Think All Minestrone Soups Are Time-Consuming? Think Again.

What if you could create a deeply flavorful, vegetable-packed classic in under 45 minutes? This Easy Minestrone Soup recipe shatters the myth that hearty, traditional soups require hours of simmering. By using a few simple shortcuts and fresh, vibrant ingredients, you can have a nourishing pot on the table faster than you can say “delizioso.”

This version of Easy Minestrone Soup is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, loaded with beans, pasta, and garden vegetables. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that proves simplicity and speed don’t have to sacrifice an ounce of flavor.

Ingredients

This Easy Minestrone Soup comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients that create a rich, aromatic broth filled with tender vegetables, beans, and pasta.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup small pasta (elbows, shells, or ditalini)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Timing

Context: This Easy Minestrone Soup recipe is approximately 20% faster than similar traditional versions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add one diced onion, two minced garlic cloves, and two chopped celery stalks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2 — Add Vegetables and Herbs

Stir in two diced carrots and one diced zucchini. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add one tablespoon of tomato paste, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and half a teaspoon of dried thyme. Cook for one minute until the tomato paste darkens slightly and the herbs become aromatic.

Step 3 — Pour in Liquids and Tomatoes

Add one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes and 6 cups of vegetable broth to the pot. For a richer flavor, you can substitute one cup of broth with water and a Parmesan rind if available. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4 — Add Beans and Pasta

Stir in one 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed kidney beans and half a cup of small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5 — Incorporate Greens

Add two cups of chopped fresh spinach or kale to the pot. Stir until the greens are wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This adds color, nutrients, and freshness to your Easy Minestrone Soup.

Step 6 — Season and Adjust

Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. For extra depth, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the soup sit for 5 minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 7 — Serve and Garnish

Ladle the hot Easy Minestrone Soup into bowls. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Nutritional Information

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives for Your Easy Minestrone Soup

• Lean Ground Turkey — Swap beef for a lighter protein with a milder, savory flavor.
• Chickpeas or Lentils — Use plant-based proteins for a fiber-rich, vegetarian version.
• Zucchini Noodles — Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb, gluten-free option.
• Nutritional Yeast — Sprinkle instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free, cheesy umami taste.
• Low-Sodium Broth — Control salt levels while keeping the soup base flavorful and hearty.
• Quinoa — Add instead of pasta for extra protein and a nutty, gluten-free twist.
• Kale or Spinach — Substitute for cabbage to boost vitamins and add a tender, earthy note.
• Cauliflower Rice — Mix in for a low-carb thickener that blends seamlessly with the broth.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Easy Minestrone Soup with a thick slice of crusty, warm bread for dipping and soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Serve alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to create a complete and satisfying meal.
• Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend lunch with family and friends.
• Ladle into deep bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation.
• This hearty Easy Minestrone Soup is an ideal starter for a larger Italian-inspired feast.
• Pack it in a thermos for a warm and comforting lunch on a cool day.

This versatile soup is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from a quick family meal to entertaining guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the vegetables into mush. Fix: Add delicate veggies like zucchini and spinach in the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Mistake: Using a weak, under-seasoned broth as the base. Fix: Use a high-quality vegetable or chicken stock and season generously with salt and herbs.
• Mistake: Adding pasta directly to the soup, causing it to become bloated. Fix: Cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl just before serving.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of sautéing the aromatics like onions and garlic. Fix: Sauté them first to build a deep, foundational flavor for your Easy Minestrone Soup.
• Mistake: Not including a Parmesan rind for umami depth. Fix: Simmer a rind in the broth and remove it before serving for a richer taste.
• Mistake: Using canned beans without rinsing them. Fix: Always rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and the starchy liquid.
• Mistake: Forgetting to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Fix: A pinch of sugar or a drizzle of good olive oil at the end can mellow the tomato tang.
• Mistake: Serving the soup immediately without letting the flavors meld. Fix: Let your Easy Minestrone Soup rest for 15-20 minutes off the heat for the best taste.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Easy Minestrone Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until it reaches 165°F.

For best quality, cool the soup quickly before storing and avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

This Easy Minestrone Soup is a hearty, healthy, and incredibly simple meal perfect for any night of the week. We hope you love this classic recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and be sure to leave a comment with your review. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious and easy recipes!

Easy Minestrone Soup

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A simple and hearty Italian vegetable soup filled with pasta, beans, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, perfect for a comforting meal.

• Author: Sophie Lane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Soup
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 (15-ounce) can white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup small pasta (elbows, shells, or ditalini)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, green beans, white beans, vegetable broth, bay leaves, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Add pasta and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Remove bay leaves. Season soup with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine when sautéing the vegetables. Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter taste. This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

FAQs

Can I make this Easy Minestrone Soup ahead of time?

Yes, this Easy Minestrone Soup tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.