Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup (Easy, Hearty & Healthy Vegetable Soup)

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This minestrone soup is a hearty, comforting, and nutritious dish loaded with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth. This easy homemade minestrone soup recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy bowl of comfort food.

Packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavor, this healthy vegetable soup is filling, satisfying, and incredibly versatile.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main items:

• 15 oz can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 15 oz can cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes with juices
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup carrots sliced
• 1 cup celery sliced
• 1 cup onion diced
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp vegetable base
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper
• 1 cup spinach optional

Add 30 minutes before serving:

• 1 cup zucchini diced
• 1 1/2 cups dried ditalini or other small pasta
• 1 cup cut green beans fresh, frozen or canned
• 1 cup spinach optional

Method

 

1. Add the first 15 ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
2. Add the next 3-4 ingredients about 30 minutes before you want to serve it.

Notes

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Minestrone Soup

• Hearty, filling, and nutritious
• Loaded with vegetables and beans
• Easy one-pot meal
• Great for meal prep and leftovers
• Customizable with seasonal ingredients

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

🔥 Tips for the Best Minestrone Soup

• Start with a soffritto (onion, carrot, celery) for deep flavor
• Add pasta toward the end to avoid overcooking
• Use seasonal vegetables for best taste
• Add a parmesan rind for extra richness
• Let it sit—flavor improves over time

🍽️ What to Serve With Minestrone

This easy minestrone soup pairs perfectly with:

• Crusty bread
• Garlic bread
• Side salad
• Grilled cheese

🌟 Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth and skip cheese
• Protein boost: Add chicken or sausage
• Low-carb: Skip pasta and add extra veggies
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or rice

🧊 Storage Tips

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days

Freezer:
Freeze for up to 3 months

👉 Minestrone often tastes even better the next day as flavors develop

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is minestrone soup?
Minestrone is a traditional Italian vegetable soup made with a variety of ingredients like beans, vegetables, and pasta or rice.

Is minestrone healthy?
Yes! It’s packed with fiber, vegetables, and nutrients.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely—this soup is perfect for meal prep.

Why is my soup too thick?
Pasta absorbs liquid—add more broth when reheating.

🍲 Why Minestrone Soup Is So Popular

Minestrone is loved because it’s:

• Flexible and customizable
• Budget-friendly
• Packed with nutrients
• Perfect for all seasons

👉 There’s no single “correct” recipe—minestrone varies based on ingredients and season

💬 Final Thoughts

This easy minestrone soup recipe is hearty, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a nutritious meal prep option, this soup is a timeless classic that never disappoints.

If you try it, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out!