This Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta and Vegetables Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Packed with vibrant vegetables, tender pasta, and rich beans all simmered in a flavorful tomato broth, it brings together wholesome ingredients that create an irresistible medley of textures and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal to savor throughout the week, this recipe delivers a satisfying, colorful, and deeply comforting experience that will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta and Vegetables Recipe are beautifully simple but incredibly important for building the depth of flavor, hearty texture, and fresh color. Each vegetable, bean, and herb plays a crucial role in making this soup truly special.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich, fruity base for sautéing vegetables with a hint of Mediterranean flair.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Brings creaminess and depth to the sautéed aromatics.
- Medium onion, chopped (1): Offers a sweet, savory foundation that mellows perfectly as it cooks.
- Celery, chopped (2 sticks): Provides subtle crunch and a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Carrots, peeled and sliced (3 medium): Give natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses the soup with irresistible aromatic warmth.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): Create the rich and tangy base that holds all the flavors together.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (4 cups): Builds a savory, comforting liquid foundation.
- Small zucchini, chopped (1): Adds tender green freshness and subtle earthiness.
- Fresh green beans, chopped (1 cup): Bring crisp bite and bright color to the mix.
- Red kidney beans, drained (14 ounces): Offer hearty, creamy texture and protein-packed goodness.
- White kidney (cannellini) beans, drained (14 ounces): Contribute velvety softness and mild flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a fragrant blend of herbs that tie all components together beautifully.
- Uncooked elbow macaroni (3/4 cup): Adds comforting chewy pasta bites that soak up the delicious broth.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance every flavor.
- Fresh basil (optional): Offers a fresh, peppery finish that brightens the soup at the end.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a savory, nutty topping that melts wonderfully into each spoonful.
How to Make Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté these together for about 7 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened, fragrant, and beginning to caramelize slightly. This step is absolute magic because it builds the flavor foundation that makes the entire soup sing.
Step 2: Combine the Tomatoes, Broth, Vegetables, and Beans
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, chopped zucchini, fresh green beans, and both types of drained kidney beans. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning to infuse the pot with those classic herb notes. Increase the heat to high until the soup comes to a lively boil, awakening all those vibrant ingredients.
Step 3: Simmer to Develop Depth
Once boiling, reduce the heat to let your soup simmer gently. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape and cook for 10 minutes. This slowly melds all the flavors into a rich harmony, softening vegetables just right while preserving their texture.
Step 4: Add the Pasta and Finish Cooking
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni, then continue to simmer the soup uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes. Watch as the pasta plumps up, soaking in that luscious broth, while the vegetables become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from clumping at the bottom—this hands-on step makes all the difference!
Step 5: Season and Serve
Finally, give your soup a generous seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using fresh basil, stir it in now to infuse brightness and freshness. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that perfect cheesy finish. If the soup feels too thick, especially the next day, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up until it’s just right.
How to Serve Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese is truly the crowning jewel for this soup. You can also add torn fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to elevate the flavors and add that inviting aroma that makes everyone’s mouth water as you serve.
Side Dishes
This Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta and Vegetables Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. These sides complement the soup’s heartiness without overwhelming its delicate balance of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family meal, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a small ramekin of Parmesan on the side so guests can add as much as they like. You can also offer fresh basil leaves and chili flakes for those who prefer a little extra kick. Don’t forget a colorful napkin or placemat to mirror the soup’s inviting, vibrant palette!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores exceptionally well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making leftovers even more delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze individual portions of this Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta and Vegetables Recipe for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that pasta can sometimes become softer upon freezing and thawing, so if you plan to freeze, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and add a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. If you froze the pasta separately, add it in once the soup is hot to preserve its texture.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and skip the butter or replace it with olive oil. For a vegan version, top with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for that cheesy flavor without dairy.
What pasta works best in minestrone soup?
Small shapes like elbow macaroni, ditalini, or small shells are perfect because they cook quickly and are easy to eat in a spoonful of soup without overpowering the other ingredients.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
Yes, you can use dried basil if fresh is not available. Add it earlier in the cooking process so it has time to release its flavor. Fresh basil, however, adds that final fresh note when stirred in at the end.
How thick or brothy is this soup supposed to be?
This Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta and Vegetables Recipe is traditionally thick and chunky, but you can adjust the consistency by adding more broth or water, especially if reheating leftovers that may have absorbed liquid.
Can I add other vegetables to this minestrone?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, kale, peas, or bell peppers depending on what you have on hand and what flavors you love. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so everything stays tender yet vibrant.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to cozy up with a bowl of pure comfort and nourishment, you really must try this Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta and Vegetables Recipe. It’s warm, wholesome, and packed with fresh ingredients that make it a true delight every time you serve it. Trust me, once you taste this soup, it will become your go-to for satisfying, homey meals that bring people together.
Print
Hearty Minestrone Soup with Pasta and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Minestrone Soup recipe is a hearty and comforting Italian-style vegetable soup packed with fresh vegetables, beans, and pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup combines the richness of sautéed aromatics with tender veggies and beans, finished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Ingredients
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 small zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup chopped fresh green beans
- 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 (14 ounce) can white kidney (cannellini) beans, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
- Fresh basil, optional, to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the olive oil, butter, chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic to a large soup pot. Sauté the mixture over medium heat for 7-10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or vegetable broth, chopped zucchini, green beans, red kidney beans, white kidney beans, and Italian seasoning. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
- Simmer Vegetables: Once boiling, reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with the lid slightly ajar and cook the soup for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
- Cook Pasta and Finish Soup: Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Continue simmering the soup uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta and vegetables are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Season and Serve: Before serving, season the soup generously with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in fresh basil if using, and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with freshly grated or shaved Parmesan cheese. If the soup is too thick, especially when reheated leftovers, add a splash of broth to reach the desired consistency.
Notes
- Use either chicken broth or vegetable broth to keep the soup vegetarian or add meat flavor.
- Adjust the pasta quantity or type as you prefer, small shapes like ditalini or mini shells also work well.
- If you want to make it vegan, omit butter and parmesan cheese or use vegan substitutes.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a lovely herbal note at the end of cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add extra broth when reheating if it thickens too much.
