Minestrone Soup Recipe

This minestrone soup recipe is a warm, filling Italian staple made with a variety of vegetables, beans, pasta, and a flavorful tomato-based broth. Inspired by traditional Italian minestrone soup recipes, this homemade version is nourishing, adaptable, and perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals. Whether you are aiming for a healthy minestrone soup recipe, a vegan minestrone soup recipe, or a comforting bowl that rivals restaurant-style versions, this soup delivers balanced flavor and hearty texture in every serving.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
¼ cup tomato paste
2 cups chopped seasonal vegetables (potatoes, zucchini, squash, green beans, or peas)
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 large can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
2 bay leaves
Pinch of red pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup small pasta (elbow, shells, or orecchiette)
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups spinach, kale, or collard greens, chopped
2 teaspoons lemon juice
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional for serving

Directions

• Warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, then add the onion, carrots, celery, tomato paste, and a small pinch of salt, cooking while stirring until the vegetables soften and release their aroma.
• Add the seasonal vegetables, garlic, oregano, and thyme, stirring briefly until fragrant.
• Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, vegetable broth, and water, then add bay leaves, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and the remaining salt, bringing the soup to a gentle boil before reducing to a simmer.
• Simmer partially covered for about 15 minutes, then add the pasta, beans, and greens, continuing to cook uncovered until the pasta is just tender and the greens are wilted.
• Remove the pot from heat, discard the bay leaves, and stir in the lemon juice along with the remaining olive oil, tasting and adjusting seasoning if needed.
• Ladle into bowls and serve hot, topping with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips and Variations

For a beef minestrone soup recipe or a minestrone soup recipe with sausage, brown the meat in the pot before adding the vegetables.
For a crock pot minestrone soup recipe, cook everything except the pasta on low for 6–8 hours, adding the pasta during the final 30 minutes.
This soup stores and freezes well and often develops even deeper flavor after resting overnight, making it excellent for meal prep.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls