieces and pasta holding the soup together photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top my bowls with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley if I have it handy. Sometimes I add a little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top for a silky finish. These simple touches transform the soup into something a bit special and fresh.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or a warm garlic baguette — perfect for mopping up every last drop. On days when I’m feeling indulgent, a side salad with a light vinaigrette is a welcome crisp contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I like to serve this minestrone in mini pumpkin bowls or rustic bread bowls — it feels festive and cozy. You can even sprinkle a little Parmesan crisp or toasted pine nuts on top for added texture and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Because the pasta absorbs broth over time, I recommend storing the soup without pasta if you plan to keep it longer – you can cook fresh pasta when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing this minestrone works great, but again, I leave out the pasta before freezing. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw the soup and heat it gently, then stir in freshly cooked pasta right before serving — tastes almost like new!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat to keep veggies from turning mushy. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much and stir occasionally. If you stored pasta separately, cook it while reheating and add it in at the end.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Easy Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Just swap the chicken broth for a good quality vegetable broth and omit the butter or replace it with a plant-based butter if you like. This soup is very forgiving and still tastes rich and satisfying.

  2. What type of pasta works best for this soup?

    I recommend small shapes like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or small shells because they hold up well without getting mushy. Adding pasta near the end of cooking helps maintain the perfect texture.

  3. Can I freeze this minestrone soup?

    Yes! It freezes beautifully if you leave out the pasta. Reheat the soup and add freshly cooked pasta just before serving for the best texture.

  4. How can I make this soup spicier?

    Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking or serve with a spoonful of spicy pesto or chili oil on the side. It adds a delightful kick without overpowering the balanced flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it feels like cooking and sharing a little bit of warmth and care every time I make it. It’s perfect for those cozy nights when you want something comforting, healthy, and satisfying but without fuss. So grab your pot, gather your veggies, and give it a go — I promise you’ll enjoy every spoonful as much as I do!

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Easy Hearty Minestrone Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 20 reviews
  • Author: Madison
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A hearty and comforting Minestrone Soup packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and elbow macaroni simmered in a flavorful tomato broth, perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 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 small zucchini chopped
  • 1 cup chopped fresh green beans

Liquids & Canned Goods

  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth or veggie broth
  • 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans drained
  • 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans drained

Seasonings & Others

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: Add the olive oil, butter, chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic to a large soup pot. Sauté over medium heat for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
  2. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, chopped zucchini, chopped green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney (cannellini) beans, and Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
  3. Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low so the soup is simmering. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  4. Add Pasta and Continue Cooking: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Continue simmering the soup uncovered for another 15-20 minutes or until the pasta and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  5. Season and Serve: Before serving, taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Stir in fresh basil if using. Serve each bowl topped with freshly grated or shaved parmesan cheese. If the soup is too thick, add an extra splash of broth to thin it out, especially for leftovers.

Notes

  • The pasta absorbs the broth over time, so add more broth when reheating leftovers to maintain desired consistency.
  • For freezing or large batches, consider cooking pasta separately and adding it when reheating to prevent mushiness.
  • Chop vegetables finely to ensure they cook thoroughly within the suggested time.
  • This recipe can be adapted for Instant Pot cooking; check the referenced Instant Pot version for directions.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg

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